July 4, 1981: Edition #79

Adam’s Top Twenty Singles Chart — Edition #79

Five For Fighting: Rick Holds Steady, But The Punches Are Flying
Commentary coming soon…

Ups & Downs:
This week’s Biggest Mover: #11, Greg Kihn Band – “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)” (rises four spots)
This week’s Biggest Dropper: #13, Kim Carnes – “Bette Davis Eyes”, #19, REO Speedwagon – “Take It On The Run” (falls five spots)

New To The Top 20:
Commentary coming soon…

01. Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl (01) (5 weeks at #1)
02. Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams (02)
03. George Harrison – All Those Years Ago (03)
04. Air Supply – The One That You Love (04)
05. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – The Waiting (05)
06. Manhattan Transfer – Boy From New York City (06)
07. Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight (10)
08. Joey Scarbury – Theme From “Greatest American Hero” (Believe It Or Not) (09)
09. Neil Diamond – America (07)
10. Juice Newton – Queen Of Hearts (11)
11. Greg Kihn Band – The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em) (15)
12. Alan Parsons Project – Time (12)
13. Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes (08)
14. Jim Steinman – Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through (16)
15. REO Speedwagon – Don’t Let Him Go (18)
16. Billy Squier – The Stroke (19)
17. Elton John – Nobody Wins (13)
18. Foreigner – Urgent (debut)
19. REO Speedwagon – Take It On The Run (14) (3 non-con. weeks at #1)
20. Ronnie Milsap – (There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me (debut)

Off:
17. Climax Blues Band – I Love You (1 week at #1)
20. Franke & The Knockouts – Sweetheart

Freshen Up:
Joe Walsh – A Life Of Illusion
Loverboy – The Kid Is Hot Tonite
Pablo Cruise – Cool Love
Rex Smith & Rachel Sweet – Everlasting Love
Rush – Tom Sawyer
The Commodores – Lady (You Bring Me Up)
The Who – Don’t Let Go The Coat

June 27, 1981: Edition #78

Adam’s Top Twenty Singles Chart — Edition #78

Four Times The Field: Rick Springfield Is Still Digging “Jessie’s Girl”
Commentary coming soon…

Ups & Downs:
This week’s Biggest Mover: #12, Alan Parsons Project – “Time” (rises four spots)
This week’s Biggest Dropper: #17, Climax Blues Band – “I Love You”, #20, Franke & The Knockouts – “Sweetheart” (falls five spots)

New To The Top 20:
Commentary coming soon…

01. Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl (01) (4 weeks at #1)
02. Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams (02)
03. George Harrison – All Those Years Ago (03)
04. Air Supply – The One That You Love (07)
05. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – The Waiting (06)
06. Manhattan Transfer – Boy From New York City (08)
07. Neil Diamond – America (05)
08. Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes (04)
09. Joey Scarbury – Theme From “Greatest American Hero” (Believe It Or Not) (09)
10. Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight (11)
11. Juice Newton – Queen Of Hearts (14)
12. Alan Parsons Project – Time (16)
13. Elton John – Nobody Wins (13)
14. REO Speedwagon – Take It On The Run (10) (3 non-con. weeks at #1)
15. Greg Kihn Band – The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em) (debut)
16. Jim Steinman – Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through (debut)
17. Climax Blues Band – I Love You (12) (1 week at #1)
18. REO Speedwagon – Don’t Let Him Go (debut)
19. Billy Squier – The Stroke (debut)
20. Franke & The Knockouts – Sweetheart (15)

Off:
17. Phil Collins – I Missed Again
18. Styx – Too Much Time On My Hands
19. Gary U.S. Bonds – This Little Girl
20. Joe Dolce – Shaddap You Face

Freshen Up:
Joe Walsh – A Life Of Illusion
Rex Smith & Rachel Sweet – Everlasting Love
Ronnie Milsap – (There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me
The Commodores – Lady (You Bring Me Up)

June 20, 1981: Edition #77

Adam’s Top Twenty Singles Chart — Edition #77

Rick Rolls On: “Jessie’s Girl” Rocks For A Third Week
In real life, he’s Richard Springthorpe. On the stage, he’s Rick Springfield. On the charts, he’s #1 for three consecutive weeks. The Australian-born singer and actor is well on his way to becoming one of the most successful acts of 1981, with his undeniably catchy hits and his appeal with the ladies. Will the Working Class Dog keep barking up a storm at the top, or will Hall & Oates or George Harrison send him back to the pound next week? I’m pretty sure no kibble will be required in the process of these chart runs.

