There's the theory that once a decade ends there's a clear-out of the big name popular musicians to make way for a new breed. This batch of records suggests otherwise. Whilst it's barely over a year into the new decade the majority of artists had some sort of chart presence in the 70s and many of those who didn't were one hit wonders.
Take the number one record for example. "Vienna" is most famous for not being a number one and is an excellent record. Ultravox may not have had a Top 40 hit until 1980 but singer Midge Ure first hit the Top 40 as part of Slik in 1976.
In 2nd place we have Dire Straits who first hit the Top 40 in 1978 as did Blondie in 3rd place. Crucially though all 3 of these records were driving music forward and didn't sound like they came out of the 70s.
We do have an authentic 80s band in 4th place with Teardrop Explodes debuting with their biggest hit "Reward". Phil Collins may have been the Genesis drummer and subsequently singer in the 70s but his solo debut "In The Air Tonight" was as 80s as they come.
Even Slade were a pleasant surprise. They had extensive success in the 70s before fading into obscurity in the latter part of the decade but their comeback record "We'll Bring The House Down" was very much adapting to the hard rock sound of the moment.
Next up we have one hit wonder Susan Fassbender with "Twilight Cafe". It's one of those records which has an identity of it's own and now frozen in time to be fondly remembered.
Not all one hit wonders this month were good. Down the bottom we have "Turn Me On, Turn Me Off" which you can tell will be irritating from it's title alone and that's exactly what it is. Likewise "The Oldest Swinger In Town" by Fred Wedlock is as silly as it sounds.
Obviously Cliff Richard isn't a one hit wonder and his effort here went in one ear out the other. I've already said I'm not a fan of David Bowie and "Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)" does little to convince me otherwise.
More one hit wonders above with Sheila Hylton and Barbara Jones both doing covers of 70s hits reggae style which again doesn't cover 1981 one hit wonders in glory. Just above that we have an authentic 80s act Top 40 wise with Adam & the Ants but the record comes from their 1979 album.
After a strong 1980 it seemed almost inevitable that 1981 wouldn't be as good, but still a decent enough score.
Score: 43
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