Every year, songs shoot to the top of the charts, either for just one week, or for multiple weeks in a row. In a series of posts, we’re going to rank Billboard’s “The Hot 100” number one singles for each year of the 1980s and 1990s. Today, we’re looking at the year 1988.
Note: “Faith” by George Michael started the year at number one, but it had previously also reached number one in 1987, and as is our rule, we will not include it here, since it was already included in our list for 1987.
As always, these lists are subjective, we’re not claiming to be the definitive ranking here. We’re not that important, but you are, so we hope seeing the below songs conjures up a friendly memory or two.
But first, to get you in the mood for the year 1988…
- In November, the Morris Worm was one of the first computer viruses distributed over the internet. It was created by Robert Morris, a graduate student who wanted to see if it could be done.
- Using radiocarbon dating, in 1988 the Shroud of Turin was dated as being from the Middle Ages, sometime approximately between 1260 and 1390, which refutes previous reports that it was the burial shroud Jesus was wrapped in after crucifixion.
- Harvard Medical School partnered with film and TV studios to insert the concept of the “Designated Driver” into popular culture. Clearly it worked, as we all know the term these days.
- Peace doves used to be released at the opening of the Olympic games, but that stopped after 1988 when some of the doves released at the Seoul games flew up into the cauldron housing the Olympic flame and were incinerated!
- On December 21, Pan Am Flight 103 blew up over Lockerbie, Scotland after a bomb was detonated, killing all on board, as well as some people on the ground. After investigations, it was revealed that Libyans were responsible.
- In November, the Morris Worm was one of the first computer viruses distributed over the internet. It was created by Robert Morris, a graduate student who wanted to see if it could be done.
- Using radiocarbon dating, in 1988 the Shroud of Turin was dated as being from the Middle Ages, sometime approximately between 1260 and 1390, which refutes previous reports that it was the burial shroud Jesus was wrapped in after crucifixion.
- Harvard Medical School partnered with film and TV studios to insert the concept of the “Designated Driver” into popular culture. Clearly it worked, as we all know the term these days.
- Peace doves used to be released at the opening of the Olympic games, but that stopped after 1988 when some of the doves released at the Seoul games flew up into the cauldron housing the Olympic flame and were incinerated!
- On December 21, Pan Am Flight 103 blew up over Lockerbie, Scotland after a bomb was detonated, killing all on board, as well as some people on the ground. After investigations, it was revealed that Libyans were responsible.
28. George Michael - Monkey
Michael’s official music video for this song was choreographed by Paula Abdul — he dances in a simple white t-shirt and black hat against a white background.
27. Will to Power - Baby, I Love Your Way / Freebird Medley
This song combines elements of two songs, as you might have guessed — “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and “Baby, I Love Your Way” by Peter Frampton.
25. Phil Collins - A Groovy Kind of Love
This single is a cover of the 1965 version by Diane & Annita, and was part of the soundtrack for the film Buster, which Phil Collins starred in.
23. Bobby McFerrin - Don’t Worry, Be Happy
This song was the first a cappella song to reach number one, and was also on the soundtrack for the film Cocktail.
19. Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up
This song was a big hit in the ’80s, but around 2008 experienced a resurgence when it became the subject of the “Rickroll” meme where people would think they were clicking on one link but then were actually sent to his music video instead.
18. Richard Marx - Hold on to the Nights
This song prevented Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” from reaching number one — it was the fourth and final single from Marx’s debut album.
17. George Michael - One More Try
Michael stated that the song was written, recorded, and finished in 8 hours! The music video was directed by filmmaker Tony Scott, who you might know from a little movie called Top Gun.
13. UB40 - Red Red Wine
This song is actually a cover of the 1967 version by Neil Diamond, though UB40’s version is much lighter, with a reggae-style flavor, and Diamond has since performed that version at some of his concerts.
11. Billy Ocean - Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car
Part of this song’s popularity is due to its music video‘s innovative use of animation mixed with live action. The song was also featured in the film License to Drive.
9. Cheap Trick - The Flame
This song was originally written for British singer Elkie Brooks, but she turned it down — after the demo was shopped around for a bit, it found its way to Epic Records and Cheap Trick.
8. Michael Jackson - Man in the Mirror
The music video for this song is notable in that Jackson barely appears in it. Rather, it’s a montage of footage from various news clips and famous people.
7. Bon Jovi - Bad Medicine
Guitarist Richie Sambora has said that the lyrics for this song were inspired by a tumultuous relationship he had at the time that also inspired their other song “I’ll Be There For You.”
6. Whitney Houston - So Emotional
This song was written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, who also penned Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” Heart’s “Alone,” and The Bangles’ “Eternal Flame.” Quite a pedigree!
5. George Harrison - Got My Mind Set On You
This song is actually a cover of the 1962 version by James Ray, which Harrison first heard while visiting the US to go on The Ed Sullivan Show with The Beatles.
2. The Beach Boys - Kokomo
This song was recorded for the soundtrack to Cocktail, and the music video was shot at the brand new Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World — the hotel had not yet opened when the video was shot.
What was your favorite single from 1988? Do you agree with your ranking? Let us know in the comments!
