The Number One Hits Of 1989

December 24, 1988 – January 13, 1989
Poison
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Poison’s drummer, Rikki Rockett, co-founded the band with Bret Michaels.
The song’s title was inspired by a failed romantic relationship Bret Michaels had experienced.
January 14, 1989 – January 20, 1989
Bobby Brown
My Prerogative
Bobby Brown started his music career as a member of the R&B group New Edition.
My Prerogative is known for its catchy melody and strong message of self-determination.
January 21, 1989 – February 3, 1989
Phil Collins
Two Hearts
In addition to his solo career, Phil Collins was the drummer and lead vocalist for the rock band Genesis.
Two Hearts was composed for the 1988 film “Buster,” in which Collins starred as the titular character.
February 4, 1989 – February 10, 1989
Sheriff
When I’m with You
Sheriff was a Canadian rock band active during the early 1980s, with Freddy Curci as lead vocalist.
When I’m with You was initially released in 1983 but became a hit in the US in 1989
February 11, 1989 – March 3, 1989
Paula Abdul
Straight Up
Paula Abdul began her career as a Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader and later became a sought-after choreographer.
Straight Up features a memorable, funky bass line and helped establish Abdul as a pop icon.
March 4, 1989 – March 24, 1989
Debbie Gibson
Lost In Your Eyes
Debbie Gibson was the youngest female artist to write, produce, and perform a Billboard Hot 100 number-one single.
Lost In Your Eyes is a heartfelt piano ballad that showcases Gibson’s vocal and songwriting talents.
March 25, 1989 – March 31, 1989
Mike + The Mechanics
The Living Years
Mike + The Mechanics is a British rock supergroup formed in 1985 by Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford.
The Living Years is a powerful ballad about the complexities of father-son relationships and the importance of communication.
April 1, 1989 – April 7, 1989
The Bangles
Eternal Flame
The Bangles is an all-female American rock band that gained fame in the 1980s with hits like Walk Like an Egyptian.
Eternal Flame was inspired by the eternal flame at Elvis Presley’s Graceland and is known for its soaring chorus.
April 8, 1989 – April 14, 1989
Roxette
The Look
Roxette is a Swedish pop-rock duo consisting of Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle.
The Look features a catchy guitar riff and became the duo’s first US number-one single
April 15, 1989 – April 21, 1989
Fine Young Cannibals
She Drives Me Crazy
Fine Young Cannibals was a British rock band formed in 1984, with Roland Gift as the lead vocalist.
She Drives Me Crazy is known for its unique snare drum sound and infectious chorus.
April 22, 1989 – May 12, 1989
Madonna
Like a Prayer
Madonna is an iconic pop artist, known for her constant reinvention and ability to push boundaries.
Like a Prayer is a powerful, gospel-influenced track that sparked controversy due to its provocative music video.
May 13, 1989 – May 19, 1989
Bon Jovi
I’ll Be There for You
Bon Jovi is an American rock band, formed in 1983, with Jon Bon Jovi as its lead singer.
I’ll Be There for You is a classic power ballad that showcases the band’s softer side and strong songwriting abilities.
May 20, 1989 – June 2, 1989
Paula Abdul
Forever Your Girl
Paula Abdul started her career as a Laker Girl and choreographer before transitioning to singing.
Forever Your Girl, the title track of her debut album, is an upbeat pop song that combines catchy melodies with Abdul’s energetic dance moves.
June 3, 1989 – June 9, 1989
Michael Damian
Rock On
Michael Damian is an American actor, singer, and producer best known for his role as Danny Romalotti on the soap opera “The Young and the Restless.”
Rock On is a cover of a 1973 song by British singer David Essex, and Michael Damian’s version topped the charts in 1989.
June 10, 1989 – June 16, 1989
Bette Midler
Wind Beneath My Wings
Bette Midler is a versatile American singer, actress, and comedian who has won multiple Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Awards.
Wind Beneath My Wings is an emotional ballad featured in the 1988 film “Beaches” and has since become one of Midler’s signature songs.
June 17, 1989 – June 23, 1989
New Kids on the Block
I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)
New Kids on the Block is an American boy band that gained immense popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with members including Donnie Wahlberg and Jordan Knight.
I’ll Be Loving You (Forever) is a romantic pop ballad showcasing the group’s vocal harmonies.
June 24, 1989 – June 30, 1989
Richard Marx
Satisfied
Richard Marx is an American singer-songwriter and producer known for his adult contemporary and pop rock ballads.
Satisfied is an energetic rock song that marked a departure from Marx’s previous ballads and reached the top of the charts in 1989.
July 1, 1989 – July 7, 1989
Milli Vanilli
Baby, Don’t Forget My Number
Milli Vanilli was a German-French R&B duo of Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus. The duo was created by German record producer and songwriter Frank Farian in the late 1980s. Milli Vanilli gained international fame for their catchy pop and dance tracks, often featuring memorable hooks and melodies. It was later revealed that Morvan and Pilatus did not sing on their records. Farian had hired session singers to provide the vocals, while Morvan and Pilatus lip-synced during live performances and music videos. This scandal led to the duo being stripped of their Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1990, ultimately tarnishing their reputation in the music industry.
July 8, 1989 – July 14, 1989
Fine Young Cannibals
Good Thing
Fine Young Cannibals was a British rock band formed in 1984, consisting of members Roland Gift, Andy Cox, and David Steele.
