American Songwriter has put together a short retrospective on four rock songs released in 1989 that the author still enjoys today. The piece highlights hits from Aerosmith, Warrant, Alannah Myles and Tears for Fears, noting the writers behind each track and the chart or award success they achieved at the time.

Aerosmith's "Love In An Elevator", written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry from the album Pump, reached No. 1 and earned the band its first Grammy nomination. Warrant's "Heaven", written solely by Jani Lane, became the band's only Top 5 single. Alannah Myles's "Black Velvet", a tribute to Elvis Presley written by David Tyson and Christopher Ward, was her only No. 1 hit. Tears for Fears' "Sowing The Seeds Of Love", written by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, marked the band's final Top 5 single.