Are You Ready for the Sex Girls

Admit it, you forgot all about this early 80's alternative band, didn't you? And, if you weren't from the west coast, you might not have ever even heard of this band... from the early 80's, here is the band called Gleaming Spires with their video of a song that was featured in films like "Last American Virgin" and "Revenge of the Nerds"... here is a video that will show you how to bake a pie - "Are You Ready For the Sex Girls"...




Lyrics | Gleaming Spires lyrics - Are You Ready For The Sex Girls? lyrics

"Are You Ready for the Sex Girls"

by Gleaming Spires

Sometimes A Love Won't Let Go

Here's an 80's soft rock/soul hit from the mid 80's by a band featured in The Excellent 80's already once... coming off of their hit "Rhythm of the Night" here is El DeBarge, aka former Mr. Janet Jackson, and his group DeBarge with the ballad and never-ending question of "Who's Holding Donna Now"

Debarge - Who's Holding Donna Now
Uploaded by jpdc11. - Explore more music videos.

Lyrics | DeBarge lyrics - Who's Holding Donna Now lyrics

"Who's Holding Donna Now"

Single by DeBarge
from the album Rhythm of the Night
Released 1985
Format 7"
Recorded 1985
Genre soul
Length 4:28
Label Gordy
Writer(s) David Foster, Jay Graydon, Randy Goodrum
Producer Jay Graydon

Chart (1985) Peak position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #6
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks #2
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs #1

Do You Believe in Heaven Above?

That's what today's band asks in the opening line of their biggest hit featured today in The Excellent 80's... it's the new wave band from Australia called Real Life with their 1983 hit "Send Me An Angel"... personally, after watching this video I would be saying send me a bass player, because the one in our band currently is annoying....


Real Life Send Me an Angel by Celtiemama


Lyrics | Real Life lyrics - Send Me An Angel lyrics

"Send Me an Angel"

by Real Life
from the album: "Heartland"
released: 1983

U.S. Hot 100 peak position: #29

I'm Rockin' Tonite - I'm Walkin' On Air

Billy Squier yesterday and Billy Squier today... after listening and watching "The Stroke" video, I pulled up my personal favorite of Squier's... from his 1984 album "Signs of Life", here is Billy Squier (with questionable dance moves at best) and "Rock Me Tonite"...




Lyrics | Billy Squier lyrics - Rock Me Tonight lyrics

"Rock Me Tonite"

by Billy Squier
released 1984
from the album: "Signs of Life"

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #15

Say You're A Winner, But Man You're Just a Sinner Now

Today's song was always interesting to me because I never knew what it actually meant... I always thought that it was some sort of reference to masturbation, but instead it is believed to be a reference to the music industry and how musicians are used by an industry that always wants more and wants bigger hits, which is a concept referred to as "strokes"... anyway, however you want to look at it, here is Billy Squier and his hit "The Stroke"...

Billy Squier - The Stroke
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Lyrics | Billy Squier lyrics - The Stroke lyrics

"The Stroke"

Single by Billy Squier
from the album Don't Say No
Released 1981
Genre Rock, hard rock
Length 3:38

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #17

80's Movie Weekend

This weekend's 80's movie flashback has a good summertime feel to it... it has good guys and bad guys, a comedic cop with a convertible and his K9 partner Jerry Lee, and also features "Married With Children's" Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill)... starring James Belushi, let's take a look back to 1989 and the movie that came out before the similar movie "Turner and Hooch", here is "K9"...

the trailer...



thank you, very kind of you...




K-9

K-9 Promotional Movie Poster
Directed by Rod Daniel
Produced by Lawrence Gordon
Charles Gordon
Written by Steven Siegel
Scott Myers
Lloyd Levin
Donna Smith
Starring James Belushi
Mel Harris

Music by Miles Goodman
Cinematography Dean Semler
Editing by Lois Freeman-Fox
Distributed by Universal City Studios
Release date(s) April 28, 1989
Running time 102 min.
Country USA
Language English
Followed by K-911 (1999)
K-9: P.I. (2002)

Ever Since You've Been Leaving Me

With this song, Julian Lennon did something that his father never did (but all other three Beatles did do) which was hit #1 on the adult contemporary charts... for what that's worth... anyway, here is Julian's biggest hit from 1984 - "Too Late for Goodbyes"...

