The year 1980 was a transformative period in pop music, as genres vied for attention on the charts, creating a vibrant and competitive landscape. While collections like the 1980 Yearbook and 80-84 Final Chapter have already highlighted over 150 of the year’s most prominent tracks, there’s much more to the story. Many exceptional singles from this era have been overlooked in compilations, and The Vault: 1980 aims to spotlight these hidden gems. This curated selection features 80 tracks that capture the diversity of 1980’s music. Some were chart hits, while others gained recognition in specific regions or through influential albums. Together, they form a compelling narrative of the year’s eclectic sounds. CD1 sets the tone with U.S. chart-toppers by iconic artists like Bruce Springsteen (Hungry Heart), Billy Joel (You May Be Right), and Blondie’s The Hardest Part, a track released stateside but not in the U.K. The energy of new-wave is showcased through The Ramones and The Revillos, leading into early releases from Echo & The Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes. As synth-pop began to define the decade, acts like Ultravox, The Human League, and Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark emerged as key players. Other highlights include Sparks, The B-52’s, Robert Palmer, and The Buggles, while quirky tracks like The Bucket Of Water Song from Tiswas regulars add a nostalgic touch. CD2 kicks off with Dexys Midnight Runners’ Dance Stance, the precursor to their chart-topping hit Geno. Guitar-driven tracks by Secret Affair and Squeeze give way to post-punk classics from The Stranglers, The Ruts, and The Clash. Reggae and ska are represented by Junior Murvin and The Bodysnatchers, while Kurtis Blow’s The Breaks introduces the burgeoning hip-hop movement. Genre-blending songs follow, including jazz-infused soul from The Manhattan Transfer, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Wilton Felder’s collaboration with Bobby Womack on Inherit The Wind. Smooth jazz-pop from Shakatak and Level 42 leads into soulful ballads from Kool & The Gang, Brenda Russell, and The Manhattans, closing with the U.S. hit Shining Star. CD3 delivers an electrifying lineup of dancefloor hits, starting with Donna Summer’s Sunset People, Amii Stewart’s rendition of The Letter, and Shalamar’s Right In The Socket. Powerful vocal performances by Gladys Knight, Joan Armatrading, and Phil Lynott’s solo debut Dear Miss Lonely Hearts set the stage for an energetic run of rock tracks from Judas Priest, Saxon, Girlschool, and Iron Maiden’s debut single. New-wave favorites from The Tourists, XTC, Skids, and Hazel O’Connor follow, with the disc concluding on a softer note with Gerry Rafferty’s The Royal Mile and Elton John’s heartfelt ballad Sartorial Eloquence. CD4 shifts focus to singles that made an impact on the U.S. charts. It opens with timeless performances by Paul Simon (Late In The Evening), Linda Ronstadt (Hurt So Bad), and Carly Simon (Jesse). Pop-rock anthems from Kim Carnes, Pat Benatar, and Journey are complemented by soulful hits from Jermaine Jackson and Aretha Franklin’s version of What A Fool Believes. The disc transitions to smooth rock classics by Daryl Hall & John Oates, Christopher Cross, Boz Scaggs, and Kenny Loggins, culminating with Eddie Rabbitt’s Top 5 U.S. hit and Joe Walsh’s contribution to the Urban Cowboy soundtrack. The final track, ZZ Top’s Cheap Sunglasses, hints at the band’s U.S. success before their later U.K. breakout. Now Yearbook The Vault 1980 is a fitting tribute to one of music’s most dynamic years, celebrating both the hits and the overlooked gems that defined the era.
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The Bodysnatchers - Let's Do Rock Steady
Gladys Knight and The Pips - Bourgie', Bourgie'
The Manhattan Transfer - Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone
Manhattan Transfer - Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Red Frame/White Light
Ramones - Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?
Squeeze - Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)
Tiswas presents The Four Bucketeers - The Bucket of Water Song
Tiswas presents The Four Bucketeers - Bucket of Water Song
Tom Browne - Thighs High (Grip Your Hips and Move)
Wilton Felder/Bobby Womack - Inherit the Wind