Good Thing is an energetic and catchy pop-rock song that became one of the band’s biggest hits, known for its distinctive guitar riff.
July 15, 1989 – July 21, 1989
Simply Red
If You Don’t Know Me By Now
Simply Red is a British band led by singer Mick Hucknall, known for their blend of pop, soul, and R&B.
If You Don’t Know Me By Now is a cover of a 1972 song by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and Simply Red’s version became a major hit, showcasing Hucknall’s smooth vocals.
July 22, 1989 – August 4, 1989
Martika
Toy Soldiers
Martika is an American singer-songwriter and actress who gained fame in the late 1980s with her pop hits.
Toy Soldiers is a heartfelt song about addiction, which became Martika’s biggest hit and reached the top of the charts in 1989.
August 5, 1989 – August 11, 1989
Prince
Batdance
Prince was an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative music and flamboyant stage presence.
Batdance is an experimental and eclectic song from the soundtrack of the 1989 film “Batman,” which incorporates dialogue samples from the movie.
August 12, 1989 – September 1, 1989
Richard Marx
Right Here Waiting
Richard Marx, the American singer-songwriter and producer, is known for his ballads and adult contemporary music.
Right Here Waiting is a poignant piano-based ballad that became one of Marx’s most enduring hits and a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.
September 2, 1989 – September 8, 1989
Paula Abdul
Cold Hearted
Paula Abdul is an American singer, dancer, and choreographer who found success in the late 1980s and early 1990s with her pop and dance hits.
Cold Hearted is a dance-pop song with a catchy melody and a memorable music video that features Abdul’s choreography skills.
September 9, 1989 – September 15, 1989
New Kids on the Block
Hangin’ Tough
New Kids on the Block, the American boy band, gained massive popularity with their catchy pop tunes and dance moves.
Hangin’ Tough is an anthemic song with a rebellious attitude, showcasing the group’s edgier side and appealing to a wide audience.
September 16, 1989 – September 22, 1989
Gloria Estefan
Don’t Wanna Lose You
Gloria Estefan is a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful vocals and Latin-infused pop music.
Don’t Wanna Lose You is a heartfelt ballad that showcases Estefan’s emotive vocal range and is one of her signature songs.
September 23, 1989 – October 6, 1989
Milli Vanilli
Girl, I’m Gonna Miss You
Milli Vanilli was a German-French R&B duo made up of Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus, who became infamous for a lip-syncing scandal leading to revoking their Grammy.
Girl, I’m Gonna Miss You is a sentimental song with a catchy melody that achieved chart success despite the eventual controversy surrounding the duo.
October 7, 1989 – November 3, 1989
Janet Jackson
Miss You Much
Janet Jackson, the American singer, songwriter, and actress, is known for her innovative music, socially conscious lyrics, and elaborate stage shows.
Miss You Much is a high-energy dance-pop song that became a massive hit and featured an iconic chair dance routine in its music video.
November 4, 1989 – November 10, 1989
Roxette
Listen To Your Heart
Roxette was a Swedish pop-rock duo consisting of Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle, known for their catchy melodies and powerful vocals.
Listen To Your Heart is a dramatic power ballad that features Fredriksson’s emotive vocals and became one of the duo’s most successful hits.
November 11, 1989 – November 24, 1989
Bad English
When I See You Smile
Bad English was an American rock band formed in 1987, featuring members John Waite, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ricky Phillips, and Deen Castronovo.
When I See You Smile is a soaring power ballad written by Diane Warren, and it became the band’s biggest hit, reaching the top of the charts.
November 25, 1989 – December 8, 1989
Milli Vanilli
Blame It on the Rain
Milli Vanilli was a German-French R&B duo, made up of Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus, who became infamous for a lip-syncing scandal that led to their Grammy being revoked.
Blame It on the Rain is a catchy pop song that achieved chart success despite the eventual controversy surrounding the duo.
December 9, 1989 – December 22, 1989
Billy Joel
We Didn’t Start the Fire
Billy Joel is an American singer-songwriter and pianist known for his storytelling lyrics and memorable melodies.
We Didn’t Start the Fire is a unique song that features a rapid-fire listing of historical events, personalities, and cultural references, set to an infectious melody.
December 23, 1989 – January 19, 1990
Phil Collins
Another Day in Paradise
Phil Collins is an English singer, songwriter, drummer, and actor, best known for his work with the band Genesis and his solo career
Another Day in Paradise is a thought-provoking song that addresses the issue of homelessness, and it became one of Collins’ most successful and enduring hits.

The Biggest Pop Artists of 1989 include:
Babyface, The Bangles, Bette Midler, Bobby Brown, Bon Jovi, Cher, Debbie Gibson, Dino, Donny Osmond, Fing Young Cannibals, Guy, Heavy D & the Boyz, Janet Jackson, Karyn White, Keith Sweat, Levert, Luther Vandross, Madonna, Martika, Micheal Jackson, Milli Vanilli, Natalie Cole, New Kids on the Block, Paula Abdul, Peabo Bryson, Phil Collins, Poison, Prince, Quincy Jones, Regina Belle, Richard Marx, Roxette, Simply Red, Slick Rick, Soul II Soul, Stephanie Mills, Surface, Taylor Dayne, Tone Loc, Vanessa Williams, Whitney Houston

(HPS music data is compiled from charts, including Billboard’s Pop, Rock, Airplay, R&B/Dance, and Singles Charts. The Hot 100 is the primary chart used for this list.)

 

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