Julian Lennon - Too Late For Goodbyes
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Lyrics | Julian Lennon lyrics - Too Late For Goodbyes lyrics

"Too Late for Goodbyes"

by Julian Lennon
from the album: Valotte
Released: 1984
Genre Rock

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #6
UK peak: #6
U.S. Adult Contemporary peak: #1

Eddie, I Can't Understand Why You Want To Hurt Us?

Why is it that I actually find my foot tapping along to this song from 1985 whenever it comes on the satellite radio? I'm not going to admit that it's a guilty pleasure, but dang it's got a funky beat... comedian and major motion picture star Eddie Murphy was in one of my posts during the Michael Jackson tribute week a short time ago with his duet with Michael Jackson called "Whatzupwitu" which was a collosal disaster... but, before that wreck, he actually had a hit single with a little help from producer and muscian Rick James of "Superfreak" fame... Rick overacts just a tad in this video and then just can't contain himself and has to join Eddie at the end of the song... here is a song that should have been a disaster but Eddie pulls it off as the song peaked at #2 in 1985 - my girl likes to "Party All the Time"...




Lyrics | Eddie Murphy lyrics - Party All The Time lyrics

"Party All the Time"

Single by Eddie Murphy
from the album How Could It Be
Released 1985
Recorded 1985
Genre Synthpop
Label Sony
Writer(s) Rick James
Producer Rick James

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #2

I Never Knew There'd Come a Day

Today's featured video has a little bit of everything - some arm wrestling, some groovy dancing, a drunk tatooed up redneck, an old school motel key, some shots of some classic arcade games like Gorf and Asteroids, and one bad ass Southern rock band with sweet hair... here is 38 Special with a classic - "Caught Up in You"...




Lyrics | 38 Special lyrics - Caught Up In You lyrics

"Caught Up in You"

Single by 38 Special
from the album Special Forces
Released 1982
Format 7" (45 rpm)
Genre Hard Rock
Label A&M Records

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #10
U.S. Hot Mainstream Rock peak: #1

The Excellent 80's Is Two

A happy birthday today to this little blog that started out two years ago as a lark - a place to just post some silly 80's music videos, tv, movies, sports, etc. It's been a labor of love for two years, or maybe some sort of psychotic obsession... whatever the case, I'm over 580 posts... so, thanks for stopping in on occasion and keep on living the dream...

A double shot today from my favorite rock band (get it? double meaning two) as a birthday present for everyone... Van Halen rocks in the third year of existence for The Excellent 80's first off with Diamond Dave, some cable flying, Michael Anthony's Jack Daniels bass, and the song "Panama"...

Van Halen - Panama
Uploaded by Dan_of_the_Land. -

Lyrics | Van Halen lyrics - Panama lyrics

"Panama"

Single by Van Halen
from the album 1984
Released 1984 (US)
Format 7"
Recorded 5150 Studios, Hollywood, California; 1983
Genre Hard rock
Length 3 min 31 sec
Label Warner Music Group (US)
Producer Ted Templeman

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #13


Have you seen Junior's grades? Here is a televised lip-synched performance of "And the Cradle Will Rock"... Dave's outfit is so gay/over the top that it actually steals the scene in this performance... gotta get me some of those boots!

Van Halen - And The Cradle Will Rock
Uploaded by Dan_of_the_Land. -

Lyrics | Van Halen lyrics - And The Cradle Will Rock lyrics

"And the Cradle Will Rock..."
Single by Van Halen
from the album Women and Children First
A-side "And the Cradle Will Rock..."
B-side "Loss of Control"
Released 1980
Format 7"
Genre Hard rock
Length 3:31
Label Warner Bros.
Producer Ted Templeman

You and Your Baby Had Some Words Today

... And it was over how bad this video is... I'm not sure what REO Speedwagon was thinking with this whole medievil comedy thing they've got going here, but I do know that lead singer Kevin Cronin makes an awesome Merlin the Magician! Here is the Wagon appearing for the third time in The Excellent 80's today with "One Lonely Night"...

One Lonly Night／REO Speedwagon
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Lyrics | Reo Speedwagon lyrics - One Lonely Night lyrics

"One Lonely Night"

by REO Speedwagon
from the album: "Wheels Are Turnin'"
Released 1984

80's Movie Weekend

No one was bigger in the 80's than Mr. Eddie Murphy and no one could pull off a cuss scene like Murphy either... one of his classic flicks this weekend with co-star Nick Nolte... here is Reggie Hammon, aka Eddie Murphy in "48 Hours"...


the trailer...



a black russian! that's funny, I'm black... hahaha... I don't like white people! (language)



48 Hrs.

Directed by Walter Hill
Produced by D. Constantine Conte
Lawrence Gordon
Joel Silver
Written by Walter Hill
Roger Spottiswoode
Larry Gross
Steven E. de Souza
Jeb Stuart
Starring Nick Nolte
Eddie Murphy
Annette O'Toole
James Remar
Music by James Horner
Cinematography Ric Waite
Editing by Freeman A. Davies
Mark Warner
Billy Weber
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) December 8, 1982 (USA)
Running time 96 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $1,000,000
Followed by Another 48 Hrs.

