xx super songs from Top Of The Pops 1986 you are still listening now

We arrived in the second half of the decade in the BBC Four Top Of The Pops – and now we are on the success of 1986.

And it must be said , this one was a bit of a strange old year – with mulletted Europoppers, random members of EastEnders and even some puppets lying in the top of the diagrams. Plus, Euh, Su Pollard.

But among all of those there were plenty of great old pop jewels that you will most likely still remember today.

So how many of these 1986 classics – all of which made their mark on Top Of The Pops that year (even though they have already been published) – are you still listening now? Many, we think …

1 West End Girls – Pet Shop Boys

This one could have been inclined in the charts at the end of 1985 but he did not arrive at the first rank before the beginning of 1986 – hence its inclusion on this list. The first single of the former Smash Hits player, Neil Tennant, and his musical partner Chris Lowe, is a fabulous piece of electronica from the mid-1980s made even more memorable by Tennant's half-song at half-voice. in this relaxed way of sound. Funky stuff – or like Smash Hits would have called it swingorilliant! & # 39;

2 Livin 'On A Prayer – Bon Jovi

What would the mid-80s have been without a place of chaos in rock? A much poorer place, that is what. And the rock anthems are rarely more than 80 years old – all with big hair, fringed leather jackets, instrumental pieces and Jon Bon Jovi reminding us that "Woah, we're halfway there." Admit it, you played guitar at some point in your life. I RECOGNIZE HIM.

3 You can call me al – Paul Simon

This one is quite catchy in itself, but it's the video that really does, as the 80s superstar Chevy Chase enters with Paul Simon and takes over The song that he is supposed to be singing – leaving Simon looking lost and puzzled and without much to do apart from dropping drums and playing a little flute (the look unhappy on his face is only gold). Cue a lot of comments on how they are no longer making music clips like that (because they're not doing it).

4 Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel

Speaking of songs you remember primarily because of their videos, Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer is another decent piece that has benefited from breathtaking visuals – in The former Genesis leader literally subjected to all the lyrics played on the screen. Since this was done in the days leading up to the computer animation, it was filmed frame by frame and so took some blimmin time to do – but won about a zillion price so we estimate that it was worth it. Oh and fun: The headless chicken sequence was created by Nick Park. Yes, that one. Who knew?

5 How will I know? – Whitney Houston

After cementing her place in the world of music with the topper "All my love for you," Whitney showed that she could do those cheerful little pop songs Also, she wonders if the man of her dreams is actually in love with her too – and in those super-innocent days pre-Tinder thinks to call her but is too shy to talk. He could not be more cute if he tried.

6 The Edge of Heaven – Wham!

Teenage hearts everywhere smashed into a million pieces when Wham! announced that they were separating in 1986 – but George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley were not letting the band do without a final Wembley Stadium concert (Wham! The Final as it was called) and this single swansong – which of course flew directly to number one. We challenge you not to sing with this one.

7 A Different Corner – George Michael

While Wham! George Michael's solo career took a very different trajectory, since he scored his second issue in 1986 with this mesmerizing ballad, which took on a whole new poem following his death on Christmas Day 2016. There still has powers inducing goosebumps to this day.

8 Panic – The Smiths

1986 had its fair share of brilliant pop songs. It's not one of them – but despite its gloom, it's still awesome. And, with a recent episode of Black Mirror taking its title from its chorus "Hang the DJ," it's clear that it still has a profound influence.

9 The sun always shines on TV – A-ha

Thus, the Scandilove continued in 1986 while A-ha won first place with their follow-up Take On Me and confirmed that they had more of a great song under their belt – not to mention more than a super-elegant video. And of course, if you did not feel like Morten Harket, then 1986 was clearly wasted on you.

10 Dad does not preach – Madonna

Madge's dominance in the charts in the mid-80s continued in 1986 with this classic topper, the lady herself addressing the thorny subject of teen pregnancy. in a dancefloor hit. Do not pretend that you did not shed a little stealthy tear on the video either.

11 Dancing on the ceiling – Lionel Richie

Listen, we are not saying that 1986 was a bit lame for lyrics or anything – but take note Lionel Richie, we know you do not Sing that gravitationally impossible because you needed something to rhyme with "feel", OK? Still a bit of a choon, the spirit.

12 Why Can not He Act Of Love – Van Halen

Van Halen undergoes a personnel change in the mid-1980s when former singer David Lee Roth was replaced by Sammy Hagar – but he is quite obvious that first single with him as a leader, that they were even more than able to launch these rock bangers. Amaze these people of aerial guitar, you will need it.

13 Do not leave me this way – Communards

No list of 1986 would be complete without the biggest seller of the year, which was a success for Thelma Houston in 1975, but a much more important success for Jimi Somerville. The Bronski Beat combo takes pole position for four weeks during the summer. And for Strictly fans who were not born in 1986, yes that's the group Reverend Richard Coles was in. You can even see it in the video you know.

14 Chain Reaction – Diana Ross

The second-largest seller of 1986 – written by The Bee Gees – saw Miss Ross return to her 60s Motown in both the song and in a bit cheeky video in which she manages to give a TV producer apoplexy with its many different costume changes. Listen and try to get that chorus from your head. Continue, we challenge you.

15 Walk like this – Run DMC and Aerosmith

Rap meets rock while Run DMC delivers a classic Aerosmith in 1975 – only for Steven Tyler and co appears just in time for the great choir. All this and yet another iconic video of the 80s as both groups try to outdo each other.

16 Addicted To Love – Robert Palmer

Another song that drew more attention for his video than anything else – this time for his women's support group at Identical appearance – but that could just as well you're addicted to love will stay in your brain for EVER.

17 Word Up – Cameo

You may already know the Little Mix version, but the original, from the American group Cameo, also deserves your attention. And not only for the terrifying red code of singer Larry Blackmon.

19 Manic Monday – The Bangles

Group of Girls The Bangles Fair dominated the charts in 1986. And while Walk Like An Egyptian, their other big hit of the year , could be the one that everyone drank Manic Monday – which was written by Prince as Christopher – is certainly the best song, a jolly little hymn in which Susanna Hoffs reminds us that Mondays are nonsense. So relatable.

20 Taking a deep breath – Berlin

Aka the Top Gun theme (which was of course THE 1986 film). The 1986 Top Of The Pops debuted on BBC Four on Friday at 8pm with The Story Of 1986 followed by Top Of The Pops: Big Hits at 9pm.