4 Rock Songs From 1981 That Immediately Bring Me Joy
This piece from American Songwriter is a personal, opinion-led list rather than a hard news story, in which the writer picks four rock songs from 1981 that they say reliably lift their mood. The selection spans power pop and hard rock, reflecting on why each track has endured and how it performed on the charts at the time.
– "Centerfold" by The J. Geils Band — the band's biggest hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Top 10 in Europe and Canada
– "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield — his signature song, hitting No. 1 in both the US and Australia
– "Working For The Weekend" by Loverboy — a working-class anthem, though only a modest US hit, peaking at No. 29
– "Take It On The Run" by REO Speedwagon — reached No. 5 on the Hot 100 and the Top 10 on several US and Canadian charts
- Writer names four uplifting 1981 rock songs and their chart success
- "Centerfold" and "Jessie's Girl" both hit No. 1 in the US
- "Working For The Weekend" was a minor hit despite its lasting popularity