What If I Were Romeo in Black Jeans?

What if I was Heathcliff, it's no myth... maybe she's just looking for someone to dance with... yes, the brother of Sean, here is Michael Penn with his biggest and only top 40 charting single... a catchy tune that I still enjoy to this day, from 1989 here is "No Myth"...

Michael Penn |MTV Music

Lyrics | Michael Penn lyrics - No Myth lyrics

"No Myth"

Single by Michael Penn
from the album March
Released 1989
Format 7", 12", CD
Recorded 1989
Genre Alternative rock
Length 4:10 (Album version)
4:11 (Single/radio version)
11:53 (Extended version)
Label RCA
Writer(s) Michael Penn
Producer Tony Berg

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #13
UK peak: #3

Who Doesn't Want to be a Lifeguard I Ask?

Many experts will say that this video/song is one of the 80's worst efforts... I, however, will argue that any song that promotes life and the saving of a life should be held in high esteem... anyway, you can judge for yourself, but here is the New York band Blotto with a video played on the very first day of MTV, the very summery song - "I Wanna Be a Lifeguard"...



Selling shoes
Another loser working in a shopping mall
9 to 5
A slave driver telling me 'Get on the ball!'
A crowded store
I kneel before them
Misery beyond compare
Sweaty socks
A lady boxer
What's she got against fresh air?
I want an ocean and some sunscreen lotion
Take me to the beach with a thousand pretty girls in reach

CHORUS
I, I, I wanna be a lifeguard (help, help, help, help)
I, I, I wanna guard your life
I, I, I wanna be a lifeguard (lifeguard, lifeguard)
Hardly any clothes (lifeguard)
Sand between my toes (lifeguard)
White stuff on my nose

Selling shoes
Another loser working in a shopping mall
I'm getting fat
What does it matter?
Nobody cares at all
But next July, I'll say goodbye to every out-of-it, dull-witted fool
Convert their feet into meters, marking distance at the swimming pool
Summer blondes revealing tanlines
I'll make more moves than Allied Van Lines

CHORUS
I, I, I wanna be a lifeguard (be a big man, now... get a great tan, now)
I, I, I wanna guard your life
I, I, I wanna be a lifeguard (lifeguard, lifeguard)
Sitting on my chair (lifeguard)
In the salty air (lifeguard)
White stuff on my nose
I, I, I wanna be a lifeguard (help, help, help, help)
I, I, I wanna guard your life
I, I, I wanna be a lifeguard (lifeguard, lifeguard)
Lounging on the deck (lifeguard)
Whistle 'round my neck (lifeguard)
White stuff in my nose
I, I, I wanna be a lifeguard (lifeguard, lifeguard)


"I Wanna Be a Lifeguard"

by Blotto
released 1983
from the album: "Combo Akimbo"

Is It Love That's On My Mind or Is It Fantasy?

Today we feature a duet with one hot chick and one scary chick... wait, no, that's just Ozzy along with the legendarily hot Lita Ford... here is their top 10 ballad from 1989 - "Close My Eyes Forever"...

Lita Ford & Ozzy Osbourne - Close My Eye
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Lyrics | Ozzy Osbourne lyrics - Close My Eyes Forever lyrics

"Close My Eyes Forever"

by Lita Ford w/ Ozzy Osbourne
from the album: Lita
released 1989

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #8

Josie's On a Vacation Far Away

Oh, you know that crazy Josie don't you? With their first appearance in The Excellent 80's, here is band from London called The Outfield with "Your Love"...

The Outfield "Your Love"



Lyrics | Outfield lyrics - Your Love lyrics

“Your Love”

Single by The Outfield
from the album Play Deep
Recorded 1985
Length 3:36

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #6

Goddess On the Mountain Top

Fire, vampires, devils, a Greek goddess, and Banarama today! The group that gave me one of my favorite 80's songs of all time (Cruel Summer) is back today with a remake of a 1969 song by the band Shocking Blue... here is a video for Banarama's #1 dance hit that needed more red she-devil in the video - "Venus"...

