8tracks: sexy 80s songs
this is the first in a new series of mini playlists, each consisting of 8 songs based around a different theme. this first one is inspired by a TV show i'm loving, Rivals, and features sexy 80s songs - the kind of song that could be featured on the show and has that hot, sensual vibe.
"Addicted to Love," Robert Palmer
you like to think you're immune to the stuff, oh yeah / it's closer to the truth to say you can't get enough
this ode to love and lust was released in 1986 as part of Robert Palmer's album Riptide, and actually features over the opening scene of Rivals. We are introduced to one Rupert Campbell-Black as he is having sex with reporter Beattie Johnson in the bathroom of the Concorde plane, just as they reach the sound barrier. Palmer sings about the intoxicating effects of love over a steady drumbeat and sharp guitar riff, which was the initial inspiration for the song, and it's the song that put him on the map on both sides of the Atlantic, in his native Britain and in America.
"Father Figure," George Michael
if you are the desert, i'll be the sea / if you ever hunger, hunger for me
from George Michael's debut solo album Faith, released in 1987, "Father Figure" is told from the perspective of a man who promises to make his lover feel safe and loved. it's a steamy love ballad that was originally going to be written as a mid-tempo dance ballad, but the resulting song is far from that, instead having a dreamy atmosphere.
"I Want to Know What Love Is," Foreigner
i wanna know what love is / i know you can show me / i wanna feel what love is / i know you can show me
the lead single from Foreigner's album Agent Provocateur, "I Want to Know What Love Is" is their biggest selling single, reaching number one in both the UK and US. it's a sharp departure from Foreigner's previous work which was pure rock, as this is instead a moody, dramatic ballad that ascends into gospel territory, with a choir closing out the song. it's a dreamy, hypnotic song about craving love and knowing what you want, despite the obstacles.
"Maneater," Hall & Oates
she's deadly, man, and she can really rip your world apart / mind over matter / ooh, the beauty is there but the beast is in the heart
another song that featured in Rivals, Hall & Oates's "Maneater" played over Sarah Stratton strutting through the hallways of Corinium to seduce James Vereker. John Oates described "Maneater" as being about New York City in the 80s - "it's about greed, avarice, and spoiled riches" - but with a woman as its subject, the song is given an alluring and sensunous edge that is fraught with danger. it's possibly their best song, and one that makes you think that there was something sexy about a saxophone solo.
"Call Me," Blondie
cover me with kisses, baby, cover me with love / roll me in designer sheets, i'll never get enough
produced and composed by Italian composer and leading figure behind the scenes of the rise of electronic dance Giorgio Moroder - named "the Father of Disco" - Blondie's "Call Me" was the theme song to the 1980 film American Gigolo. the song perfectly captures the film's themes of wealth and sensuality, as it tells the story of a high-priced escort in Los Angeles, portrayed by Richard Gere. Moroder's presented the composition to Debbie Harry who wrote the lyrics, which were set up from the perspective of the film's main character. it's one of Blondie's best as Harry's vocals fit perfectly over Moroder's composition. a Spanish version of the song features in Rivals during Rupert Campbell-Black and Cameron Cook's trip to Malaga.
"Take My Breath Away," Berlin
watching every motion in this foolish lover's game / haunted by the notion somewhere there's a love in flames
the love theme from Top Gun, "Take My Breath Away" was used multiple times in the film over steamy scenes of Tom Cruise's Maverick and Kelly McGillis's Charlie. like "Call Me," this is produced by Giorgio Moroder, who worked on several songs on the Top Gun soundtrack. "Take My Breath Away" became Berlin's signature song, won both a Golden Globe and Oscar for Best Original Song and helped the soundtrack become the best selling of 1986. while "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins is what comes to mind for Top Gun and planes, "Take My Breath Away" is what comes to mind for Top Gun and sex.
"Master and Servant," Depeche Mode
it's a lot like life, this play between the sheets / with you on top, and me underneath
from their 1984 album Some Great Reward, Depeche Mode's "Master and Servant" is about two things: sex and domination. this is made clear throughout the song, as vocalist Dave Gahan sings about the feeling of giving control away to your lover and calling it "master and servant" - the song's narrator is put in the 'servant' role, relinquishing control to the 'master.' while Gahan has said that the sexual tones of the song are "pretty obvious," both Martin Gore and Alan Wilder insist that it's about all kinds of domination, not just sexual. it was even banned on radio stations on both sides of the Atlantic due to the overtly sexual lyrics.
"Need You Tonight," INXS
your moves are so raw, i've got to let you know
the biggest hit from Australian band INXS has also been described as their most lustful song ever. with a whispered introduction of "come over here," vocalist Michael Hutchence beckons you in before leading into the guitar riff created by Andrew Farriss. the whole song is seduction, the song's narrator singing about his loneliness and desire for the girl with "moves so raw." he's craving her and it's a passionate plea for them to get together, telling her that they would be good together. their songs "New Sensation" and "Mystify," also from the album Kick, would make good entries on this list as well.