Ups & Downs:
This week’s Biggest Mover: #09, Joey Scarbury – “Theme From “Greatest American Hero” (Believe It Or Not)” (rises seven spots)
This week’s Biggest Dropper: #17, Phil Collins – “I Missed Again” (falls eight spots)

New To The Top 20:
#11, Phil Collins – “In The Air Tonight”: His former top 10 single may be the biggest dropper in this week’s chart, but this 30-year-old from Chiswick, England is roaring back with his follow-up, which has a kind of experimental rock sound. It’s quite different from anything out there on the radio today. Maybe a full moon is in the air tonight, because Phil has really caught onto something kind of weird. However, this left-of-center hit is centering in on the top spot, and with a lot of middle of the road material, this may shoot up the charts in a just a few weeks’ worth of nights.
#14, Juice Newton – “Queen Of Hearts”: Her album is simply called Juice, but she is not simply a one-hit wonder. This 29-year-old New Jersey native is back on the charts with a tune that was originally recorded by Dave Edmunds, who scored a #11 hit with it across the pond two years ago. Juice knows how to play her cards right, especially since her last single made the top 5 on my chart. Question is, what kind of gamble will take her to the top? The chips are on the table and ready to be played.
#16, Alan Parsons Project – “Time”: Speaking of queens and hearts, time to shuffle your decks one more time, as another single from The Turn Of A Friendly Card makes the charts for Alan and his band. However, this tune is a little bit special because it’s the group’s first single to feature 36-year-old Eric Woolfson as the lead vocalist. Just don’t cry woolf if this song underperforms. It may not be their best song ever, but it’s still a track worthy of some hearts and diamonds.

01. Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl (01) (3 weeks at #1)
02. Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams (03)
03. George Harrison – All Those Years Ago (04)
04. Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes (02)
05. Neil Diamond – America (05)
06. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – The Waiting (06)
07. Air Supply – The One That You Love (10)
08. Manhattan Transfer – Boy From New York City (12)
09. Joey Scarbury – Theme From “Greatest American Hero” (Believe It Or Not) (16)
10. REO Speedwagon – Take It On The Run (07) (3 non-con. weeks at #1)
11. Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight (debut)
12. Climax Blues Band – I Love You (08) (1 week at #1)
13. Elton John – Nobody Wins (15)
14. Juice Newton – Queen Of Hearts (debut)
15. Franke & The Knockouts – Sweetheart (13)
16. Alan Parsons Project – Time (debut)
17. Phil Collins – I Missed Again (09)
18. Styx – Too Much Time On My Hands (11)
19. Gary U.S. Bonds – This Little Girl (14)
20. Joe Dolce – Shaddap You Face (20)

Off:
17. The Who – You Better You Bet
18. John Lennon – Watching The Wheels
19. Billy Vera & The Beaters – I Can Take Care Of Myself

Freshen Up:
Billy Squier – The Stroke
Greg Kihn Band – The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)
Joe Walsh – A Life Of Illusion
Jim Steinman – Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through
REO Speedwagon – Don’t Let Him Go
Santana – Winning
The Commodores – Lady (You Bring Me Up)

June 13, 1981: Edition #76

Adam’s Top Twenty Singles Chart — Edition #76

The Summer Of Springfield: “Jessie’s Girl” Stays Put As Vacation Roars Ahead
I may be jumping into the pool, but Rick Springfield is already swimming in the sea of success, spending a second week at the #1 spot with “Jessie’s Girl”. How long will this Australian singer be basking in the sun at #1? I’d say some more tanning oil is needed. Time for another trip to CVS. Until then, it’s the start of summer vacation! Woo-hoo!

Ups & Downs:
This week’s Biggest Mover: #12, Manhattan Transfer – “Boy From New York City” (rises eight spots)
This week’s Biggest Dropper: #17, The Who – “You Better You Bet” (falls six spots)

New To The Top 20:
#20, Joe Dolce – “Shaddap You Face”: He was born in Ohio, but now 33-year-old full-time Australian resident Joe Dolce is feeling a little mezza mezza. Perhaps you should pay Giuseppe a little attention to his song, at least for his Mamma’s sake. It’s one of the weirdest novelty tunes I’ve ever heard, and yet, it’s quite hilarious. Divertiti!

01. Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl (01) (2 weeks at #1)
02. Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes (02)
03. Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams (03)
04. George Harrison – All Those Years Ago (08)
05. Neil Diamond – America (07)
06. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – The Waiting (09)
07. REO Speedwagon – Take It On The Run (04) (3 non-con. weeks at #1)
08. Climax Blues Band – I Love You (06) (1 week at #1)
09. Phil Collins – I Missed Again (05)
10. Air Supply – The One That You Love (14)
11. Styx – Too Much Time On My Hands (10)
12. Manhattan Transfer – Boy From New York City (20)
13. Franke & The Knockouts – Sweetheart (13)
14. Gary U.S. Bonds – This Little Girl (12)
15. Elton John – Nobody Wins (17)
16. Joey Scarbury – Theme From “Greatest American Hero” (Believe It Or Not) (19)
17. The Who – You Better You Bet (11)
18. John Lennon – Watching The Wheels (15)
19. Billy Vera & The Beaters – I Can Take Care Of Myself (18)
20. Joe Dolce – Shaddap You Face (debut)

Off:
16. A Taste Of Honey – Sukiyaki

Freshen Up:
Alan Parsons Project – Time
Billy Squier – The Stroke
Greg Kihn Band – The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)
Joe Walsh – A Life Of Illusion
Jim Steinman – Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through
Juice Newton – Queen Of Hearts
Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight
REO Speedwagon – Don’t Let Him Go
Santana – Winning

June 6, 1981: Edition #75

Adam’s Top Twenty Singles Chart — Edition #75

He Wants The Girl, He Gets The Top: Rick Springfield Springs To #1
He’s the singer from Sydney, the doctor named Drake, but he’s not that jerk named Jessie. Rick Springfield jumps into the #1 spot with “Jessie’s Girl”, which, according to Rick, is a true story but with a few name changes. Doesn’t matter, because this tale of love and jealousy is a hit across the land. My only question is whether this girl will come forward or not to claim that she’s indeed the girl. She must be pretty embarrassed by now. Jessie, next time you better not let these relationships get so messy, or Rick have have to pen another tune or two to get you to learn your lesson.

Ups & Downs:
This week’s Biggest Mover: #09, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “The Waiting” (rises five spots)
This week’s Biggest Dropper: #16, A Taste Of Honey – “Sukiyaki” (falls five spots)

New To The Top 20:
#19, Joey Scarbury – “Theme From “Greatest American Hero” (Believe It Or Not)”: A happy 36th birthday to this Thousand Oaks, California native, who has his first top 40 hit with the theme from the TV show, The Greatest American Hero, which premiered a movie pilot in March on the network ABC. Now, this hero is dashing to the rescue of the poor and innocent #1 spot. Will he save it time before the evil forces of the chart world strike him down? Beware of that kryptonite, Joey…
#20, Manhattan Transfer – “Boy From New York City”: Back in 1975, this jazz and soul group hit the national top 40 with “Operator”, and now they’re back with a remake of the top 10 hit from The Ad Libs from the 60′s. I’m thinking a lot of boys and girls from New York City will be enjoying this tune, and soon it will be all over the country. I guess that transfer service better get to building more railroad tracks. Chugga chugga choo-choo.

01. Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl (03) (1 week at #1)
02. Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes (05)
03. Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams (07)
04. REO Speedwagon – Take It On The Run (01) (3 non-con. weeks at #1)
05. Phil Collins – I Missed Again (04)
06. Climax Blues Band – I Love You (02) (1 week at #1)
07. Neil Diamond – America (09)
08. George Harrison – All Those Years Ago (10)
09. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – The Waiting (14)
10. Styx – Too Much Time On My Hands (06)
11. The Who – You Better You Bet (08)
12. Gary U.S. Bonds – This Little Girl (12)
13. Franke & The Knockouts – Sweetheart (15)
14. Air Supply – The One That You Love (16)
15. John Lennon – Watching The Wheels (13)
16. A Taste Of Honey – Sukiyaki (11)
17. Elton John – Nobody Wins (20)
18. Billy Vera & The Beaters – I Can Take Care Of Myself (19)
19. Joey Scarbury – Theme From “Greatest American Hero” (Believe It Or Not) (debut)
20. Manhattan Transfer – Boy From New York City (debut)

Off:
17. Gino Vannelli – Living Inside Myself
18. The Police – Don’t Stand So Close To Me (2 non-con. weeks at #1)

