1. “Careless Whisper” by George Michael 2. “We Are the World” by USA for Africa 3. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds 4. “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears 5. “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits 6. “Shout” by Tears for Fears 7. “Take on Me” by A-ha 8. “Everytime You Go Away” by Paul Young 9. “We Built This City” by Starship 10. “Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston

There existed an impressive compilation of songs that achieved the status of number-one hits in the year 1985, and many of these classics continue to be held in high regard even after four decades. These tunes played a significant role in shaping the 1980s music scene and have earned a spot on the list of iconic songs that defined the era. The artists responsible for these hits faced stiff competition during the time, especially within rock music where numerous albums received perfect scores. Hence, these musicians needed to deliver something extraordinary that would distinguish them from the rest, both in terms of vocals and visuals.

While some of these timeless songs were the work of solo artists, others showcased exceptional pop collaborations that have stood the test of time. Each track possessed its unique essence, ranging from the sound to the accompanying music video. The 1980s represented the era of the MTV Generation, where various factors contributed to the longevity of these songs, enabling them to resonate with a broad audience then and continue to do so now.

Stevie Wonder’s “Part-Time Lover,” from his album “In Square Circle” released in 1985, holds a special place in his career as the last solo number one single he has achieved to date. This track, the lead single from his 20th studio album, contributed significantly to the album’s success, propelling it to the fifth position on the Billboard 200 chart. What made this song so captivating was the innovative production that spanned across three different genres – synth-pop, R&B, and soul. The intriguing twist in the song’s narrative has kept listeners engaged and intrigued over the years, transcending mere lyrics to tell a compelling story.

Bryan Adams’ hit “Heaven,” featured on his 1984 album “Reckless,” reached the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart, securing its place as one of the defining songs of 1985. This love ballad served as a pivotal track on the album that also included hits like “Summer of ’69” and “Run to You.” The enduring popularity of “Heaven” can be attributed to its timeless theme of love, making it a classic that never goes out of style, as evidenced by its increasing streams on Spotify.

The band Starship, an offshoot of Jefferson Starship, gained immense success with their debut album “Knee Deep In The Hoopla” released in 1985. The album spawned four hit singles, two of which – “We Built This City” and “Sara” – ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “We Built This City,” despite facing debate over its quality, boasted a radio-friendly sound that resonated with audiences, securing it a nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 28th Grammy Awards.

Tears For Fears achieved significant acclaim with their album “Songs From The Big Chair” in 1985, which topped the Billboard 200 chart. The iconic song “Shout” emerged as another number-one hit from the album, spending three weeks in the top spot on the weekly charts, surpassing the success of their previous hit “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” These songs continue to be celebrated for their impact on the ’80s music landscape and the enduring legacy they have left behind.