Lights, camera, nostalgia! In this first of a special two-part New Year’s countdown, Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown brings you the Top 50 Songs from 80s Films—starting with 50 through 26. From Hazel O’Connor’s Will You in Breaking Glass to Jennifer Hall’s Ice Cream Days in Bright Lights, Big City, these iconic tracks remind us why the 80s ruled both the charts and the box office.

🎧 Plus, we dive into the stories behind the songs and the movies that made them legendary, with plenty of fun 80s trivia to keep the vibes alive. Follow us @GenX80sCountdown on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon for more nostalgia, and grab your popcorn—it’s time to relive the magic!

Buy Me a Coffee
Facebook
Instagram
Bluesky
Mastodon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready to deck the halls and crank up the nostalgia! This week on Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown, we’re bringing you a special Christmas episode featuring the Top 40 Christmas songs of the 80s. From Wham!’s Last Christmas to Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas?, and even Run-DMC’s Christmas in Hollis, this episode is packed with the holiday hits that made the 80s magical.

🎧 Plus, we’ll sprinkle in fun trivia about Christmas in the 80s and share some festive stories that’ll make you laugh, smile, and maybe even shed a nostalgic tear.

Don’t miss this ultimate Christmas countdown! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Mastodon, and Bluesky @GenX80sCountdown for more exclusive holiday content. Let’s keep the spirit of the 80s alive—one Christmas hit at a time! 🎄🎶

Buy Me a Coffee
Facebook
Instagram
Bluesky
Mastodon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready for a trip back to the golden era of music as we count down the UK Top 20 hits from November 8, 1981! This week’s chart is packed with everything from heartfelt ballads to head-banging anthems, and even a few reggae-inspired gems.

Join your host Bret as we celebrate timeless classics from Blondie, David Bowie, Motorhead, and ABBA, while sprinkling in fun trivia about the artists, the songs, and the UK in the 80s. Did you know Lemmy wrote Ace of Spades in just 10 minutes? Or that Blondie’s The Tide Is High was originally a Jamaican track? You’ll learn it all right here!

So grab your Walkman, crank up the volume, and prepare for an hour of nostalgia, music, and a little 80s magic. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky at @GenX80sCountdown for more updates, behind-the-scenes fun, and next week’s trivia vote.

It’s time to rewind—because the 80s never go out of style!

Buy Me a Coffee
Facebook
Instagram
Bluesky
Mastodon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The top 20 countdown for the week of November 14, 1981

Buy Me a Coffee
Facebook
Instagram
Bluesky
Mastodon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travel back to December 12, 1982, as we count down the UK’s Top 20 hits of the week! From Culture Club’s soulful Time (Clock of the Heart) to Madness’s unforgettable Our House and Renee and Renato’s holiday classic Save Your Love, this episode is packed with 80s magic.

Plus, we’ve got quirky 80s trivia, a laugh-out-loud mid-show story, and plenty of retro vibes to keep you grooving. Search Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and now Mastodon and relive the sounds of 1982!

Buy Me a Coffee
Facebook
Instagram
Bluesky
Mastodon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown, we’re rewinding to December 11, 1982, to revisit the unforgettable tracks that topped the charts. From Toni Basil’s cheer-tastic 'Mickey' to Marvin Gaye’s smooth 'Sexual Healing', and Toto’s iconic 'Africa', this countdown is packed with classics that defined the decade.

🎧 Plus, we’ll sprinkle in fun 80s trivia, share a hilarious anecdote about school dance mishaps, and relive all the moments that made this week in 1982 so special.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @GenX80sCountdown for exclusive content and more 80s nostalgia. Let’s keep the 80s alive—one hit at a time!

Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/genx80stop20countdown

Intro background Music by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Buy Me a Coffee
Facebook
Instagram
Bluesky
Mastodon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready to hit the dance floor with this special episode of Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown UK! We’re counting down the Top 30 Dance & Club Hits of the 80s from the UK. From Chic’s disco anthem Le Freak to Michael Jackson’s The Way You Make Me Feel, this episode is packed with the tracks that lit up dance floors across the decade.