Bananarama - Venus
Uploaded by baajos

Lyrics | Bananarama lyrics - Venus lyrics

“Venus”

Single by Bananarama
from the album True Confessions
B-side "White Train"
Released May 1986
Format 7" vinyl, 12" vinyl
Recorded December 1985
Genre Pop/Dance
Length 3:51
Label London Records
Writer(s) Robbie van Leeuwen
Producer Stock Aitken Waterman
Certification Gold (RIAA)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

80's Movie Weekend

At some point in the early 80's someone thought it would be great to make a sequel to the awesome "Saturday Night Fever" movie that propelled John Travolta to stardom... that someone should have been shot after the sequel, featured here today, made it to the big screen... no matter how cut or manly John Travolta may seem, I still can't get past some of these gay dance scenes in this movie that goes absolutely nowhere and is a complete waste of time for the most part... from 1983, directed, produced, and co-written by Sylvester Stallone (what the hell were you thinking Sly?) here is "Staying Alive"....


the intro to "Staying Alive"...



you bastard...



Staying Alive

Directed by Sylvester Stallone
Produced by Sylvester Stallone
Robert Stigwood
Written by Sylvester Stallone
Norman Wexler
Starring John Travolta
Cynthia Rhodes
Finola Hughes
Music by Barry Gibb
Maurice Gibb
Robin Gibb
Cinematography Nick McLean
Editing by Mark Warner
Don Zimmerman
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) July 11, 1983
Running time 93 min.
Country United States
Language English
Preceded by Saturday Night Fever

I Am Down, But I Am Far From Over

Once upon a time, Sylvester Stallone had a brother and his name was Frank... wait, he still has a brother named Frank, and believe it or not at one time Frank had a hit song! I know you think I'm making crap up, but believe me when I tell you that Frank's song reached #10 on the billboard charts in 1983... from the John Travolta movie "Staying Alive" here is Sly's brother Frank with "Far From Over"...

Frank Stallone-Far from over
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Lyrics | Frank Stallone lyrics - Far From Over lyrics

"Far From Over"

by Frank Stallone
from the "Staying Alive" soundtrack

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #10

In The Midnight Hour She Cried...

More! More! More! Loved me some Billy Idol back in the day when he was cranking out hard hitting party tunes... Let's finish off June in style I say, and just like you do for The Excellent 80's, go ahead and cry "more! more! more!" today... here is William Michael Albert Broad or Billy Idol with his cool vest and his "Rebel Yell"...




Lyrics | Billy Idol lyrics - Rebel Yell lyrics

“Rebel Yell”

Single by Billy Idol
from the album Rebel Yell
Released January 1984
Format Vinyl (7" and 12")
Recorded 1983 at Studio A, Electric Lady Studios, New York City
Genre Heavy Metal, New Wave
Length 4:47
Label Chrysalis Records
Writer(s) Billy Idol & Steve Stevens
Producer Keith Forsey

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #46
Billboard's U.S. Mainstream Rock peak: #9

I Got It Bad

Love the acting in this video by Nik Kershaw as he's convulsing in the street near the end, but the big question I still have 25 years after this release is where can I get a suit like that!? Love the suit, still like the song, England's Nik Kershaw with "Wouldn't It Be Good"...

nik Kershaw Wouldn't It Be
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Lyrics | Nik Kershaw lyrics - Would'nt It Be Good lyrics

“Wouldn't It Be Good”

Single by Nik Kershaw
from the album Human Racing
B-side "Monkey Business"
Released 21 January 1984
Format 7", 12"
Recorded Summer 1983
Genre Synthpop, Rock
Label MCA
Writer(s) Nik Kershaw
Producer Peter Collins

UK Peak: #4

I Went Off To The Right

What song or video can boast of having a xylophone and bongos that is any cooler than this song and video I ask? I will answer myself by saying none that I can think of... to their credit they at least got some cute jungle girls to dance around a little bit... here is the little remembered new wave group formed in 1980 by Nick Heyward, Haircut 100 with their only "hit" "Love Plus One"...




Lyrics | Haircut 100 lyrics - Love Plus One lyrics

“Love Plus One”

Single by Haircut 100
from the album Pelican West
Released 1982
Format 7", 12"
Recorded 1982
Genre Alternative rock
Label Arista
Producer Nick Heyward

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #37
UK singles peak: #3

It's Monday and I Don't Like It

Neither did this band back in 1979, and I occasionally like to break my 80's barrier - but just by a little bit!... Led by vocalist Bob Geldof (yes, Band Aid and Live Aid fame), here are the Boomtown Rats with Bob singing "I Don't Like Mondays"...