Freshen Up:
Alan Parsons Project – Time
Billy Squier – The Stroke
Greg Kihn Band – The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)
Joe Dolce – Shaddap You Face
Joe Walsh – A Life Of Illusion
Jim Steinman – Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through
Juice Newton – Queen Of Hearts
Santana – Winning

May 30, 1981: Edition #74

Adam’s Top Twenty Singles Chart — Edition #74

Run, Run Again: REO Speedwagon Rallies And Returns To #1
They’re back on the block: REO Speedwagon are #1 for a third week with “Take It On The Run”, but within their jogging pace are Rick Springfield and Kim Carnes, two artists with national records that are looking really hot these days. Who will dash and flash at the top? Nevermind that, I think I need to get in shape now. I’ll start with the jumping jacks, move on to the sit-ups, and work! Now, where are my workout LPs?

Ups & Downs:
This week’s Biggest Mover: #10, George Harrison – “All Those Years Ago” (rises six spots)
This week’s Biggest Dropper: #18, The Police – “Don’t Stand So Close To Me” (falls nine spots)

New To The Top 20:
#19, Billy Vera & The Beaters – “I Can Take Care Of Myself”: As William McCord turns 37 this week, he’s celebrating with his first top 40 hit with his band. It’s from the band’s live album Billy And The Beaters, which was recorded earlier this year at The Roxy in Hollywood, California. Now that this popular touring act his hit the charts, they can certainly take care of themselves. However, handle with care – they may be a little too old-fashioned to stay around for long.
#20, Elton John – “Nobody Wins”: Some call him amazing. Some call him The Fox, or, at least that’s what they call his latest album. The 34-year-old has a new hit on his hands: a dark, yet danceable number. Can this kind of combination really work on the charts today? If the public decides they suddenly hate it, then I guess Elton is right: nobody wins. That would be awful sad though, wouldn’t it?

01. REO Speedwagon – Take It On The Run (02) (3 non-con. weeks at #1)
02. Climax Blues Band – I Love You (01) (1 week at #1)
03. Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl (03)
04. Phil Collins – I Missed Again (05)
05. Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes (07)
06. Styx – Too Much Time On My Hands (04)
07. Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams (08)
08. The Who – You Better You Bet (06)
09. Neil Diamond – America (10)
10. George Harrison – All Those Years Ago (16)
11. A Taste Of Honey – Sukiyaki (11)
12. Gary U.S. Bonds – This Little Girl (15)
13. John Lennon – Watching The Wheels (14)
14. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – The Waiting (19)
15. Franke & The Knockouts – Sweetheart (17)
16. Air Supply – The One That You Love (20)
17. Gino Vannelli – Living Inside Myself (13)
18. The Police – Don’t Stand So Close To Me (09) (2 non-con. weeks at #1)
19. Billy Vera & The Beaters – I Can Take Care Of Myself (debut)
20. Elton John – Nobody Wins (debut)

Off:
12. Hall & Oates – Kiss On My List (09) (6 non-con. weeks at #1)
18. Smokey Robinson – Being With You

Freshen Up:
Alan Parsons Project – Time
Billy Squier – The Stroke
Joe Dolce – Shaddap You Face
Joe Walsh – A Life Of Illusion
Joey Scarbury – Theme From “Greatest American Hero” (Believe It Or Not)
Juice Newton – Queen Of Hearts
Manhattan Transfer – Boy From New York City
Santana – Winning

May 23, 1981: Edition #73

Adam’s Top Twenty Singles Chart — Edition #73

Red, White And Blues: Climax Blues Band Flies High With Their New Hit
The band from Stafford, England takes #1 on my chart with their first national top 40 hit in four years, “I Love You”. Bassist Derek Holt wrote this little ditty about meeting his wife, and now Holt’s song is as hot as a lightning bolt. Hey, they do say lightning doesn’t strike twice, and these guys did prove Mother Nature wrong. That’s yet another achievement for the band of Blues, making those other chart climbers green with envy.

