About this season
The stories behind six songs from the decade, examining George Michael's Careless Whisper, Ultravox's Vienna, Culture Club's Do You Really Want to Hurt Me, Sade's Smooth Operator, Eurythmics' Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) and 1999, which was released by Prince in 1982. Contributors include Midge Ure, Shirlie Kemp, Steve Levine, Paul Morley, Malcolm Gerrie, David Grant and Katie Puckrik.
Episodes (2)
1. Episode 1
Aired 12 February 2021
Gary Davies narrates this look at the music of 1980, featuring revealing interviews with the singers and band members who made it one of the biggest years in pop. From the Specials and the Jam to Blondie and Bowie, and not forgetting the biggest girl band of the time - the Nolans, it was a year of music and pop videos to remember. Sheena Easton was singing about her man working 9 to 5, Madness stormed the charts with Baggy Trousers and Dexy's Midnight Runners had a memorable number one with Geno. Contributors include Toyah Willcox, Paul Gambaccini and Katie Puckrik.
2. Episode 2
Aired 19 February 2021
The stories behind six songs from the decade. Spandau Ballet's Steve Norman remembers how the sound of their biggest hit True was influenced by its idyllic recording setting in the Bahamas. Soul II Soul's Jazzie B looks back on their sound system origins and how their biggest hit Back to Life (However Do You Want Me) blended a bass heavy street vibe with classical strings. Also appraised are Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer, Simply Red's Holding Back the Years, Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Relax and Whitney Houston's I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).