1989 was a landmark year in the history of popular music, marked by the emergence of new artists and sounds that challenged conventional wisdom and defined the cultural landscape of the time. From the glossy pop of Madonna to the introspective ballads of Tracy Chapman, the year produced a wealth of memorable tunes that continue to captivate audiences to this day. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at 20 of the greatest songs from 1989, showcasing the diversity and talent of the musicians who made them and exploring the lasting impact they have had on the music world. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan of the era or simply a lover of great tunes, these tracks are sure to evoke memories and stir emotions.
1. “Like a Prayer” by Madonna
“Like a Prayer” is a hit song by Madonna, released in 1989. The song was written and produced by Madonna and Patrick Leonard, and was the lead single from her fourth studio album of the same name. The song is a mid-tempo ballad that incorporates elements of pop, soul, and R&B music, and features a strong melody and powerful vocals from Madonna. Lyrically, the song deals with themes of religion, spirituality, and social justice, and its powerful message of hope and positivity resonated with audiences around the world. The song was well-received both commercially and critically, and remains one of Madonna’s most beloved and enduring hits to this day.
2. “Don’t Wanna Lose You” by Gloria Estefan
“Don’t Wanna Lose You” is a popular ballad by Cuban-American singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan, released in 1989. The song was written by Estefan and John Bettis and was the lead single from her fourth studio album “Cuts Both Ways”. The song is a mid-tempo ballad that features Estefan’s powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics about the fear of losing someone she loves. The song’s melody is haunting and emotional, and Estefan delivers the lyrics with a mixture of passion and vulnerability. “Don’t Wanna Lose You” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries, and was one of Estefan’s biggest hits of the late 1980s.
3. “Love Shack” by B-52’s
“Love Shack” is a fun and funky hit song by the American rock band The B-52’s. Released in 1989, the song was written by the band’s keyboardist, keyboardist and guitarist and was the lead single from their fifth studio album “Cosmic Thing”. The song is an upbeat dance-pop track with a catchy chorus and a playful, irreverent attitude. The lyrics are lighthearted and quirky, and the song’s iconic saxophone riff and infectious beat make it a staple of dance floors and parties around the world. “Love Shack” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of The B-52’s most recognizable and beloved hits. The song remains a classic of 80s pop culture and continues to be a party favorite to this day.
4. “Miss You Much” by Janet Jackson
“Miss You Much” is a high-energy pop and R&B song by American singer and dancer Janet Jackson. Released in 1989, the song was written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and was the lead single from her fourth studio album “Rhythm Nation 1814”. The song is a fast-paced, up-tempo track that features a driving beat, catchy lyrics, and Jackson’s powerful vocals. The song’s lyrics deal with longing for a lost love and the singer’s desire to be reunited with her partner. The song was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of Janet Jackson’s biggest hits of the late 1980s. “Miss You Much” is widely regarded as a classic of 1980s pop and dance music and remains a staple of Jackson’s live performances to this day.
5. “Bust A Move” by Young MC
“Bust A Move” is a classic hip-hop song by British-American rapper Young MC. Released in 1989, the song was written by Young MC and produced by Matt Dike and Michael Ross. The song is an upbeat, funky track that features a catchy melody, tight rhymes, and a memorable chorus. The lyrics are lighthearted and playful, and Young MC delivers his verses with a confident and charismatic flow. “Bust A Move” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of the biggest hits of the late 1980s. The song is widely regarded as a classic of old-school hip-hop and remains a staple of hip-hop playlists to this day. “Bust A Move” continues to be one of Young MC’s most recognizable and beloved hits, and is a true classic of 1980s popular culture.
6. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
“Wind Beneath My Wings” is a timeless ballad by American singer and actress Bette Midler. The song was originally recorded by singer Gary Morris in 1982, but Midler’s version, released in 1989, became a massive hit and has since become one of her signature songs. The song is a slow and emotional ballad that features Midler’s powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics about love, friendship, and gratitude. The song’s melody is beautiful and memorable, and the lyrics are touching and heartfelt. “Wind Beneath My Wings” was a huge commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and was one of the biggest hits of the late 1980s. The song continues to be a favorite among fans of Midler’s work, and remains a staple of contemporary ballad playlists to this day.