Plus, we’ve got fun 80s trivia, a laugh-out-loud story, and plenty of nostalgia to keep you grooving. Search Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown now and join the party!

Head over to Buy Me a Coffee to support the show:  https://buymeacoffee.com/genx80stop20countdown

Buy Me a Coffee
Facebook
Instagram
Bluesky
Mastodon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready to move and groove! This week on Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown, we’re turning it up with a special episode featuring the Top 30 Dance & Club Hits of the 80s. From Janet Jackson’s ‘Control’ to Whitney Houston’s ‘So Emotional’, this episode is packed with the tracks that lit up the clubs and kept us dancing all night long.

🎧 We’ll also sprinkle in some fun 80s trivia, share a hilarious dance-floor anecdote, and give you all the nostalgia you need to keep the 80s spirit alive.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @GenX80sCountdown for exclusive content and updates. Don’t miss this dance-floor extravaganza—stream now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!

Buy Me a Coffee
Facebook
Instagram
Bluesky
Mastodon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step into the new year of 1984 with this week’s Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown UK from the week of January 4th, 1984! From UB40’s soulful reggae to Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s synth-powered anthem, this chart is packed with iconic tracks, unforgettable duets, and plenty of 80s flair.

Join Bret for over an hour of music, memories, and random 80s UK trivia—including the year’s mobile phone debut and Spitting Image’s puppetry madness. Plus, hear why Paul McCartney’s Pipes of Peace took the Number 1 spot!

Search Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown on your favorite platform, and relive the magic of 1984!

Buy Me a Coffee
Facebook
Instagram
Bluesky
Mastodon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown, we’re turning up the volume on the Top 20 hits of from the week of January 7, 1984! From the irresistible groove of Lionel Richie’s ‘All Night Long’ to the powerful anthem ‘Love Is a Battlefield’ by Pat Benatar, and wrapping it up with the ultimate duet ‘Say Say Say’ by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson—this countdown has it all.

🎧 Plus, we’ll share fun 80s trivia, stories behind the songs, and plenty of nostalgia. So grab your Walkman, turn up the volume, and let’s relive the magic of the 80s! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @GenX80sCountdown for exclusive content and updates.

Buy Me a Coffee
Facebook
Instagram
Bluesky
Mastodon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rewind to May 18, 1980, for this week’s Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown UK! Join your host, Bret, as we revisit a chart bursting with timeless classics, from Johnny Logan’s Eurovision-winning ballad to the ska energy of The Beat and the futuristic synths of Gary Numan.

Along the way, we’ll dish out some fun 80s UK trivia—did you know Pac-Man fever hit Britain in 1980? Plus, don’t miss a hilarious faux ad for the infamous Maserati Biturbo—because every great countdown deserves a little turbo trouble!

Crank up the nostalgia, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky at @GenX80sCountdown for behind-the-scenes fun and next week’s listener poll. It’s time to relive the music, the memories, and the madness of 1980!

Buy Me a Coffee
Facebook
Instagram
Bluesky
Mastodon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready for a groove-filled journey back to May 17, 1980, as we count down the Billboard Top 20 hits of the week! From Blondie’s electrifying #1 hit “Call Me” to the smooth sounds of Christopher Cross and Air Supply, this episode is packed with classics that defined the start of the 80s.

Along the way, we’ll uncover fun facts about the artists, the stories behind the songs, and a dash of nostalgia for one of music’s most exciting eras. Whether you’re a fan of soft rock, disco, or chart-topping ballads, this countdown has something for everyone.

🎶 Relive the hits. Rediscover the magic. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @GenX80sCountdown for exclusive 80s content and updates!

Buy Me a Coffee
Facebook
Instagram
Bluesky
Mastodon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re cracking open the vault for the first episode in our Top 100 Rock Songs Turning 40 series—spotlighting the unforgettable sound of 1985.

