29 Best Songs From 1988
Contents
“A Groovy Kind of Love” By Phil Collins
Song Year: 1988
Phil Collins dominated Top-40 radio in the 80s. After he left Genesis as their drummer, his independent career took off, churning out multiple hit singles that propelled him to solo fame.
One of his most recognizable tunes was “A Groovy Kind of Love,” based on a melody by classical pianist Muzio Clementi. The song was recorded by a handful of other artists but Collins is who shot it to notoriety.
“So Emotional” By Whitney Houston
Song Year: 1988
“So Emotional” is the anthem for women in love in the late ‘80s. Houston inhabits her signature power vocals as she screams passionately about the way her love interest has taken over her feelings.
The lyrics would lead someone to think the music to it would be a ballad. On the contrary, this tune is an upbeat dance track, propelling the beat forward and letting emotions take the driver’s seat. Play it at full volume while you get ready to go out on the town.
“Red Red Wine” By UB40
Song Year: 1988
The message here is a simple one: wine is a delicious beverage that helps you feel good. No one knew this better in the decade of the 80s than UB40 (though it became their only known hit).
An island vibe of steel drums, minimalist percussion, and lazy vocals create the perfect atmosphere for this summery jam. Reminiscent of Bob Marley, it doesn’t particularly matter which beverage you sip when “Red Red Wine” comes on as long as you can relax.
“When It’s Love” By Van Halen
Song Year: 1988
No one did the power ballad quite like 1980s Van Halen. “When It’s Love” was the most popular single from their album OU812.
With trademark Sammy Hagar vocals bursting with gravelly melodic content and a guitar solo that Eddie Van Halen claims was a nod to Eric Clapton, this is a tune that has a permanent place on any Van Halen fan’s playlist.
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” By Bobby McFerrin
Song Year: 1988
Somewhere among the hard rock, glam bands, and synth-dance-pop of the era, eclectic singer McFerrin lent his unique style to the airwaves. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was the first a cappella song to reach #1 on Billboard. Its blend of choral effects and body percussion has stood the test of time even after its appearance in the movie Cocktail.
The accolades continued at the following year’s Grammys when McFerrin swept the ceremony and took home multiple awards.
“Candle in the Wind” By Elton John
Song Year: 1988
Although it only reached #71 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1988, “Candle in the Wind” deserves a spot on this list for its enduring legacy. John’s simple piano-and-vocals composition touches hearts everywhere with its simple beauty.
The ballad about Marilyn Monroe and her tragic life and death continues to be a favorite of pop-music aficionados and saw a resurgence in popularity after it was used for Princess Diana’s death in 1997.
“The Way You Make Me Feel” By Michael Jackson
Song Year: 1988
A catchy beat, syncopated melody, and doo-wop style create the framework for Jackson’s second of three big tunes in 1988. It won several awards in the categories of Dance Pop as well as Adult Contemporary.
No song of MJ’s is complete without eye-popping dance imagery. The music video showcases this in a superb way, with Jackson showing off his moves for a girl he takes a liking to. Fun and lighthearted, “The Way You Make Me Feel” is the epitome of feel-good ‘80s music.
“Is This Love” By Whitesnake
Song Year: 1988
Next to Van Halen, Whitesnake had one of the biggest power-ballad hits of the ‘80s. It narrowly missed a spot as a top hit for Tina Turner, which turned out to be a better deal for Whitesnake in the long run.
The lyrics are unusually tender for a hard-rock band, with the narrator telling a love interest that he wants to explore the possibilities of a new and exciting connection. Surely there were plenty of lovelorn folks during this time period who thought of this as “their” song.
“Kokomo” By The Beach Boys
Song Year: 1988
Put this one on your summer barbecue playlist after “Red, Red Wine.” Various types of percussion, steel drums, and accordion effects combine for an evocative Caribbean feel.
No song by The Beach Boys is complete without layered harmonies, which join in on the chorus. You don’t have to be on location on a tropical island to enjoy this timeless tune.
“Anything For You” By Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
Song Year: 1988
True love’s devotion never sounded so good. Estefan lends her famous pipes to this Hispanic-tinged ballad, which also features a Spanish guitar and synth brass section for extra flavor.
“Anything For You” peaked on three different Billboard charts: Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, and Hot Latin. It also saw some success in the UK around the same time.