7. “Pump Up the Jam” by Technotronic
“Pump Up the Jam” is an upbeat and energetic dance-pop hit by Belgian group Technotronic. The song was released in 1989 and was the lead single from the group’s debut album “Pump Up the Jam: The Album”. The song is a high-energy track that features a driving beat, catchy melody, and a memorable chorus. The song’s lyrics are simple and repetitive, but its infectious energy and upbeat vibe made it a hit on dance floors around the world. “Pump Up the Jam” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of the biggest dance hits of the late 1980s. The song remains a classic of early dance and techno music, and continues to be a staple of electronic dance music playlists to this day.
8. “Heaven” by Warrant
“Heaven” is a power ballad by American glam metal band Warrant. The song was released in 1989 and was the lead single from the band’s debut album “Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich”. The song is a slow and emotional ballad that features a powerful vocal performance from lead singer Jani Lane and heartfelt lyrics about love and longing. The song’s melody is memorable and the guitar solo is powerful and soulful. “Heaven” was a huge commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of Warrant’s biggest hits. The song remains a staple of 80s hair metal and continues to be a favorite among fans of the genre to this day. “Heaven” is a true classic of late 80s rock and a powerful example of the band’s musical prowess.
9. “Another Day In Paradise” by Phil Collins
“Another Day in Paradise” is a socially conscious ballad by British singer-songwriter Phil Collins. The song was released in 1989 and was the lead single from Collins’ fifth studio album, “But Seriously”. The song features Collins’ powerful and emotional vocals, as well as his signature soulful drumming. The song’s lyrics deal with the issue of homelessness and the singer’s desire to help those in need. The song’s melody is haunting and memorable, and the lyrics are thought-provoking and moving. “Another Day in Paradise” was a huge commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of Collins’ biggest hits. The song remains a classic of late 80s pop and continues to be a powerful reminder of the important social issues of our time.
10. “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
“I Won’t Back Down” is a rock anthem by American singer-songwriter Tom Petty and his band, The Heartbreakers. The song was released in 1989 and was the lead single from Petty’s first solo album, “Full Moon Fever”. The song is a mid-tempo rocker with a driving beat, memorable melody, and powerful lyrics about determination and perseverance. The song’s upbeat energy and uplifting message make it a classic of 1980s rock and roll. “I Won’t Back Down” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of Tom Petty’s most recognizable and beloved hits. The song remains a staple of classic rock playlists to this day, and continues to be a fan favorite among fans of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.
11. “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” by Simply Red
“If You Don’t Know Me By Now” is a soulful ballad by British band Simply Red. The song was released in 1989 and was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features lead singer Mick Hucknall’s powerful and emotional vocals, as well as a haunting and soulful melody. The lyrics are about a man who pleads with his lover to understand him better, and the song’s message of love and understanding resonated with listeners around the world. “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” was widely acclaimed by critics and remains one of Simply Red’s biggest hits. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and continues to be a staple of adult contemporary and soul music playlists.
12. “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty
“Free Fallin'” is a classic rock ballad by American singer-songwriter Tom Petty. The song was released in 1989 and was the lead single from Petty’s solo album “Full Moon Fever”. The song is a mid-tempo ballad with a memorable melody and introspective lyrics about love, loss, and the simple pleasures of life. The song’s gentle acoustic guitar and Petty’s smooth, hushed vocals create a contemplative and nostalgic mood. “Free Fallin'” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of Tom Petty’s most recognizable and beloved hits. The song remains a staple of classic rock radio to this day and continues to be a fan favorite among fans of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.
13. “Express Yourself” by Madonna
“Express Yourself” is an upbeat dance-pop anthem by American singer-songwriter Madonna. The song was released in 1989 and was the second single from her fourth studio album, “Like a Prayer”. The song features Madonna’s powerful vocals and a driving beat, and the lyrics are about empowering women and encouraging self-expression. “Express Yourself” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of Madonna’s biggest hits. The song’s memorable melody, catchy chorus, and empowering message made it a hit with audiences around the world. The song remains a classic of 1980s dance-pop and continues to be a fan favorite among Madonna fans. The song’s iconic music video, featuring Madonna in a futuristic robotic world, is considered a classic of music video history.