Ups & Downs:
This week’s Biggest Mover: #08, Hall & Oates – “You Make My Dreams” (rises ten spots)
This week’s Biggest Dropper: #18, Smokey Robinson – “Being With You” (falls five spots)

New To The Top 20:
#16, George Harrison – “All Those Years Ago”: He may be “The Quiet Beatle”, but George can certainly make a lot of noise on the charts. In fact, two of his solo hits, “My Sweet Lord” and “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)”, both reached the top of the U.S. charts. Now, will George score his first #1 is nearly eight years? He may need a little Help (!) to push him up along the way.
#19, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “The Waiting”: He’s a musician and he’s a fighter, considering Tom battled his record company to reduce the list price on his album by a buck. That album, Hard Promises, came out just a few weeks ago, and this is the first single from it. Tom’s all fired up to knockout the competition on the way to his, potentially, third #1 single on my chart, but his results may be petty. Hope Punchin’ Petty doesn’t come hitting my way…
#20, Air Supply – “The One That You Love”: Breathe, you’re gonna be fine – that fabulous Australian duo is back with the first single from their new release, and nothing really has changed considering this is another soft ballad about love. Sigh. As much as I like this, guys, release something upbeat! Even if they don’t up the beat, they are certainly going up in cash. Oh, to rake in the money…

01. Climax Blues Band – I Love You (02) (1 week at #1)
02. REO Speedwagon – Take It On The Run (01) (2 weeks at #1)
03. Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl (04)
04. Styx – Too Much Time On My Hands (03)
05. Phil Collins – I Missed Again (05)
06. The Who – You Better You Bet (06)
07. Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes (07)
08. Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams (18)
09. The Police – Don’t Stand So Close To Me (08) (2 non-con. weeks at #1)
10. Neil Diamond – America (10)
11. A Taste Of Honey – Sukiyaki (12)
12. Hall & Oates – Kiss On My List (09) (6 non-con. weeks at #1)
13. Gino Vannelli – Living Inside Myself (11)
14. John Lennon – Watching The Wheels (14)
15. Gary U.S. Bonds – This Little Girl (15)
16. George Harrison – All Those Years Ago (debut)
17. Franke & The Knockouts – Sweetheart (19)
18. Smokey Robinson – Being With You (13)
19. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – The Waiting (debut)
20. Air Supply – The One That You Love (debut)

Off:
16. Steve Winwood – While You See A Chance
17. Juice Newton – Angel Of The Morning
19. Sheena Easton – Morning Train (Nine To Five)

Freshen Up:
Alan Parsons Project – Time
Billy Squier – The Stroke
Billy Vera & The Beaters – I Can Take Care Of Myself
Cliff Richard – Give A Little Bit More
Elton John – Nobody Wins
Joe Dolce – Shaddap You Face
Joey Scarbury – Theme From “Greatest American Hero” (Believe It Or Not)
Manhattan Transfer – Boy From New York City
Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio – A Woman Needs Love
Santana – Winning
Stars On 45 – Stars On 45 (Medley)

May 16, 1981: Edition #72

Adam’s Top Twenty Singles Chart — Edition #72

Speed Bump: REO Speedwagon Drive Steadily At #1, But Those Climax Blues Are Begging For It
You can “take it on the run”, but that run is gonna slow to a walk and eventually to a crawl. That happens to be the case with REO Speedwagon‘s latest single, as it most likely will give up the top spot next week to Climax Blues Band. However, I like surprises, so maybe Rick Springfield will spring forth to #1 instead. I hear Jessie competes in the triathlon with all the big boys. Looks like sneakers and songs are both getting wear and tear here on the countdown.

Ups & Downs:
This week’s Biggest Mover: #14, John Lennon – “Watching The Wheels” (rises five spots)
This week’s Biggest Dropper: #20, Sheena Easton – “Morning Train (Nine To Five)” (falls seven spots)

New To The Top 20:
#15, Gary U.S. Bonds – “This Little Girl”: Am I looking at this right? Gary hasn’t had a top 40 hit since back in 1962, so why is he suddenly reappearing on the charts? Well, rocker Bruce Springsteen has been helping him out a lot. Gary has a new release entitled Dedication, and it sure sounds like it’s gonna be a comeback hit, if only for the nostalgic factor. This little chart will definitely be on top of things as Gary reemerges.
#18, Hall & Oates – “You Make My Dreams”: This duo just spent six big weeks at #1 with “Kiss On My List”, longer than any other song in my chart’s history. Now, will Daryl and John extend their hit streak and gain a second charttopper in a row from Voices? Sleep analysts are predicting this tune will have a slumber-filled (and dreamy) drift to the bed at the #1 spot.
#19, Franke & The Knockouts – “Sweetheart”: This is the New Jersey-based band’s first hit on my chart, with the lead vocal sung by Franke Previte. The quintet is signed to Millenium Records, and it looks like they’re giving the young label another big hit. The question is, at the end, how sweet will it be for Franke and the guys? I’m pretty sure they won’t be sour when they find out the results. Heck, not all acts break the pop surveys. You just gotta have a little bit of heart.