Boomtown Rats - I Don't Like Mondays
Uploaded by jpdc11. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Lyrics | Boomtown Rats lyrics - I Don't Like Mondays lyrics

“I Don't Like Mondays”

Single by The Boomtown Rats
from the album The Fine Art of Surfacing
B-side "It's All the Rage"
Released July 21, 1979 (UK)
Format 7" vinyl
Genre Pop
Length 4:19
Label Ensign Records (UK)
Columbia Records (USA)
Writer(s) Bob Geldof
Producer Phil Wainman

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #73
UK peak: #1

From Sea to Shining Sea

In today's video, I see a whole lot of hard working white farmers, but where the brothas be at!? Well, wherever they were back when this video was shot in 1984, it doesn't matter too much cause there ain't no doubt that Lee Greenwood loves the U.S.A., and if you haven't heard this song at least 10 times the past week, I suggest you put this video on a loop for about an hour straight and get your patriotic groove on like the whole family does at the table in this video... Happy Fourth of July and "God Bless the U.S.A."...

Lee Greenwood God bless the USA 1984
Uploaded by hdkpereira

Lyrics | Lee Greenwood lyrics - God Bless The U.S.A. lyrics

“God Bless the USA”

Single by Lee Greenwood
from the album You've Got a Good Love Comin'
Released 1984
Genre Patriotic, Country
Length 3:11
Label MCA Records
Writer(s) Lee Greenwood
Producer Jerry Crutchfield

Chart (1984) Peak position
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs #7
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks #26

Chart (2001) Peak position
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs #16
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #16
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks #12

Make a Change

Through his music MJ spoke about a variety of subjects many of which dealt with him personally or were calls for a more peaceful, more tolerant society. Like I said last Friday, there were definitely some issues and demons in his life from early childhood up until his death, but Jackson was undeniably an unbelievable talent and one of the most polarizing figures in American and for that matter World HiStory...

I had forgotten that Macaulay Culkin, Tess Harper, and George Wendt were featured in the beginning of this video and Macaulay busts out in a perfect rap lyp-synch about half way through this video as well... the whole morphing technology at the end of this video still freaks me out a little bit though... here is "Black or White"

Michael Jackson - Black Or White
Uploaded by moi20cent. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Lyrics | Michael Jackson lyrics - Black Or White lyrics

"Black or White"
Single by Michael Jackson
from the album Dangerous
Released October 11, 1991
Format 7" single
12" single
CD single
Recorded 1990
Genre Hard rock[1]
New jack swing
Rap rock
Length 3:22 (radio edit)
4:16 (album version)
Label Epic
Writer(s) Michael Jackson
Producer Michael Jackson

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1


This was Jackson's final #1 single of his career and features a naked Lisa Marie Presley and at times a Michael Jackson with wings and not near enough clothes on... here is Jackson with a song that debuted at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and was an attempt at a response to his ever troubling personal life at that time... "You Are Not Alone"

Michael Jackson - You Are Not Alone
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Lyrics | Michael Jackson lyrics - You Are Not Alone lyrics

"You Are Not Alone"
Single by Michael Jackson
from the album HIStory - Past, Present and Future, Book I
Released August 15, 1995
Format CD single
Recorded 1995
Genre R&B
Length 5:45 (Album version)
4:36 (Radio edit)
6:02 (Extended version)
Label Epic
Writer(s) R. Kelly
Producer R. Kelly, Michael Jackson
Certification Platinum (U.S.)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

Finally, I'm going to conclude The Excellent 80's week long tribute to the late Michael Jackson with one of my personal favorite Jackson songs and one of those songs that will remain relevant no matter when you listen to this song... I love the positiveness that this song brings about especially coming from a man where negativity seemed to reign throughout much of his life... here is "Man in the Mirror"...

Michael Jackson - man in the mirror live
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Lyrics | Michael Jackson lyrics - Man In The Mirror lyrics

"Man in the Mirror"
Single by Michael Jackson
from the album Bad
Released January 18, 1988
Format CD single
Recorded 1987
Genre Soul
Length 5:18 (album version)
5:03 (single edit)
Label Epic Records
Writer(s) Glen Ballard
Siedah Garrett
Producer Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

The MJ Tribute Week Continues

Yesterday, I posted some early Jackson 5 stuff and then the "Torture" from the "Victory" album... one more group post right here with "Shake Body Down to the Ground"... a "live" performance with some outstanding choreography and some unbelievably awesome jumpsuits... let's dance, let's shout...

