This piece marks the 45th anniversary of four rock songs originally released in 1981, celebrating a stretch of songwriting that the author argues carried the magic of the 1970s into the following decade. The article highlights hits by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty, Billy Squier, The Rolling Stones and Queen, each accompanied by a brief look at its backstory and chart success.

The featured tracks are "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty, which reached No. 3 on the Hot 100 after Nicks turned a gifted demo into a duet; "The Stroke" by Billy Squier, from his triple-platinum album Don't Say No; "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones, the opening track from Tattoo You that remains a live staple; and "Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen, written by bassist John Deacon and driven by its instantly recognisable bassline.

– Four rock songs from 1981 turn 45 this year.
– Featured: Nicks/Petty, Billy Squier, The Rolling Stones and Queen tracks.
– Article recalls each song's origin story and chart success.