Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown: Top 20 Songs from October 1, 1983

This week on the Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown, we rewind to October 1, 1983—a moment when new wave, power ballads, retro flair, and synth-pop all collided in glorious, unforgettable harmony.

We’ve got Bonnie Tyler’s thunderous #1 hit, Men Without Hats’ quirky dance revolution, and The Police delivering heartbreak in perfect harmony—not once, but twice. Plus:

 🎤 A surprise appearance from Frank Stallone (yes, really!)

 🎧 A dreamy saxophone slow-dance from Spandau Ballet

 🎹 Billy Joel goes Motown

 💔 Air Supply turns drama into an anthem

 And of course, Laura Branigan, The Fixx, Talking Heads, Sheena Easton, and more.

✨ Plus, a reminder that Episode 3 of our Patreon-exclusive series, Top 80 Protest Songs of the 1980s, is out now! Join us at Patreon.com/GenX80sCountdown to keep the music and the message alive.

🛸 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon @GenX80sCountdown.

 ☕ Support the show at BuyMeaCoffee.com/GenX80sTop20Countdown—because caffeine fuels memory.

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay