The Number One Hits Of 1982

Since its release in 1981 as a single from Hall & Oates’ album “Private Eyes,” I Can’t Go for That has been sampled by numerous artists across different musical styles. Its iconic bassline and infectious rhythm have been incorporated into hip-hop, R&B, and dance tracks by artists such as De La Soul, Simply Red, and Heavy D.

The song’s versatility and timeless groove have made it a go-to source for creating new music. The distinctive “I Can’t Go for That” elements have been reimagined, reworked, and recontextualized in ways that pay homage to the original while adding new dimensions to the sampled tracks.

Ebony and Ivory by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder is inspired by a piano given to McCartney by comedian and musician Spike Milligan. Milligan gifted McCartney a piano designed to look like a “piano for two” with black and white keys painted on the same level, symbolizing racial harmony.

The concept of the piano sparked McCartney’s creativity, and he began writing a song around the idea of black and white keys symbolizing unity and equality. McCartney envisioned collaborating with a prominent African-American artist, and Stevie Wonder was the perfect choice.

Collaborating through long-distance communication due to their busy schedules, McCartney and Wonder recorded their respective parts separately. They exchanged their contributions and ideas, ultimately resulting in the creation of “Ebony and Ivory.”

The song’s lyrics express genuine affection and gratitude, conveying the depth of love Richie felt for his father. However, after realizing the song’s universal message of love and devotion, Richie released it as a single to share its sentiment with a broader audience.

Truly was released as the lead single from Lionel Richie’s self-titled debut solo album. The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying Richie’s successful transition into a solo career following his departure from the Commodores. By sharing this personal tribute to his father with the world, Richie expressed his love for his dad and touched countless listeners’ hearts. “Truly” remains one of Lionel Richie’s most beloved and enduring songs, serving as a testament to the power of love and the bond between father and son.

The lyrics of “Maneater” were written after Daryl Hall and John Oates observed the predatory nature of certain women they encountered while frequenting nightclubs in the city. During the 1980s, Hall & Oates were at the height of their career, and New York City’s vibrant nightlife provided ample inspiration for their music. The duo wanted to capture the essence of the club scene and the allure of certain women with a reputation for using their charm to manipulate men. The song’s lyrics, with lines such as “The woman is wild, a she-cat tamed by the purr of a Jaguar,” convey the seductive and dangerous nature of the character portrayed in the song. It became one of Hall & Oates’ biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1982.

While “Maneater” has a catchy and upbeat sound, its underlying theme explores the idea of manipulation and the cautionary tale of falling for someone with ulterior motives. The song’s success highlights the ability of Hall & Oates to craft pop songs with memorable hooks and lyrics that resonate with listeners.