Why not? If we can do a playlist of number one songs from 1976-85, we can surely do the same for those songs that peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. And it may actually be a stronger playlist. During 1976-85, 74 songs missed the top spot by one notch; 93% of them are currently available on Spotify. So if you're in the mood, here's a 5 hour playlist of those 69 songs, presented in chronological order:
There's plenty of good stuff here and sometimes the chronological sequencing turns up some pleasant segues. In particular, there's the following sequence from 1979 that makes me throw my hands up and yell "wheee!" like I'm on a roller coaster:
"We Are Family" by Sister SledgeMuch like the playlist of #1's, this one sort of falls apart for me as we get into the '80s. At that time, I was in the process of becoming a music snob (sadly, that's a process that continues to this day), so I'll chalk it up to that. Still, the playlist ends with Eddie Murphy's "Party All the Time" which only strengthens my argument.
"After the Love has Gone" by Earth, Wind & Fire
"Dim All The Lights" by Donna Summer
| Year | #2 Songs | Grade |
| 1976 | 10 | B |
| 1977 | 8 | B |
| 1978 | 4 | A |
| 1979 | 5 | A |
| 1980 | 6 | B |
| 1981 | 10 | A |
| 1982 | 6 | C |
| 1983 | 8 | D |
| 1984 | 7 | C |
| 1985 | 10 | C |
Wheee indeed. This might actualy be a better driving playlist than the #1s just because there aren't as many peaks and valleys - fewer ballads to harsh my hurry.
ReplyDeleteI'll make an exception for "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" as it is heavy in atmosphere, great for night driving.
Thanks for this one. Always room for another Spotify playlist.
After further evaluation, there is probably the same ratio of ballads to upbeat hits as your #1 playlist. I just like the #2 ballads better.
Delete