Originally created for Patreon, this series now rolls out to the main feed, fully intact and fully electric. This episode kicks off the countdown with the opening 20 tracks—deep cuts, sleeper hits, and maybe a few you forgot you loved.

🔊 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, and Bluesky

☕ Fuel the rock with Buy Me a Coffee

Intro music by Vasileios Ziogas from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Smooth Criminals, soda jingles turned smash hits, holiday chart invasions, and bros with actual Bros, this week’s Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown UK takes you back to December 2, 1988, where the charts were a swirling blend of groove, glitter, and glorious contradictions. From Robin Beck’s fizzy anthem to Pet Shop Boys’ orchestral pop existentialism, this episode covers it all, with the stories, trivia, and deep dives only we bring.

🎧 Plus, this week’s Bonus Drop from the Vault is a double feature: the Latin Top 20 from August 13, 1988, available in English and Spanish for the full cross-cultural blast of rhythm and romance.

📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon.

☕ Help support the show with a shoutout or a coffee at Buy Me a Coffee.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is it, the final chapter of The Top 80 Protest Songs of the 80s.

Originally a Patreon-exclusive, this series is now free for everyone, because these songs deserve to be heard.

The biggest, boldest, most history-making protest anthems of the decade are all right here.

From Public Enemy and Midnight Oil to U2 and Tracy Chapman, these are the anthems that called for justice, demanded change, and left a permanent mark on the world.

📢 Want more exclusive episodes? Join us on Patreon for early access, bonus content, and more.

📢 Follow us on social media. Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon, we’re keeping the 80s alive everywhere.

☕ Love what we do? Support the show and fuel our caffeine addiction at Buy Me a Coffee.

🔊 Turn it up, share it, and keep the fight alive.

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re doing something different.

There’s no countdown. No rankings. No flashy transitions.

Just 30 songs from the 1980s that offer light when the world feels heavy.

This is a playlist of power, compassion, resilience, and love—songs that say: you’re not alone, and you’re not done yet.

These aren’t just hits from a bygone decade. These are lifelines.

And in times like these, we all need something to hold on to.

We’re taking a pause from our regular UK Top 20 and Patreon releases this week to bring you this special one-off collection—because sometimes the music matters too much to wait.

If one of these tracks speaks to you, let us know. And if it helps even a little… that’s everything.

New: Bonus Episode 3 of our Top 80 Protest Songs of the 1980s series is now live.

You can also support the show at Buy Me a Coffee or join our exclusive content on Patreon.

Thank you for being here.

Intro music by Vasileios Ziogas from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some songs get played. Others get banned. Fears. Censored.

Originally a Patreon-exclusive, this series is now free for everyone, because these songs matter now more than ever.

In Part 3 of The Top 80 Protest Songs of the 80s, we continue the countdown with tracks that were so powerful, they were seen as a threat.

From Simple Minds and The Human League to The Style Council and The Clash, these anthems didn't just define a decade, they fought for change.

Want more exclusive episodes? Join us on Patreon for early access, bonus content, and more!

Follow us on social media! Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon, were keeping the 80s alive everywhere!

Love what we do? Support the show and fuel our caffeine addiction at Buy Me a Coffee!

🔊 Turn it up and hear the music that fought back.

Intro music by Vasileios Ziogas from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we count down the Top 20 songs in the UK—from soul-drenched ballads and synth-laced pop to arena-sized rock and unexpected chart-toppers.

🎶 New Order delivers a synth masterpiece

🎤 Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Heart battle it out in the Top 5

🎙️ Pet Shop Boys take us to church (and back)

💥 Bruce Willis surprises us with a soulful throwback

🎉 And Los Lobos bring it all home at #1 with a classic reimagined

This isn’t just another chart. It’s a late-summer mixtape from a year when the world was in motion, and music was everywhere.

📢 Bonus content now available!

