Tubular

I am a big fan of the 1980's and my birthday is coming up in just a little over a week; I wanted to throw a big '80s night blowout (even though I realize how cliche that might be) with lots of great music, tacky clothes, theme games (like the game Celebrity? Try it using only stars/bands of the '80s), and neon colors. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that's going to be possible, so I'll settle for listening to the music that made the decade I was born so obnoxiously wonderful. Here is a list of my ten favorite songs from the '80s (all on my new playlist for your listening pleasure).

*"Under Pressure" by Queen featuring David Bowie (1981). A song so good that it was later ripped off by the incomparable Vanilla Ice. It has a nice message, a good beat, and a great crescendo. Why can't we give love one more chance?

*"Time after Time" by Cyndi Lauper (1984). I had the chance to see her live this summer on the True Colors tour, but didn't take it. I think I'll regret that for a while. This has been one of my favorite songs for maybe my whole life. It's a true '80s masterpiece.

*"Mad World" by Tears for Fears (1982). It was hard to choose among their big songs because I really like all of them--"Shout," "Head Over Heels," and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." I just love the chorus. The Gary Jules cover of this song from the Donnie Darko soundtrack is also really good.

*"Call Me" by Blondie (released in 1980, so I'm counting it even though it was recorded in 1979). If I did karaoke, I'd want to do this song.

*"Let's Dance" by David Bowie (1983). Makes me want to dance even though I have no rhythm.

*"Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)" by the Pet Shop Boys (1985). Also the theme song for "Beauty and the Geek," but that's not why I like it. In fact, if I watched that show regularly, it would probably make me hate this song.

*"Just Like Heaven" by the Cure (1987). A sweet song from a band with a whiney reputation.

*"With or Without You" by U2 (1987). I've never been the biggest U2 fan--I've always felt they were a little overrated--but there's just no denying how great this song is. And how timeless--it could be released today and still be a hit (or at least in the mid- to late-'90s).

*"Dirty Diana" by Michael Jackson (1988). I had never even heard of this song until my freshman year of college, which is amazing since it apparently went to #1 and it has my name in it. That's really why I like it so much. Just don't believe everything he's saying about me in this song.

*"Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler (1984). Over the top, super catchy, great song to drive to.