An American Songwriter feature highlights four guitar solos from 1980s hit songs that the writer argues succeed through subtlety and service to the song rather than flashy technical showmanship. The piece revisits tracks by Fleetwood Mac, Men At Work, Paul McCartney and Tears For Fears, praising guitarists who enhanced the emotional impact of each song without overplaying.

The selections include Lindsey Buckingham's layered, mesmerising solo on Fleetwood Mac's "Gypsy"; Colin Hay's bluesy solo on Men At Work's "Overkill"; David Gilmour's soaring guest solo on Paul McCartney's "No More Lonely Nights", recorded in 1984 while Pink Floyd was on hiatus; and Roland Orzabal's cathartic solo on Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants To Rule The World".