#14 - One More Night

Artist: Phil Collins

Album: No Jacket Required
Video: From YouTube.

It is appropriate that "One More Night" follows "Sussudio" immediately on this countdown, because these two songs are forever linked.  Not only are they from the same album, but both songs also soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985.

"One More Night" is a beautiful slow song, a plaintive plea for another chance with a lover.  It is the soft, understated yin to the bold, dominant yang of "Sussudio".  I was surprised to learn that it was actually the first single released from the "No Jacket Required" album.  To go with a ballad right out of the gate, it shows there must have been a really strong feeling about it.

Phil Collins is the most prolific artist on the MTV Top 100 Music Video Countdown, with five videos.  Three solo efforts and two duets.  In that aspect he stands alone.  He was truly a hit machine in 1985.

I distinctly remember this song played during a montage of college basketball highlights around NCAA tournament time.  The idea was that any team losing a game would be eliminated from further competition, so they just wanted to play again, "one more night".  It was odd to hear a slow song as the backdrop to sports highlights.

The video represents yet another linkage with "Sussudio", as both videos appear to take place in the same bar.  He appears to be wearing the same suit and tie, only now it is after closing time.  The scene is dimly lit, encouraging quiet reflection.

And yeah, I used practically the same picture for both songs.  You try finding different pictures representing those two.

#15 - Sussudio

Artist: Phil Collins

Album: No Jacket Required
Video: From YouTube.

This is "Sussudio".  A great, great song.  A personal favorite.  4 out of 5 serial killers agree.

The opening and most memorable hit from the "No Jacket Required" album, this song established Phil Collins as a one of the pre-eminent solo artists of his generation.  It was the second of his three #1 hits in 1985.

Many have wondered who or what Sussudio was (or "Su-su-ssudio", as the actual lyric is sung).  It's just a nonsense word Collins made up that fit the music of the song.  The lyrics are about a schoolboy crush.  The music is positive and uplifting, characterized by crisp drumbeats and enthusiastic horns.

In the video, Collins is performing in a bar before a small crowd where no one is paying any attention to him.  But as the song progresses, the audience slowly starts to become more interested, until the end when everyone is totally into it.

And so, here we have the fourth Phil Collins video in the 1985 MTV Top 100 Video Countdown.  No individual has more songs in the countdown than this man.  You might think we've seen the last of Phil Collins in this countdown.  But oh, you would be oh so wrong.

#16 - Alive And Kicking

Artist: Simple Minds

Album: Once Upon A Time
Video: From YouTube.

In 1985, Simple Minds released "Once Upon A Time", their most successful album ever.  "Alive And Kicking" was the biggest hit from that album.  And yet, it was NOT the most successful Simple Minds song of 1985!  How can that be?? 

You'll just have to wait to find out.  Or use Google.  Or your BRAIN.  For you see, while this is the first appearance by Simple Minds in this countdown, it will not be the last.

I wasn’t a fan of “Alive And Kicking” while it was popular, but it did reach #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It sounded "New Wave" to me and that just wasn't my bag, baby.  But over the years I grew an appreciation for the song, and the album is also actually pretty good. 

As for Simple Minds, they have been making music since 1977, although the mid-80’s was their only period of commercial success.  They are a Scottish rock band, possibly the best Scottish rock band of all-time.  At least they give Belle & Sebastian a pretty good run for their money.

The video is difficult to understand, but it does include some groovy scenery.  I particularly enjoy the rushing waterfall.  They appear to be in some sort of national park, and there is lots of greenery.  At the end a crane shot reveals the band is on an island, which is odd because earlier they were playing on the edge of a cliff.  They are messing with my simple mind!  See what I did there?!  And…scene.