01. REO Speedwagon – Take It On The Run (01) (2 weeks at #1)
02. Climax Blues Band – I Love You (02)
03. Styx – Too Much Time On My Hands (04)
04. Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl (07)
05. Phil Collins – I Missed Again (05)
06. The Who – You Better You Bet (08)
07. Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes (09)
08. The Police – Don’t Stand So Close To Me (03) (2 non-con. weeks at #1)
09. Hall & Oates – Kiss On My List (06) (6 non-con. weeks at #1)
10. Neil Diamond – America (15)
11. Gino Vannelli – Living Inside Myself (12)
12. A Taste Of Honey – Sukiyaki (16)
13. Smokey Robinson – Being With You (10)
14. John Lennon – Watching The Wheels (19)
15. Gary U.S. Bonds – This Little Girl (debut)
16. Steve Winwood – While You See A Chance (11)
17. Juice Newton – Angel Of The Morning (14)
18. Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams (debut)
19. Franke & The Knockouts – Sweetheart (debut)
20. Sheena Easton – Morning Train (Nine To Five) (13)

Off:
17. .38 Special – Hold On Loosely
18. Journey – The Party’s Over (Hopelessly In Love)
20. John Cougar – Ain’t Even Done With The Night

Freshen Up:
Air Supply – The One That You Love
Alan Parsons Project – Time
Billy Vera & The Beaters – I Can Take Care Of Myself
Cliff Richard – Give A Little Bit More
George Harrison – All Those Years Ago
Elton John – Nobody Wins
Franke & The Knockouts – Sweetheart
Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio – A Woman Needs Love
Santana – Winning
Stars On 45 – Stars On 45 (Medley)
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – The Waiting

May 9, 1981: Edition #71

Adam’s Top Twenty Singles Chart — Edition #71

You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide: REO Speedwagon Seeks The #1 Spot
Kevin Cronin and the rest of REO Speedwagon just can’t get enough of #1. They were here just a few months ago with “Keep On Loving You”, and now their new single, “Take It On The Run”, has found it’s way to the Peak of Pop Perfection. Their album, Hi Infidelity, continues to run away with the #1 spot on the Top LPs Chart. Hey, The Boston Marathon was just a few weeks ago, I wonder why they didn’t run that? Well, at some point, that run will become a crawl as more acts continue to creep towards the top. No sweat for REO, though: just need a few more pairs of sneakers and they’ll be off and away.

Ups & Downs:
This week’s Biggest Mover: #07, Rick Springfield – “Jessie’s Girl” (rises nine spots)
This week’s Biggest Dropper: #13, Sheena Easton – “Morning Train (Nine To Five)”, #18, Journey – “The Party’s Over (Hopelessly In Love)” (falls six spots)

New To The Top 20:
#19, John Lennon – “Watching The Wheels”: Is it “wheely” worth checking out, you might ask? Yes, the new posthumous hit for John Lennon is definitely different-sounding than his past two singles, but it’s still a great track. I hear George Harrison has a new single that’s coming out very very soon that’s a bit of a tribute record to John. We’ll have to see if we can get both former members of The Beatles back to the top again. Paul, Ringo: I think you’re up for a challenge.

01. REO Speedwagon – Take It On The Run (02) (1 week at #1)
02. Climax Blues Band – I Love You (04)
03. The Police – Don’t Stand So Close To Me (01) (2 non-con. weeks at #1)
04. Styx – Too Much Time On My Hands (05)
05. Phil Collins – I Missed Again (08)
06. Hall & Oates – Kiss On My List (03) (6 non-con. weeks at #1)
07. Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl (16)
08. The Who – You Better You Bet (13)
09. Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes (11)
10. Smokey Robinson – Being With You (10)
11. Steve Winwood – While You See A Chance (06)
12. Gino Vannelli – Living Inside Myself (14)
13. Sheena Easton – Morning Train (Nine To Five) (07)
14. Juice Newton – Angel Of The Morning (09)
15. Neil Diamond – America (19)
16. A Taste Of Honey – Sukiyaki (20)
17. .38 Special – Hold On Loosely (17)
18. Journey – The Party’s Over (Hopelessly In Love) (12)
19. John Lennon – Watching The Wheels (debut)
20. John Cougar – Ain’t Even Done With The Night (15)