🎙️ Episodes 1 & 2 of the Top 80 Protest Songs of the 1980s are now released to the public feed

🔥 Episode 4 (the final chapter!) is now live for Patreon supporters

Follow the show on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon, and support us on Buy Me a Coffee if you love what we’re doing!

Let’s bring back the magic—one song at a time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown, we’re diving into the pop power, cultural crossover, and quiet courage of the week ending August 7, 1987; a chart that didn’t just bring the hits, it brought the heart.

We’ve got:

💃 Whitney, Madonna, and Janet bringing the dancefloor heat

🎸 Richard Marx and Bob Seger turning up the guitars

🎤 Suzanne Vega’s Luka quietly shifting the world

🎬 Three songs from Beverly Hills Cop II that turned the soundtrack into a chart monster

🎧 And U2’s #1 anthem of faith and searching, closing it all out

Plus:

✨ A story about making mixtapes in your bedroom

📸 A forgotten 1987 obsession that wasn’t a gadget

🎙️ And an emotional sendoff as we drop the final episode of our Patreon-exclusive series, Top 80 Protest Songs of the 1980s; with Episodes 1 & 2 now available as bonus drops in the main feed.

This countdown is more than just songs; it’s a reminder of how music carried messages we’re still listening to today.

☕ Support the show: BuyMeaCoffee.com/GenX80sTop20Countdown

📲 Follow @GenX80sCountdown on Instagram, Facebook, Mastodon, and Bluesky

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally a Patreon-exclusive, this series is now free for everyone—because these songs need to be heard.

In Part 2 of The Top 80 Protest Songs of the 80s, we continue counting down the tracks that challenged the system, spoke truth to power, and left a lasting impact.

From Tracy Chapman and Public Enemy to Paul McCartney and the Dead Kennedys, these songs tackled the biggest issues of the decade—with lyrics that still resonate today.

📢 Want more exclusive episodes? Join us on Patreon for early access, bonus content, and more!

📢 Follow us on social media! Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon—we’re keeping the 80s alive everywhere!

☕ Love what we do? Support the show and fuel our caffeine addiction at Buy Me a Coffee!

🔊 Turn it up and keep the fight alive!

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK charts were electric on September 30, 1983—a vibrant mix of genres, shifting sounds, and timeless icons. This week’s countdown is a ride through everything that made the early 80s unforgettable.

🎶 New Order brought the future with “Blue Monday”

🎶 Culture Club lit up the top spot with “Karma Chameleon”

🎶 David Bowie, UB40, Paul Young, Genesis, and Soft Cell all make powerful appearances

🎶 And a few unexpected gems from Monyaka, Ryan Paris, and Modern Romance add extra flavor to this unforgettable chart

Plus, we’ve got: ✨ An unbelievable (but true!) trivia break about McDonald’s rap videos

🎮 A Game Boy showdown with Tetris vs. the music charts

📼 And a mid-show story you won’t forget about Mr. T releasing a rap album for kids

This episode is all style, all substance, and all 80s.

📢 Don’t forget to check out Episode 3 of The Top 80 Protest Songs of the 80s, now available on Patreon—featuring powerful tracks that challenged the status quo and changed the world.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon to keep the memories spinning, and if you love the show, support us on Buy Me a Coffee to keep this 80s machine fueled!

🔊 Turn it up and relive the music that defined a generation.

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown, we rewind to October 1, 1983—a moment when new wave, power ballads, retro flair, and synth-pop all collided in glorious, unforgettable harmony.

We’ve got Bonnie Tyler’s thunderous #1 hit, Men Without Hats’ quirky dance revolution, and The Police delivering heartbreak in perfect harmony—not once, but twice. Plus:

 🎤 A surprise appearance from Frank Stallone (yes, really!)

 🎧 A dreamy saxophone slow-dance from Spandau Ballet

 🎹 Billy Joel goes Motown

 💔 Air Supply turns drama into an anthem

 And of course, Laura Branigan, The Fixx, Talking Heads, Sheena Easton, and more.

