The six hundred eleventh song: Two Tribes - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Theme aside, the high energy of this song combines with the chaos of its explosions makes for an exciting run with a straightforward enough message, but a sound that makes you sit up and pay attention
The six hundred twelfth song: Runaway - Bon Jovi
Runaway is a pretty strong rock track. It doesn't give the depth that I think I fancy at the moment, or any of the extra things that could have helped elevate it, but it hits the beats it needs to.
The six hundred thirteenth song: Born in the U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen
As I think I addressed in the album writeup, this song is a deceptively strong piece of songwriting, an anthem that condemns rather than celebrates and helps build a feeling of contempt for the jingoistic types that would otherwise celebrate it. It's really been worth a listen again.
The six hundred fourteenth song: World Destruction - Time Zone
I don't think I ever heard of this song, but it hits so well. The rap and rock fusion feels a bit ahead of its time, but the rebellious spirit from both hits fits the time period, a counter balance to power that matches the lyrics of Born in the U.S.A. It's powerful and works so well here.
The six hundred fifteenth song: Immigres/Bitim Rew - Youssou N’Dour
The African sound heard here is joyful. While it feels like the list puts these on here to have diversity, it means that we get the best, and this is an incredibly strong and enjoyable song.
The six hundred sixteenth song: It’s My Life - Talk Talk
Another synthy anthem, It's My Life is an oddly feel good track with what feels like an ode to individualism that again suits the eighties. It's a nice dance track, even if the lyrics make it feel like it needs a little bit more of an edge.
The six hundred seventeenth song: Smooth Operator - Sade
I wasn't expecting some British bossa nova today, but the smooth jazz track works really well. It's a really good sound that feels like it fits with a fairly standard but strong love song.
The six hundred eighteenth song: I Feel for You - Chaka Khan
The funky R&B sound of I Feel for You is enhanced by the rap vocals, to the point where they really feel like the star of the show. As a song though, this works well, and the extended chorus helps a lot having it sound that good throughout.