Off:
18. Blondie – Rapture

Freshen Up:
Alan Parsons Project – Time
Billy Vera & The Beaters – I Can Take Care Of Myself
Cliff Richard – Give A Little Bit More
Elton John – Nobody Wins
Franke & The Knockouts – Sweetheart
Gary U.S. Bonds – This Little Girl
Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams
Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio – A Woman Needs Love
Santana – Winning
Stars On 45 – Stars On 45 (Medley)
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – The Waiting

May 2, 1981: Edition #70

Adam’s Top Twenty Singles Chart — Edition #70

Standing Back In Control: The Police Retrieve The Top Spot Again
After a brief disruption last week, The Police are back at #1 for a second non-consecutive week with “Don’t Stand So Close To Me”. The boys are currently recording a new album, at studios in both Britain and in Canada. I’m expecting some great new material – after all, you have to have high expectations when their current record has done so well. Unfortunately, the trio’s current hit tune can’t stand at #1 much longer, as REO Speedwagon, Climax Blues Band and Styx all look to invade the top of the chart. Don’t you love a good Battle Of The Bands?

Ups & Downs:
This week’s Biggest Mover: #08, Phil Collins – “I Missed Again” (rises five spots)
This week’s Biggest Dropper: #18, Blondie – “Rapture” (falls six spots)

New To The Top 20:
#16, Rick Springfield – “Jessie’s Girl”: Here’s an answer to the age-old question “Is there a doctor in the house?” This Australian-born singer also plays Dr. Noah Drake on the hit soap opera, General Hospital. He can treat the wounded, but will he treat himself to his first #1 single? Can I get a stethoscope? Yes…yes…this song is beating strong, and ready to beat the rest of the records on the countdown.
#19, Neil Diamond – “America”: Here comes single #3 from The Jazz Singer, however, this tune is not jazzy at all. It’s more of an anthem for, well, immigrants. Hoorah immigrants? Well, I guess our ancestors were all immigrants long ago. Neil even provides them with the lyrics to “My Country, ‘Tis Of Thee”. Way to go, Mr. Diamond, you’re quite the patriotic one.
#20, A Taste Of Honey – “Sukiyaki”: How do you say “Boogie Oogie Oogie” in Japanese? I’m not even gonna try to guess, but this duo is back with a remake of the Kyu Sakamoto hit from 1963. Now I’m all hungry for rice and noodles. Somebody get me a take-out menu, please…

01. The Police – Don’t Stand So Close To Me (02) (2 non-con. weeks at #1)
02. REO Speedwagon – Take It On The Run (03)
03. Hall & Oates – Kiss On My List (01) (6 non-con. weeks at #1)
04. Climax Blues Band – I Love You (06)
05. Styx – Too Much Time On My Hands (08)
06. Steve Winwood – While You See A Chance (05)
07. Sheena Easton – Morning Train (Nine To Five) (04)
08. Phil Collins – I Missed Again (13)
09. Juice Newton – Angel Of The Morning (07)
10. Smokey Robinson – Being With You (10)
11. Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes (15)
12. Journey – The Party’s Over (Hopelessly In Love) (09)
13. The Who – You Better You Bet (14)
14. Gino Vannelli – Living Inside Myself (17)
15. John Cougar – Ain’t Even Done With The Night (11)
16. Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl (debut)
17. .38 Special – Hold On Loosely (18)
18. Blondie – Rapture (12)
19. Neil Diamond – America (debut)
20. A Taste Of Honey – Sukiyaki (debut)

Off:
16. Loverboy – Turn Me Loose
19. The Rovers – Wasn’t That A Party?
20. Barbara Streisand & Barry Gibb – What Kind Of Fool?

Freshen Up:
ABBA – Super Trouper
Alan Parsons Project – Time
Billy Vera & The Beaters – I Can Take Care Of Myself
Champaign – How ‘Bout Us?
Christopher Cross – Say You’ll Be Mine
Cliff Richard – Give A Little Bit More
Franke & The Knockouts – Sweetheart
Gary U.S. Bonds – This Little Girl
John Lennon – Watching The Wheels
Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio – A Woman Needs Love
Santana – Winning
Stars On 45 – Stars On 45 (Medley)
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – The Waiting