✨ Plus, a reminder that Episode 3 of our Patreon-exclusive series, Top 80 Protest Songs of the 1980s, is out now! Join us at Patreon.com/GenX80sCountdown to keep the music and the message alive.

🛸 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon @GenX80sCountdown.

 ☕ Support the show at BuyMeaCoffee.com/GenX80sTop20Countdown—because caffeine fuels memory.

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some songs make you dance. Some songs make you feel.  

And some songs? Some change the world.  

This series was originally a Patreon-exclusive, but right now, these songs are too important to keep behind a paywall.  

Welcome to Part 1 of The Top 80 Protest Songs of the 80s—a countdown of the most powerful, politically charged, and socially relevant songs of the decade.  

From punk anthems to hip-hop manifestos, rock epics to pop songs with a message, these tracks shook the system—and their messages still hit just as hard today.  

Follow us @GenX80sCountdown on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon for even more 80s nostalgia. And if you love the show, buy us a coffee at BuyMeACoffee.com, because keeping the 80s alive takes a LOT of caffeine. ☕

🔊 Turn it up, share it, and keep these voices alive.

Intro Music Neon Nights Tune Pocket

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown—we’re rewinding to October 1, 1983…

💥 Bonnie Tyler is going full power-ballad mode

🕺 Men Without Hats are dancing without rules

 🎸 Stray Cats bring the rockabilly heat

 … and somehow, Frank Stallone lands in the Top 10.

Plus—mixtape memories, Swatch watch trivia, and all the feels.

🎧 Follow us @GenX80sCountdown on all socials!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown, we time-travel back to December 3, 1988, a week when pop ballads met rock grit, and unexpected mashups topped the charts. From Poison’s tear-soaked anthem to George Michael’s smooth restraint, from Bon Jovi’s adrenaline to Duran Duran’s stylish defiance, this countdown has it all.

And we’re celebrating in style, because we’ve just opened the vault and dropped two bonus episodes: the Top 20 Latin Tracks from August 13, 1988, now available in both English and Spanish. Originally for Patreon, now they’re here for everyone.

📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon.

☕ Help support the show with a shoutout or a coffee at Buy Me a Coffee.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK charts on December 4, 1981, were a perfect mix of innovation, nostalgia, and pure 80s magic.

This week, we count down 20 incredible tracks, featuring:

 🎶 Queen and David Bowie teaming up for a legendary duet

 🎶 The Human League leading the synthpop revolution

 🎶 Soft Cell, OMD, and Ultravox bringing new wave brilliance

 🎶 Diana Ross, Olivia Newton-John, and Rod Stewart proving the legends were still on top

 🎶 Julio Iglesias taking a Spanish-language ballad all the way to number one

This countdown is a time capsule of 1981—an era where music was changing, evolving, and setting the stage for the decade ahead.

📢 Want even more? Over on Patreon, we just dropped Episode 2 of The Top 80 Protest Songs of the 80s! These are the songs that stood for something, shook the system, and still carry their message today.

📢 Follow us on social media! Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon—we’re keeping the 80s alive everywhere!

☕ Love what we do? Support the show and fuel our caffeine addiction at Buy Me a Coffee!

🔊 Turn it up and relive the music that made us!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time to travel back to December 5, 1981, when soft rock ballads, arena anthems, and new wave sounds were all battling it out for chart supremacy!

🎧 This week’s Gen X 80s Countdown brings you Diana Ross reimagining a 50s classic, The Police blending new wave with reggae, Foreigner delivering one of the greatest power ballads ever, and Olivia Newton-John dominating the charts with a record-breaking smash hit!

🔥 Plus, we’ll revisit the launch of MTV and how it changed music forever, and we’ll dive into the arcade craze of 1981 with a fun bit of trivia!

🎸 And don’t forget—our exclusive Patreon series, Top 80 Protest Songs of the 1980s, is going strong! Episode 2 drops this week, so join us at Patreon for deep-dive episodes on the songs that made a statement.