14. “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx
“Right Here Waiting” is a power ballad by American singer-songwriter Richard Marx. The song was released in 1989 and was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features Marx’s emotive vocals and a heartfelt melody, and the lyrics are about a man who is waiting for his lover to return to him. “Right Here Waiting” was widely acclaimed by critics and remains one of Richard Marx’s biggest hits. The song’s memorable chorus and touching lyrics have made it a staple of adult contemporary and love song playlists, and the song continues to be a fan favorite among fans of Richard Marx and soft rock music. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a classic of the power ballad genre.
15. “Keep On Movin” by Soul II Soul
“Keep On Movin'” is a soulful and upbeat dance track by British group Soul II Soul. The song was released in 1989 and was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features a mixture of soulful vocals and a contagious dance beat, and the lyrics are about staying positive and keeping moving forward despite life’s challenges. “Keep On Movin'” was widely acclaimed by critics and remains one of Soul II Soul’s biggest hits. The song’s infectious melody and positive message made it a hit with audiences around the world, and the song remains a classic of British soul and dance music. The song’s memorable music video, featuring Soul II Soul’s iconic “Funky Dread” style, is considered a classic of music video history.
16. “All Around the World” by Lisa Stansfield
“All Around the World” is a soulful and upbeat pop track by British singer Lisa Stansfield. The song was released in 1989 and was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features Stansfield’s powerful and soulful vocals, and the lyrics are about the universal desire for love and connection. “All Around the World” was widely acclaimed by critics and remains one of Lisa Stansfield’s biggest hits. The song’s infectious melody, memorable chorus, and soulful delivery made it a hit with audiences around the world, and the song remains a classic of British pop and soul music. The song’s iconic music video, featuring Stansfield singing in various locations around the world, is considered a classic of music video history.
17. “Get On Your Feet” by Gloria Estefan
“Get On Your Feet” is an upbeat and energetic pop track by Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan. The song was released in 1989 and was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features Estefan’s powerful and soulful vocals, and the lyrics are about the importance of standing up for oneself and taking control of one’s life. “Get On Your Feet” was widely acclaimed by critics and remains one of Gloria Estefan’s biggest hits. The song’s upbeat melody, empowering message, and energetic delivery made it a hit with audiences around the world, and the song remains a classic of Latin pop and dance music. The song’s memorable music video, featuring Estefan dancing and performing with her band, is considered a classic of music video history.
18. “Lost in Your Eyes” by Debbie Gibson
“Lost in Your Eyes” is a romantic and emotional ballad by American singer Debbie Gibson. The song was released in 1989 and was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features Gibson’s tender and heartfelt vocals, and the lyrics are about the feeling of being completely absorbed and lost in someone’s love. “Lost in Your Eyes” was widely acclaimed by critics and remains one of Debbie Gibson’s biggest hits. The song’s slow and dreamy melody, heartfelt delivery, and emotional message made it a hit with audiences around the world, and the song remains a classic of 1980s pop ballads. The song’s memorable music video, featuring Gibson singing in a candlelit room, is considered a classic of music video history.
19. “Cold Hearted” by Paula Abdul
“Cold Hearted” is a high-energy and upbeat dance-pop track by American singer and dancer Paula Abdul. The song was released in 1989 and was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features Abdul’s lively and dynamic vocals, and the lyrics are about a woman who has been hurt by a cold-hearted lover. “Cold Hearted” was widely acclaimed by critics and remains one of Paula Abdul’s biggest hits. The song’s catchy melody, energetic delivery, and memorable chorus made it a hit with audiences around the world, and the song remains a classic of 1980s dance-pop. The song’s iconic music video, featuring Abdul dancing and performing with her backup dancers, is considered a classic of music video history.
20. “After All” by Cher and Peter Cetera
“After All” is a romantic and emotional ballad by American singer Cher and Chicago lead singer Peter Cetera. The song was released in 1989 and was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song features Cher’s powerful and soulful vocals and Peter Cetera’s tender and heartfelt vocals, and the lyrics are about the feeling of finding true love after a long journey. “After All” was widely acclaimed by critics and remains one of Cher’s and Peter Cetera’s biggest hits. The song’s slow and dreamy melody, emotional delivery, and heartfelt message made it a hit with audiences around the world, and the song remains a classic of 1980s romantic ballads. The song’s memorable music video, featuring Cher and Cetera singing and performing together, is considered a classic of music video history.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
