Episode 21

Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown UK: December 4, 1981

The UK charts on December 4, 1981, were a perfect mix of innovation, nostalgia, and pure 80s magic.


This week, we count down 20 incredible tracks, featuring:


 πŸŽΆ Queen and David Bowie teaming up for a legendary duet

 πŸŽΆ The Human League leading the synthpop revolution

 πŸŽΆ Soft Cell, OMD, and Ultravox bringing new wave brilliance

 πŸŽΆ Diana Ross, Olivia Newton-John, and Rod Stewart proving the legends were still on top

 πŸŽΆ Julio Iglesias taking a Spanish-language ballad all the way to number one


This countdown is a time capsule of 1981β€”an era where music was changing, evolving, and setting the stage for the decade ahead.


πŸ“’ Want even more? Over on Patreon, we just dropped Episode 2 of The Top 80 Protest Songs of the 80s! These are the songs that stood for something, shook the system, and still carry their message today.


πŸ“’ Follow us on social media! Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodonβ€”we’re keeping the 80s alive everywhere!


β˜• Love what we do? Support the show and fuel our caffeine addiction at Buy Me a Coffee!


πŸ”Š Turn it up and relive the music that made us!



About the Podcast

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Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown

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About your host

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Bret Carbone