📲 Follow us @GenX80sCountdown on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon for even more 80s nostalgia. And if you love the show, buy us a coffee at Buy Me a Coffee—because keeping the 80s alive takes a LOT of caffeine! ☕

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 10, 1989, had a little bit of everything—and this week, we’re taking you back with another epic countdown of the UK’s Top 20!

We’ve got Michael Jackson clapping back at the press, Donna Summer proving disco queens never fade, Poison making us all sing along, and the pop machine that was Jason Donovan ruling the charts.

🔥 And don’t forget, our exclusive new Patreon series, The Top 80 Protest Songs of the 80s. Head over to Patreon for more deep-dive episodes.

📢 Follow us on social media! Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon—we’re keeping the 80s alive everywhere!

☕ Love what we do? Support the show and fuel our caffeine addiction at Buy Me a Coffee!

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Gen X 80s Countdown, we’re traveling back to March 11, 1989, a time when boy bands were rising, new jack swing was taking over, and rock legends were proving they still had what it takes.

🎧 Get ready for Debbie Gibson’s chart-topping ballad, the boy band explosion of New Kids on the Block, and the dance-pop energy of Paula Abdul and Milli Vanilli. Plus, we’ve got rock anthems from Guns N’ Roses and Rod Stewart, smooth R&B from Bobby Brown and Anita Baker, and a few surprises along the way.

🔥 And don’t forget, our exclusive Patreon series, Top 100 Rock Tracks of 1985, just wrapped up. If you’re a rock fan, head over to Patreon for more deep-dive episodes.

Follow us @GenX80sCountdown on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon for even more 80s nostalgia. And if you love the show, buy us a coffee at BuyMeACoffee.com, because keeping the 80s alive takes a LOT of caffeine. ☕

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re doing something different and personal—a double-length special featuring my 40 favorite songs from the entire decade!

🔥 Featuring:

 🎸 Duran Duran 🎤 Pat Benatar 💃 Taylor Dayne 🎬 Huey Lewis & The News 🤘 Billy Idol 👑 Michael Jackson 

This is the ultimate 80s mixtape—a mix of rock, pop, new wave, movie classics, and deep cuts that defined the greatest decade in music.

And don’t forget—our Patreon-exclusive series kicks off next week with the Top 80 Protest Songs of the 1980s, so if you’re not on Patreon yet, now’s the time! Support us on BuyMeACoffee.com 

🎧 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon to keep the 80s nostalgia alive!

Intro song 80s Neon Lights Retrowave from TunePocket

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Gen X 80s Countdown, we’re heading back to June 7, 1980—a time when the 70s were fading, and the 80s were kicking the door wide open.

🎧 We’ve got Lipps, Inc. bringing the funk at Number 1, Paul McCartney proving Beatlemania never really ended, and Blondie, Bob Seger, and Elton John delivering the timeless classics we still love today.

Plus, we’ll dive into the game-changing sounds of new wave, the ballads that broke our hearts, and the movie soundtracks that made history.

🎸 And BIG news for our Patreon fans. Our Top 100 Rock Tracks of 1985 series just wrapped up, so if you haven’t heard the grand finale yet, now’s the time to catch up. Join us on Patreon for even more deep-dive episodes.

Follow us @GenX80sCountdown on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon for even more 80s nostalgia. And if you love the show, buy us a coffee at BuyMeACoffee.com —because keeping the 80s alive takes a LOT of caffeine. ☕

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time to rewind to July 25, 1986, where the UK charts were packed with pop legends, new wave anthems, reggae grooves, and even a few surprises.

🎧 This week’s countdown features:

 🔥 Madonna – Papa Don’t Preach

 🎸 Rod Stewart – Every Beat of My Heart

 💃 Bananarama – Venus

 🎤 UB40 – Sing Our Own Song

 🤖 Art of Noise & Max Headroom – Paranoimia (Yes, THAT Max Headroom.)

