Step back in time with us to a year of iconic music: 1989. This wasn't just another year; it was a year that shaped pop culture, launching careers and defining a generation's soundtrack. So, if you're ready to relive the magic or discover the hits you missed, get ready to dive into our definitive list of the best songs of 1989 Billboard charts. From power ballads that tugged at heartstrings to dance anthems that dominated the airwaves, 1989 gave us an incredible variety of musical masterpieces. This list isn't just a nostalgic trip; it's a chance to rediscover the artistry and cultural impact of some truly unforgettable tracks. Whether you're a seasoned music buff or a curious newcomer, prepare to be transported back to a time when music ruled supreme and the Billboard charts held the key to pop perfection. Let's journey back and explore the sounds that defined a year.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Right Here Waiting | Richard Marx | Repeat Offender | 577M+ |
| 2. Listen to Your Heart | Roxette | 449M+ | |
| 3. Like a Prayer | Madonna | Faith | 302M+ |
| 4. I'll Be There For You | Bon Jovi | New Jersey (Deluxe Edition) | 299M+ |
| 5. Girl I'm Gonna Miss You | Milli Vanilli | 250M+ | |
| 6. Girl You Know It's True | Milli Vanilli | 189M+ | |
| 7. If You Don't Know Me by Now | Simply Red | A New Flame (Expanded Version) | 135M+ |
1. Right Here Waiting (Repeat Offender - 1989)
Billboard Chart Domination: Richard Marx's "Right Here Waiting" enjoyed significant success on the 1989 Billboard charts, solidifying its place as a defining power ballad of the era.
Power Ballad Perfection: The song's soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with listeners, showcasing Marx's vocal prowess and masterful songwriting.
Enduring Legacy: Its timeless melody and relatable themes of love and longing continue to captivate audiences, securing its spot among the best songs of 1989.
2. Listen to Your Heart
Billboard Chart Domination: "Listen to Your Heart" secured a prominent position on the Billboard charts in 1989, showcasing its widespread appeal and radio dominance during that year.
Catchy Melody and Production: The song's instantly memorable melody and crisp 80s production helped cement its place in the era's popular music landscape.
Enduring Legacy: Its continued popularity decades later highlights the song's timeless quality and its ability to resonate with audiences beyond its initial release.
3. Like a Prayer (Madonna - 1989)
Billboard Chart Domination: "Like a Prayer" ascended the Billboard charts in 1989, showcasing Madonna's undeniable pop prowess and solidifying its place in music history.
Iconic Religious Imagery: The song's controversial music video, with its striking religious imagery, sparked widespread discussion and cemented its status as a cultural touchstone of the late 80s.
Enduring Anthem: Its powerful vocals and anthemic chorus continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic from the era.
4. I'll Be There For You
Billboard Chart Domination: "I'll Be There For You" showcased Bon Jovi's powerful vocals and anthemic sound, perfectly capturing the spirit of 1989.
Enduring Ballad: Its heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody resonated with listeners, solidifying its place as a classic rock power ballad.
Radio Airplay: This track's sustained popularity on radio throughout the year cemented its position amongst the best songs of 1989 according to Billboard charts.
5. Girl I'm Gonna Miss You
Billboard Chart Domination: "Girl I'm Gonna Miss You" made a significant impact on the 1989 Billboard charts, showcasing Milli Vanilli's undeniable popularity at the time.
Catchy 80s Sound: The song's instantly recognizable melody and production perfectly encapsulates the quintessential 80s pop sound, contributing to its lasting appeal.
Enduring Legacy (Despite Controversy): Despite the later revelation of lip-syncing controversy, the song's impact on the 1989 music scene remains undeniable, cementing its place in pop culture history.
6. Girl You Know It's True - 1989
Billboard Chart Domination: Milli Vanilli's "Girl You Know It's True" made a significant impact on the 1989 Billboard charts, showcasing its undeniable appeal to a broad audience.
Catchy Hook and Production: The song's instantly memorable melody and slick production values helped solidify its place as a defining track of the late 80s pop sound.
Enduring Legacy (despite controversy): Despite the later revealed lip-syncing controversy, "Girl You Know It's True" remains a cultural touchstone, highlighting the power of a well-crafted pop song even amidst scandal.
7. If You Don't Know Me by Now (Simply Red)
Billboard Chart Performance: "If You Don't Know Me by Now" enjoyed significant success on the Billboard charts in 1989, solidifying its place as a popular hit of the year.
Smooth Vocals and Soulful Delivery: Simply Red's signature smooth vocals and soulful delivery make this track instantly recognizable and deeply moving, a hallmark of their 80s sound.
Enduring Popularity: Its timeless melody and relatable lyrics contributed to its lasting appeal, ensuring its continued presence in playlists and radio rotation even decades later.
8. Toy Soldiers
Billboard Chart Domination: Martika's "Toy Soldiers" made a significant impact on the Billboard charts in 1989, showcasing its undeniable pop appeal and staying power.
Catchy 80s Synth Pop: The song's infectious melody and memorable synth sounds perfectly capture the essence of 80s pop, contributing to its lasting popularity.
Nostalgic 80s Vibe: Revisit this iconic track to relive the sounds and energy of a pivotal year in music history and appreciate its continued relevance.
9. The Look (Roxette - 1989)
Billboard Chart Domination: Roxette's "The Look" wasn't just a hit in 1989; it was a phenomenon, scaling the Billboard charts and solidifying its place in pop music history.
Unforgettable Melody: The instantly catchy melody and Per Gessle's signature vocals created a sound that was both undeniably 80s and remarkably timeless.
Enduring Legacy: Its infectious energy and memorable chorus ensured "The Look" remained a staple on radio waves and in popular culture long after its initial release, a testament to its enduring appeal.
10. Every Rose Has Its Thorn (Poison - 1988)
Power Ballad Perfection: "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" showcases Poison's signature power ballad style, perfectly capturing the angst and romanticism prevalent in 1989.
Billboard Chart Domination: Its soaring vocals and memorable chorus propelled it to significant success on the Billboard charts, solidifying its place as a defining track of the year.
Enduring Legacy: The song's emotional depth and anthemic quality have ensured its continued popularity, making it a timeless classic from the year's top hits.
11Lost in Your Eyes
Debbie Gibson
1989
Electric Youth
12She Drives Me Crazy
Fine Young Cannibals
1989
The Raw & The Cooked
13Waiting for a Star to Fall
Boy Meets Girl
1988
14I'll Be Loving You
New Kids On The Block
1990
15My Prerogative
Bobby Brown
1989
16Heaven
Warrant
1989
17Straight Up
Paula Abdul
1989
18Baby Don't Forget My Number
Milli Vanilli
1989
19Blame It on the Rain
Milli Vanilli
1989
20Two Hearts
Phil Collins
1988
...But Seriously (Deluxe Edition)
21Wind Beneath My Wings
Bette Midler
1988
Beaches (Original Soundtrack Recording)
22Don't Wanna Lose You
Gloria Estefan
1989
23Cold Hearted
Paula Abdul
1989
24Miss You Much
Janet Jackson
1989
25Look Away
Chicago
1989
Chicago 19 (Expanded Edition)
26Giving You the Best That I Got
Anita Baker
1989
27On Our Own
Bobby Brown
1989
28How Can I Fall?
Breathe
1989