THE JACKSONS - SHAKE YOUR BODY DOWN TO THE GROUND
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Lyrics | Jackson 5 lyrics - Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) lyrics

"Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)"
Single by The Jacksons
from the album Destiny
Released December 1978
Format 7" single
Recorded Los Angeles, August 1978
Genre Disco
Length 8:00 (album)/3:54 (7")/8:37 (extended)
Label Epic
8-50656
Writer(s) Michael Jackson
Randy Jackson
Producer The Jacksons

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7

Last Friday I posted "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough"... here is the other big single off of Michael Jackson's breakthrough solo album - "Rock With You" featuring another cool outfit by the king of pop...

Michael Jackson - Rock With You
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Lyrics | Michael Jackson lyrics - Rock With You lyrics

"Rock with You"
Single by Michael Jackson
from the album Off the Wall
Released November 3, 1979
Format 7"
Recorded 1979
Genre Disco, R&B, Soul
Length 3:39
Label Epic Records
Writer(s) Rod Temperton
Producer Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1


When "Thriller" came out, Michael Jackson wanted a black rock n' roll song, and with the help of Eddie Van Halen and his guitar, he and Quincy Jones produced this masterpiece... "Beat It"...

Micheal Jackson - Beat It
Uploaded by lostinthe80s. - See the latest featured music videos.

Lyrics | Michael Jackson lyrics - Beat It lyrics

"Beat It"
Single by Michael Jackson
from the album Thriller
Released February 14, 1983
Recorded 1982
Genre Rock, R&B
Length 4:19
Label Epic Records
Writer(s) Michael Jackson
Producer Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones
Certification Platinum (RIAA)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

Finally today, here is the four-part Pepsi ad featuring MJ and the re-worked "Bad" song for the new Pepsi Generation...

Sometimes It's About The Family

Ripe off Michael's solo success with "Thriller" and off of a successful Motown 25th anniversary appearance, the Jacksons got together and put out "Victory." The album was a Grammy-nominated 1984 album and was the only album to include all six Jackson brothers together as an official group.
I bought this cassette tape unfortunately as it was a major let down for me personally. The only decent songs off of the "Victory" album were "State of Shock" with Mick Jagger and the following video which doesn't feature Michael in it at all (or Jermaine) though he does sing on the song - choreographed by Paula Abdul, here are The Jacksons with "Torture"...

the jacksons Torture
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Lyrics | Jacksons lyrics - Torture lyrics

"Torture"

Single by The Jacksons
from the album Victory
Released September 1984
Format 7" single
Recorded 1984
Genre Pop rock
Length 4:53
Label Epic
Writer(s) Jackie Jackson
Kathy Wakefield
Producer Jackie Jackson

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #17

Now that the torture is out of the way (pun definitely intended), let's go back to a simpler time for the Jacksons... here's little Michael and the Jackson 5 from the Ed Sullivan show... "ABC" easy as 1, 2, 3...

The Jackson 5 - ABC
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Lyrics | Jackson 5 lyrics - Abc lyrics

"ABC"
Single by The Jackson 5
from the album ABC
B-side "The Young Folks"
Released February 24, 1970 (U.S.)
Format Vinyl record (7" 45 RPM)
Recorded Hitsville West, Los Angeles; 1969
Genre Bubblegum pop/Soul
Length 2:55
Label Motown
M 1163
Writer(s) The Corporation
Producer The Corporation

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1


and once again with little Michael and "I Want You Back"...

Jackson 5 - I want you back
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Lyrics | Jackson 5 lyrics - I Want You Back lyrics

"I Want You Back"
Single by The Jackson 5
from the album Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5
B-side "Who's Lovin' You"
Released October 7, 1969 (U.S.)
Format Vinyl record (7" 45 RPM)
Recorded Hitsville West, Los Angeles; September 1969
Genre Soul, Funk
Length 3:01
Label Motown
M 1157
Writer(s) The Corporation
Producer The Corporation

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1


And who can forget about the huge Pepsi campaign featuring the Jacksons and the whole hospital incident that occurred when Michael's hair caught on fire during taping? Here is the Pepsi Generation commercial featuring The Jacksons and Alfonso Ribeiro ("Carlton" of "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" fame)...