As always, we’ll dive into the stories behind the songs, test your 80s trivia knowledge, and take a nostalgic detour back to Saturday mornings in the 80s—where cereal commercials were just as entertaining as cartoons.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon, and if you love the show, support us on Buy Me a Coffee.

🔊 Bonus: Our Patreon-exclusive series is in full swing with Episode 4 of the Top 100 Rock Songs from 1985—check it out for even more deep dives into 80s rock history.

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Gen X 80s Countdown, we’re heading back to July 26, 1986, when pop, rock, and movie soundtracks ruled the charts!

🎧 We’ve got Peter Gabriel at Number 1 with the groundbreaking Sledgehammer, Kenny Loggins taking us into the Danger Zone, and Genesis, Madonna, and Janet Jackson keeping the hits coming. Plus, we’re diving into some of the most legendary 80s movie soundtracks, including The Karate Kid Part II, Short Circuit, and Top Gun!

Along the way, we’ll break down the stories behind the hits, share some 80s trivia, and revisit an unforgettable summer at the movies.

Follow us @GenX80sCountdown on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon for even more 80s nostalgia. And if you love the show, support us on Patreon for bonus content—like our Top 100 Rock Tracks of 1985 series—or buy us a coffee at BuyMeaCoffee.com to help keep the music alive!

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time to rewind to September 8, 1989, when house music ruled the clubs, hair metal was still roaring, and pop stars dominated the airwaves!

🎧 This week’s countdown features rock giants like Bon Jovi & Guns N’ Roses, pop legends like Kylie Minogue & Jason Donovan, and dance anthems from Black Box & Starlight.

As always, we’ll dive into the stories behind the hits, test your 80s trivia knowledge, and take a nostalgic detour back to 1989—where the Game Boy was changing gaming forever.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon, and if you love the show, support us on Buy Me a Coffee!

🔊 Bonus: Our Patreon-exclusive series is in full swing with Episode 3 of the Top 100 Rock Songs from 1985—check it out for more deep dives into 80s rock history!

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Gen X 80s Countdown, we’re heading back to September 9, 1989, when pop, rock, R&B, and new jack swing ruled the charts!

We’ve got New Kids on the Block hangin’ tough at Number 1, Paula Abdul bringing the attitude, Skid Row delivering one of the most powerful rock ballads of the decade, and Gloria Estefan, Madonna, and Cher proving why they’re absolute legends.

Along the way, we’ll dive into the stories behind the hits, share some fun 80s trivia, and talk about one of the biggest music scandals of all time—the Milli Vanilli controversy!

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon for even more 80s nostalgia. And if you love the show, support us on Patreon for bonus content—like our current series on the Top 100 Rock Tracks of 1985—or buy us a coffee at Buy Me a Coffee to help keep the music alive!

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Straight from the Gen X 80s Countdown Vault, this Patreon-exclusive episode is now available to all listeners for the first time ever!

We’re diving into the Top 20 Latin tracks from August 13, 1988—a chart full of passion, rhythm, and unforgettable performances from Yuri, José José, Gloria Estefan, Raphael, and many more. Recorded as part of our exclusive Patreon series, this bonus episode is being released exactly as it was originally aired—complete with full intros, transitions, stories, and commentary.

We’ve closed the Patreon, but the music still matters. All former exclusive episodes are now dropping here as part of our bonus series on the main feed.

If you love what we’re doing, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon @GenX80sCountdown. And help us stay caffeinated at BuyMeaCoffee.com/GenX80sTop20Countdown.

The Latin 80s were fire—and this countdown proves it.

Music by Dvir Silver from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time to rewind to February 20, 1981, when rock, new wave, funk, and a little bit of novelty magic collided on the UK charts!

🎧 This week’s countdown is packed with legends—John Lennon, Blondie, Phil Collins, Madness, and Dire Straits—along with some surprises, like the rockabilly swagger of The Stray Cats and the powerhouse glam comeback of Slade. Plus, the infamous Number 1 hit that blocked Ultravox’s Vienna from the top spot!

