Genius of Love by Tom Tom Club

   

      "Genius of Love" by Tom Tom Club, was released in 1981 and became a huge #1 Dance/Club smash, even peaking at #2 on the US Rap/Hip-Hop Charts.  The song would be Tom Tom Club's only US Billboard hit, peaking at #31- although it would go on to become one of the most sampled tracks of the 80s. This song instantly reminds me of summer whenever I hear it.  It's pure, joyous 80s dance pop, and this is a perfect tune to blast on a warm summer evening with the top down.

Vienna by Ultravox

   
     "Vienna", released on January 15 of 1981 by British New-Wave band Ultravox, would become the band's signature song.  The song was hit in the UK, it would spend 4 consecutive weeks at #2 on the UK charts and would also win 'Single of the Year' at the '81 Brit Awards.  It's a somewhat underrated track, but is widely loved by 80's purists.  Myself included.  This is classic synth pop, kids. It's dreamy, it's other-worldly, it's magnificent.

SOUND OF THE CROWD BY THE HUMAN LEAGUE

      The Human League are beyond cool, and this clip easily shows why.  This was white hot in 1981- it was a very exciting era in music.  1981 witnessed the birth of MTV, and this look and sound was extremely influential on music and pop culture- influencing Madonna, the Pet Shop Boys, and many other modern acts as well.  This sounds as if it could be released today- that's how far ahead of their time The Human League were.  Good stuff.