#36 - Don't Lose My Number

Artist: Phil Collins

Album: No Jacket Required
Video: From YouTube.

Out of the truckload of hit songs by Phil Collins in 1985, I believe that "Don’t Lose My Number" was the weakest.  Sure it’s energetic with a good beat, and it reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.  But the song is beset by a deep confusion at its core.

First of all, who is this "Billy"?  And why is it so important that he hold on to Phil's number?  Clearly this is a critical matter, for it comprises the title of the song.  We learn that it's because "you're not anywhere that I can't find you".  Well, if Billy can be found so easily, then what possible difference could it make if he lost Phil's number?  Phil can find Billy anytime he wants!

Actually, upon further review, the lyric is "you're not anywhere that I CAN find you".  So never mind about any of that.

The video is a parody of other videos, with several directors pitching ideas to the performer.  In between pitches, we see many ideas acted out.  My favorite is when he’s in an all-white suit with a top hat and cane, walking by models on the beach, a la David Lee Roth in California Girls.

Finally, I can’t get Blogger’s poll widget to work.  So unfortunately we might not have any more polls.  The people’s favorite song of 1985 may have to remain a mystery.

#37 - We Are The World

Artist: USA For Africa

Album: We Are The World
Video: From YouTube.  The original MTV video solicits donations to an address on Wilshire Blvd.

This band, USA For Africa, was really great in 1985.  If only they had stayed together, they could have been amazing.  Bunch of massive egos consumed with their "solo projects".

Seriously though, it's incredible to see all this talent together in one place.  Superheroes joining forces for a good cause.  Sure the song itself is kind of cheesy, but it's instantly recognizable all these years later.

"We Are The World" spent four weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.  USA For Africa raised over $50 million dollars for humanitarian aid to African countries.

Between the performers, a clear hierarchy emerges: the masses in the chorus, stars who are granted a solo verse, and finally the superstars who deliver their own distinctive "We Are The World" chorus.  That elite status is granted to five performers: Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, and Ray Charles.  Upper echelon all-time greats, every single one.

It's just compelling to watch every single person in this video.  Everyone you see has made a unique and lasting contribution to the majesty of rock 'n' roll.  And really, when you think about it, they are all absolutely correct.  We ARE the world.  We ARE the children.