4 Glittery Pop Songs From 1986 That You Probably Forgot You Loved
The article revisits four glossy pop hits from 1986, noting how their lasting appeal came from memorable melodies and themes that reached beyond their original moment. It highlights the stories and achievements behind the songs, including how one became an LGBTQ+ anthem and another marked a major career milestone.
Billy Steinberg wrote “True Colors” with his mother in mind, though he and Tom Kelly recognised its broad appeal; Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love” became his first US No. 1 and won two Grammys. Lionel Richie’s “Dancing on the Ceiling” reached No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100, while the article also recalls a “Top Gun” hit composed by Giorgio Moroder and describes its theme as intense infatuation.
- “True Colors” was written with Steinberg’s mother in mind.
- “Higher Love” was Winwood’s first US No. 1 and won two Grammys.
- Richie’s “Dancing on the Ceiling” peaked at No. 2 in the US.
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In 1986, polished, melody-led pop songs were a major part of mainstream music. The four songs revisited here include “True Colors”, written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, and “Higher Love”, which gave Steve Winwood his first US number one.
The songs also had different paths to lasting recognition. Cyndi Lauper’s recording of “True Colors” later became an LGBTQ+ anthem, while Winwood’s “Higher Love” won two Grammy Awards; Lionel Richie’s “Dancing on the Ceiling” reached number two in the US. Giorgio Moroder composed a hit for the film Top Gun, whose lyrics describe intense infatuation.