23 Best Songs From 1986
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13. “The Rain” by Oran “Juice” Jones
Oran Jones had a one-time hit with this song. His song was extremely popular in the R&B community. The song brought back old-school R&B or soul music at a time when hip-hop and rap were blowing up the music scene.
The song begins with a nice R&B tempo that makes you think it’s going to be a lovely romantic song. However, the lyrics speak of a man seeing his loved one with another.
He talks about how he is very upset over this failed relationship and unfaithful partner. The best, or the most popular part of the song, is toward the end when the man/singer starts to talk or rap his confrontation to his lover.
He explains how he was so upset and was about to commit murder but remained cool and decided to remove everything she owned in the house and cancel credit cards. He explains or confronts her about how he did everything for her and was always there for her.
14. “Nasty” by Janet Jackson
Another 1986 hit for Janet Jackson during her solo career, this song expresses not only her independence but a break from her perceived wholesome image.
Janet Jackson wanted to establish her independence and image. This tune is upbeat and will have you dancing. The lyrics convey that the girl is not what people think she is despite her image or reputation.
15. “Tender Love” by Force MDs
During the rise of rap music and the hip-hop culture, many groups came out with names that linked them to the hip-hop culture – the Force M.Ds were one such group.
The group was made up of five men from New York. Although their name was often connected to the hip-hop movement, this song was not hip-hop but a romantic love song.
The song is a beautiful R&B ballad that showcased the vocal talent of a group that mirrored hip-hop but sounded like the acapella groups from the 1950s and 1960s.
The tune is slow and romantic, filled with beautiful lyrics. The song is about the love between two people – tender, sweet love that surrenders. This song would often be played as a wedding song.
16. “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne & Friends Featuring Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder
This memorable song from 1986 by four of the top singers in the music industry is a beautiful collaboration of exceptional talent by Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder. The quartet of melodic voices made this song what it was.
The song begins with the harmonica played by Stevie Wonder and singing by Dionne Warwick’s smooth, soulful voice.
The lyrics are encouraging and uplifting, a constant reminder of the importance of true friends and friendships. Our friends are for uplifting us, being there for us, comforting us, and enjoying our lives.