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3 Rock Songs From 1985 That Still Sound Like Classics Today
American Songwriter has published a list highlighting three rock songs from 1985 that the outlet argues have retained their appeal despite the decades since their release. The piece looks back at chart-topping hits from Mr. Mister, Starship and Phil Collins, noting their commercial success and enduring popularity as evidence of their lasting quality.
Mr. Mister's "Broken Wings", written by band members Richard Page and Steve George with John Lang, spent two weeks at No. 1 and appeared on their album Welcome To The Real World. Starship's "We Built This City", written by Bernie Taupin, Martin Page, Dennis Lambert and Peter Wolf, was the band's debut single and also reached No. 1. Phil Collins' "Sussudio", from his album No Jacket Required, was written solely by Collins, who has admitted the nonsensical title word stuck simply because he couldn't find a better-scanning alternative.
In short
- American Songwriter lists three enduring rock hits from 1985.
- Featured tracks: Mr. Mister's "Broken Wings" and Starship's "We Built This City".
- Phil Collins' "Sussudio" also included; word was chosen for its rhythm.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
These songs demonstrate the hallmarks of genuine classics, featuring accomplished songwriting from professional composers and achieving significant chart success that reflected genuine public appeal. The fact that listeners continue to enjoy them decades later indicates authentic musical merit rather than mere nostalgia, suggesting the songs have something of substance to offer. A rock song need not sound contemporary to remain a classic; enduring popularity across generations proves these tracks have successfully transcended their initial moment and continued to resonate with audiences.
The case against
These are fundamentally products of 1980s production values, with synthesiser-heavy arrangements and drum-machine beats that unmistakably mark them as period pieces. Commercial success does not equate to lasting artistic merit, and many songs that dominated charts have faded into obscurity, remembered primarily as nostalgic artifacts rather than works of genuine consequence. True classics continue to influence and move audiences independent of their era; these songs are better understood as enjoyable products of their time than as works that have truly retained their initial impact.
Explained simply
Three rock songs from 1985 represented commercially successful rock music of that era. "Broken Wings" by Mr. Mister and "We Built This City" by Starship both reached number one on the charts when released, whilst "Sussudio" by Phil Collins achieved major commercial success and appeared on his album No Jacket Required.
The songs were created by different songwriting teams. "Broken Wings" was written by Mr. Mister's Richard Page and Steve George alongside John Lang, whilst "We Built This City" involved songwriter Bernie Taupin and collaborators Martin Page, Dennis Lambert and Peter Wolf. Phil Collins wrote "Sussudio" entirely on his own, with the unusual title chosen largely because it fitted the song's rhythm.
These 1985 rock releases represent commercially successful tracks from the decade that have become subjects of retrospective discussion and analysis. Their chart performance at the time and continued recognition among audiences illustrate the enduring commercial appeal of certain popular music from that period.