20 of the Greatest Songs From 1988

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1988 saw the release of some of the most iconic songs in history. From pop to rock and rap, the year provided a variety of unforgettable tunes. Here are 20 of the greatest songs from 1988:

1. “One Moment In Time” by Whitney Houston

The Olympian anthem is still loved to this day. Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time” was the official theme song for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. The power ballad peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold in the US.

2. “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson

One of the most iconic songs by the King of Pop, “Smooth Criminal,” is Michael Jackson’s dark and mysterious masterpiece.

With its unique beat and Jackson’s signature dance moves, it was an instant success. The song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is still a fan favorite today.

3. “Together Forever” by Rick Astley

Rick Astley’s “Together Forever” is a classic love song. The romantic ballad was a hit in 1988, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since gone on to become a cult favorite, with many people still listening to it today.

4. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin

The feel-good hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin was an instant classic. With its catchy chorus and uplifting lyrics, it has become a staple at many events.

The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1988 and was awarded Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards.

5. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” is an inspirational gem. It tells the story of a woman trying to escape her troubled past and make a better life for herself.

The song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and got nominated for three Grammy Awards in 1989, winning one award for “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.”

6. “Desire” by U2

U2’s “Desire” is a timeless hit. The driving beat and impassioned lyrics make it an instant classic. It was one of U2’s most commercially successful singles, reaching number 3 in the Billboard Hot 100. It also earned them a Grammy Award for “Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.”

7. “Get Outta My Dreams Get Into My Car” by Billy Ocean

Billy Ocean’s “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” is a classic dance-pop song. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of the most successful singles of 1988. The song is still a crowd favorite today and has been featured in numerous films and television shows.

8. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses

The most iconic guitar riff in history, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, is an absolute classic. It was the breakthrough single for the band and skyrocketed them to stardom.

The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1988, becoming their first and only number-one hit single in the US.

9. “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” by Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston’s “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” is a heartbreaking ballad. The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold in the US. It has become a quintessential power ballad and is still beloved to this day.

10. “I’ll Always Love You” by Taylor Dayne

Taylor Dayne’s “I’ll Always Love You” is an infectious pop anthem. The song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was nominated for two Grammys for Best R&B Female Vocal and Best R&B Song of the Year. It has remained a fan favorite for decades and still gets played on the radio today.

11. “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” is an iconic song that has stood the test of time. It peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA. The empowering lyrics have resonated with people all over the world, making it a timeless classic.

12. “If We Hold On Together” by Diana Ross

Diana Ross’ “If We Hold On Together” is an inspirational ballad with a powerful message. The song was featured in the film “Land Before Time” and peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. It has gone on to become a timeless classic and continues to inspire people everywhere.

13. “When It’s Love” by Van Halen

Van Halen’s “When It’s Love” is an energetic rock anthem. It peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart. The song has become a fan favorite and still gets played on classic rock radio stations today.

14. “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” by New Kids on the Block

New Kids on the Block’s “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” is a signature dance-pop song from their second album. The song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold by the RIAA. It has remained popular for decades with fans of all ages and still gets played at parties today

15. “Look Away” by Chicago

Chicago’s “Look Away” is an emotional power ballad. The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of their highest-charting singles of all time. It is an enduring classic that continues to be beloved by fans around the world.

16. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison

Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is a classic rock ballad. The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified gold by the RIAA. It has endured for decades and continues to be one of the most beloved songs from 1988.

17. “Straight Up” by Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” is an upbeat pop anthem. The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA. It has become a signature hit for Paula, who continues to perform it today to rapturous applause from her fans.

18. “Girl You Know It’s True” by Milli Vanilli

Milli Vanilli’s “Girl, You Know It’s True” is an infectious pop song. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA. Despite the controversy surrounding the group, it remains a fan favorite and still gets played at parties today.

19. “Anything for You” by Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine

Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine’s “Anything for You” is an empowering love ballad. The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming their most successful single ever. It has become a timeless classic and continues to be beloved by fans everywhere.

20. “My Prerogative” by Bobby Brown

Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative” is an iconic R&B anthem. The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified gold by the RIAA. It has endured for decades, becoming a fan favorite and one of Bobby Brown’s most popular songs.

Conclusion

1988 was an incredible year for music, and the songs on this list are a testament to that. From Diana Ross’ inspirational ballad “If We Hold On Together” to Bobby Brown’s iconic R&B anthem “My Prerogative,” these 20 tunes are sure to get you dancing, singing along, or just feeling nostalgic.

So take a trip back in time with these timeless classics and spin your way to musical bliss!

One Moment in Time Single Cover Art Featured Image (Bottom) by: http://www.ebay.com/itm/WHITNEY-HOUSTON-ONE-MOMENT-IN-TIME-7-MINT-OLYMPICS-1988-ALBERT-HAMMOND-SONG-/370613539528?pt=Music_on_Vinyl&hash=item564a49d2c8, Fair use, Link

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