One of the first big hip-hop stars, Kurtis Blow’s hit established not just the future of the genre but its sales potential. "The Breaks" is credited as the first hip-hop single to reach gold status, selling over 500,000 copies.

Although he’d already recorded two dance hits, "The Glow of Love” and “Searching” with the group Change, “Never Too Much” is the first song on Luther’s first solo album, his first classic ‘80s smash, and his first double-platinum single.

A horror epic film captured on wax, the title song from one of the biggest-selling albums of all time remains the most cinematic track of Michael Jackson's entire musical catalogue. The infectious disco-funk dance track mixed with the King of Pop's early '80s melodic vocals and, of course, Vincent Price's haunt-rap makes this song, excuse the pun, an outstanding thriller.

According to her own words, this a song Tina Turner hated, but it resulted in one of the biggest comebacks in music history. "What's Love Got to Do with It" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. 1984 Tina Turner won three Grammys, including Record  of the Year for "What's Love Got to Do with It." The reign of Tina would continue for the next 40 years. Long live, Tina!

The song gained widespread popularity and critical acclaim, becoming one of Prince's signature tracks from the movie "Purple Rain." Its memorable guitar solos, soaring melodies, and Prince's intense vocal performance contribute to its timeless appeal.

The third single from her debut album, "How Will I Know" — originally written for Janet Jackson, who rejected it — is Whitney at her most irresistibly danceable and innocently joyful. The song marked her second No. 1 hit. 

In the pantheon of coming-of-age records, Janet Jackson’s ranks near the top as Michael’s baby sister’s definitive statement to the world. The title cut for her 5x platinum album was recorded in Minneapolis with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, marking Janet’s ascension as a superstar, on her own terms. The gold single hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B chart.

Though it was not the initial release of the duo’s 1986 Hot, Cool & Vicious album, the platinum single helped earn the duo (plus DJ Spinderella) the first-ever platinum album certification by a female rap act. The video, which showcased Salt-N-Pepa’s dynamic live shows and highlighted the decade’s fashion trends, is among the era’s most significant.

The Boston-based quintet endured major changes, including the addition of Johnny Gill when Bobby Brown departed for a successful solo career. The reconfigured group prevailed with this No. 2 R&B hit and video with choreography that made it an instant classic. They also paved the way for the many boy bands to come. 

Written for Spike Lee’s film, Do The Right Thing, Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” is among the top protest songs of any genre. It went to No. 1 on Billboard’s Rap Singles chart and was honored as one of the 365 Songs of the Century compiled by RIAA and the National Endowment for the Arts in 2001.