Issue 18: Top 5 Hits of 1989
1989 gave us so many classics!
The year marked a turning point in music history, and the top hits were characterized by infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, and energetic arrangements that made people want to hit the dance floor. Here's why these hits still make people want to get up and move:
Upbeat Tempo: Many of the top hits of 1989 had a lively and upbeat tempo that naturally encouraged movement. Songs like "Miss You Much" by Janet Jackson and "Another Day in Paradise" by Phil Collins had a pulsating rhythm that matched the tempo of dancing, making it almost irresistible to groove along.
Danceable Grooves: These hits featured danceable grooves that were driven by strong basslines, funky guitar riffs, and vibrant percussion. The rhythm sections in songs like "Like a Prayer" by Madonna and "I'll Be There for You" by Bon Jovi provided a solid foundation for dancing, while the interplay of instruments created an engaging sonic texture.
Infectious Hooks: Memorable hooks and choruses are key components of danceable songs. Tracks like "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison had sing-along choruses that made it easy for people to join in and dance while singing along.
Electronic and Synth Elements: The late 1980s saw the integration of electronic and synthesizer elements into pop and rock music. Songs like "Like a Prayer" and "Miss You Much" incorporated electronic beats and synth hooks that had a hypnotic quality, drawing people onto the dance floor.
Crossover Appeal: Many hits of 1989 featured a crossover of genres, blending pop, rock, R&B, and even hip-hop elements. This crossover appeal meant that these songs appealed to a wide range of listeners, increasing the likelihood of people from different musical backgrounds coming together to dance.
Memorable Melodies: Catchy and memorable melodies are a hallmark of danceable songs. Tracks like "I'll Be There for You" and "Another Day in Paradise" had singable, memorable melodies that made it easy for people to move to the music.
Emotional Connection: Some hits, like "Like a Prayer" and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," had emotionally charged lyrics that resonated with listeners, creating a deeper connection between the music and their emotions. Dancing can often be an expression of emotion, and songs that tap into those feelings can be particularly powerful on the dance floor.
Music Videos: The music videos that accompanied these hits often featured choreography and visually captivating scenes that showcased dance. These videos not only provided a visual representation of the dance potential but also inspired viewers to emulate the dance moves.
Overall, the combination of lively tempos, infectious hooks, electronic elements, and emotional resonance in the lyrics of the top hits of 1989 created a perfect storm for getting people on their feet and dancing. These songs not only provided a musical backdrop for fun and expression but also captured the essence of the era's dance culture. They had and continue to have a lasting impact on music history. Here are the top five dance songs that set dancefloors ablaze in 1989, and still get people moving in 2023.
Madonna - Like A Prayer
Continuing her reign over the pop charts, Madonna unleashed "Like a Prayer" in 1989. This dance-pop anthem expertly blended gospel, soul, and rock influences to create a sound that was both powerful and provocative. With its magnetic beat and Madonna's commanding vocals, "Like a Prayer" became an instant classic, etching its place in music history as an unforgettable dancefloor filler.
