What's your favourite year in music?

What's your favourite year in music? This is a question I've been asking people a lot lately. I think it says a lot about a person. And it's interesting, the year people usually pick is closely related to teenage years, or early 20's. It seems that's the point that music means the most to people. Then people often get jaded and start talking about how music just isn't as good anymore. I still love new music, this blog is a testament to that. But in all truth, my favourite year in music is now 25 years old.

Yep, 1989 is my favourite year in music. That really does make me feel a little old saying that. I was in year 9 at Doonside High and that July I turned 14 and music meant everything to me. I would sit and watch Rage, Channel 9's MTV and Video Hits for hours (what a shame Foxtel wasn't around then) and I used to tape them on video cassettes so I could watch them, dance, sing and mimic over and over again. Then there was my boombox I would play for endless hours in my room, my poor brother who I shared a bedroom with.

Besides being the right time in my life, why 1989? What was so bloody good about that whole year of music. Well for one, pop reigned supreme. 1989 was a year for solid pop songs with great choruses and amazing hooks. Videos were at an amazing height and artists were taking risks with music, image and visuals. Plus, my favourite artist was firing!

So what songs did I love in 1989? Here's a few of my favourites:

Like a Prayer - Madonna

Well we knew this was coming. It's not just my favourite song of 1989, it's my favourite song of all time. This is the epitome of pop. It hit number one all over the world, returning to this number one spot in Australia three times. In fact it was the highest selling single in Australia for 1989. Another reason to celebrate this great year in music. Plus, this was the song that turned me into a Madonna uber fan. "Like a Prayer" is an amazing pop song with hints of rock, funk and gospel, lyrically it's on point and Madonna is a brilliant pop vocalist. Plus that film clip is incredible. Forget the controversy (though it adds to the brilliance), this clip uses religious iconography to address issues of racism and sexism. And Madonna simply looks stunning. I have shared this song before, and will no doubt do it many more times.

Back To Life (However Do You Want Me) - Soul II Soul

My second favourite song of 1989. I loved this song so much, and it was another addition to my vinyl collection. In fact, I used to love Soul II Soul so much that when I was in year 10 I used to write Madonna on one arm with black texta, and then Soul II Soul on the other. Such a teeny booper! I also remember really getting into this song at the school disco, and pretty much being the only one. This song did only get to 45 in Australia, but got to one in the UK and four in the US. This was a club anthem, a great dance tune with its basis in jazz and funk. Caron Wheeler's vocals are flawless and the beat is made for dancing. I still love this track so very much!

Hand On Your Heart - Kylie Minogue

So this song may not hold up as well as "Like A Prayer" or "Back To Life", but it's a great plastic pop number, a highlight from producing powerhouses, Stock, Aitken & Waterman. This was the lead single from Kylie's second album, "Enjoy Yourself" and hit number 4 in Australia and number 1 in the UK. I got the album on vinyl for my birthday that year. The film clip is pretty 80's, and that's another reason to love it. This clip was on one my VHS tapes after "Like A Prayer", so I watch it a lot. It has Stock, Aitken & Waterman's classic production all over it, and their catchy hooks. So bad, but oh so very good.

Straight Up - Paula Abdul

This wasn't Paula Abdul's first single, but her was her first hit, getting to number one in the US. It launched Abdul as a pop / dance powerhouse who would go on to become a pop culture phenomenon as a judge on American Idol. It's pretty simple pop, a great beat with a catchy chorus. This is a great pop song that still holds weight, 25 years later. And the film clip is a great showcase for Abdul's incredible dance talent. Love it!

You'll Never Stop Me From Loving You - Sonia

Okay, this is truly daggy, but I refuse to be ashamed - I embrace my early trashy taste in pop. This is one of Stock, Aitken & Waterman's best. Fiery little Sonia was a little powerhouse and this is a such a catchy pop ditty. Sure, when you hear the lyrics they sound pretty stalkery, "You'll never stop me from loving you, no matter what it is you put me through". But still, a great song I proudly owned on 7" vinyl. Teen me really was a dag, a fabulous dag!

There are some other great songs that just missed this list:
This Time I Know It's For Real - Donna Summer
Bedroom Eyes - Kate Ceberano
Buffalo Stance - Neneh Cherry
Miss You Much - Janet Jackson
All Around The World - Lisa Stansfield

So what's your favourite year in music? Tell me in the comments below and tell me a few songs from that year that justify your answer.

P.S How good is that photo up top? It's a mall from 1989, I wish I could there now and buy that Madonna vinyl!