The Forgotten Gems of 1985: Why These Pop Hits Still Matter
If you take a step back and think about it, 1985 was a year that perfectly encapsulated the essence of pop music’s evolution. It was bold, experimental, and unapologetically fun. Yet, amidst the era’s iconic hits, there are a few tracks that have faded into the background—unfairly, in my opinion. These songs aren’t just relics of the past; they’re time capsules that reveal something deeper about the culture, creativity, and trends of the time. Let’s dive into four forgotten pop hits from 1985 that still sound fresh today, and explore why they deserve a second look.
The Soulful Synth-Pop That Crossed Oceans
One thing that immediately stands out is ABC’s “Be Near Me”. This track is a masterclass in soulful synth-pop, blending lush vocals with a pulsating rhythm that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. What many people don’t realize is that while it peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, its impact was even more significant in the U.S. than in the band’s native UK. This transatlantic appeal is fascinating—it speaks to the universal language of pop music, where a catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics can transcend borders.
Personally, I think the song’s enduring freshness lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on over-the-top production or gimmicks; it’s just pure emotion wrapped in a synth-driven package. And let’s not forget that MTV-era music video—a kaleidoscope of colors and energy that perfectly matched the song’s vibe. It’s a reminder of how visual storytelling can elevate a track, something today’s artists could learn from.
The Ritualistic Anthem That Doubled as a Metaphor
Thompson Twins’ “Lay Your Hands on Me” is another track that deserves more than its current place in the annals of forgotten hits. What makes this particularly fascinating is its layered meaning. Singer Tom Bailey described it as a nonspecifically religious exploration of group rituals, drawing parallels between performer and audience. This raises a deeper question: how often do we listen to a song without fully grasping its underlying message?
From my perspective, this track is a perfect example of 1985’s new wave sound—polished yet edgy, accessible yet thought-provoking. It peaked at No. 6 on the Hot 100, but its cultural impact goes beyond the charts. It’s a song that invites you to think about the relationship between art and audience, a theme that feels more relevant than ever in today’s hyper-connected world.
The Hard Rock Ballad That Softened Pop’s Edge
Night Ranger’s “Sentimental Street” is a bit of an outlier on this list. It’s not synth-pop or new wave; it’s a hard rock ballad that somehow found its way into the pop charts, peaking at No. 8. What this really suggests is that 1985 was a year of genre-blurring, where rock could coexist with pop without feeling out of place.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how this song managed to resonate with a mainstream audience. It’s not just a power ballad—it’s a story of vulnerability and longing, wrapped in soaring vocals and guitar riffs. In a year dominated by electronic sounds, “Sentimental Street” proved that raw emotion could still cut through the noise. It’s a testament to the power of authenticity, something that’s often missing in today’s overly produced music landscape.
The Madonna Track That Got Overshadowed by Its Own Album
Madonna’s “Dress You Up” is the ultimate example of a great song getting lost in the shadow of its more famous sibling. While “Like a Virgin” stole the spotlight, this track—which peaked at No. 5 on the Hot 100—is a danceable gem that deserves its own moment. What many people don’t realize is that “Dress You Up” is a perfect encapsulation of Madonna’s early sound: playful, provocative, and irresistibly catchy.
If you take a step back and think about it, this song is a reminder of how even the biggest artists have hidden treasures in their catalogs. It’s also a commentary on the music industry’s tendency to hyper-focus on a single track, often at the expense of equally deserving songs. “Dress You Up” isn’t just a forgotten hit—it’s a symbol of the overlooked brilliance that exists in every era of pop music.
Why These Songs Still Matter
These four tracks aren’t just relics of 1985; they’re windows into a time when pop music was unafraid to experiment, blend genres, and tell stories. What makes them particularly fascinating is how they’ve managed to retain their relevance in a world that’s constantly chasing the next big thing. In my opinion, their enduring freshness is a testament to the timeless qualities of great songwriting: emotion, innovation, and authenticity.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: the past isn’t just a place to revisit—it’s a source of inspiration. These forgotten hits remind us that sometimes, the best way to understand where music is going is to look back at where it’s been. And who knows? Maybe in 20 years, we’ll be rediscovering the overlooked gems of today.