As always, we’ll dive into the stories behind the songs, test your 80s knowledge with some trivia breaks, and take a trip back to the golden age of arcades in our mid-show segment.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon, and if you’re loving the countdowns, support the show on Buy Me a Coffee!

🔊 Bonus: Our Patreon-exclusive series is in full swing with Episode 2 of the Top 100 Rock Songs from 1985—check it out for even more deep dives into the greatest rock tracks of the decade!

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Gen X 80s Countdown, we’re taking you back to February 21, 1981, when the charts were packed with everything from new wave and soft rock to disco and country crossovers.

🎧 We’ve got Dolly Parton working hard at 9 to 5, Blondie bringing hip-hop into the mainstream with Rapture, John Lennon delivering heartfelt ballads, and Kool & The Gang getting us on our feet with Celebration!

Along the way, we’ll dive into the stories behind the hits, throw in some 80s trivia, and share a nostalgic memory that will take you right back to the magic of the early 80s.

Follow us @GenX80sCountdown on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon for even more 80s nostalgia. And if you love the show, support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content—like our current series on the Top 100 Rock Tracks of 1985—or buy us a coffee at Buy Me a Coffee dot com, slash Gen X 80s Countdown to help keep the music alive!

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step back to November 24, 1985, as we count down the UK’s Top 20 hits of the week! This episode is packed with unforgettable tracks, from Wham!’s I’m Your Man to Whitney Houston’s Saving All My Love for You, and Queen’s anthemic One Vision.

🎧 Relive the magic with the stories behind the hits, fun 80s trivia—including the year that gave us the Nintendo Entertainment System—and plenty of nostalgic vibes.

And don’t forget to check out our Patreon page for exclusive bonus episodes, like the Top 100 Rock Songs of 1985, live now! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon, and support the show with Buy Me a Coffee to keep the 80s alive.

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown, we’re rewinding to November 30, 1985, to relive the hits that dominated the charts! From Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin’s emotional Separate Lives to Starship’s iconic We Built This City, this episode is packed with nostalgia.

Discover the stories behind these unforgettable songs and the artists who made them legends. Plus, we’ll share some 80s trivia and a fun nostalgic story about the magic of movie soundtracks from the decade.

Follow us @GenX80sCountdown on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes fun. And if you love the show, support us on Patreon or buy us a coffee at BuyMeACoffee.com.

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travel back to February 5, 1983, as we count down the UK’s Top 20 hits of the week! This episode is packed with timeless tracks, from Men at Work’s iconic Down Under to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean and Phil Collins’ Motown-inspired You Can’t Hurry Love.

We’ll explore the stories behind the songs, share fun 80s trivia—including the world’s first Rubik’s Cube Championship—and relive the magic of an unforgettable year in music.

🎧 Plus, discover our Patreon-exclusive episodes for even more charts and genres, like the Top 20 Latin Tracks from August 13, 1988, live now! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon, and support the show with Buy Me a Coffee. Let’s keep the 80s alive, one countdown at a time!

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re rewinding to February 5, 1983, to relive the hits that made the early 80s unforgettable! This week on Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown, we’re diving into the charts with legends like Toto, Men At Work, Marvin Gaye, and more.

🎧 Discover the stories behind the songs, the artists who brought them to life, and the moments that made them legendary. Plus, we’ll share some fun 80s trivia and a nostalgic memory about the golden age of MTV music videos.

Follow us @GenX80sCountdown on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon for exclusive content. And if you love the show, support us on Patreon for bonus episodes or buy us a coffee at Buy Me a Coffee.com/GenX80sCountdown. Let’s keep the 80s alive—one hit at a time!

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travel back to August 14, 1988, as we count down the UK’s Top 20 hits of the week! This episode is packed with unforgettable tracks, from Yazz’s uplifting The Only Way Is Up to Kylie Minogue’s dancefloor favorite The Loco-Motion, and Iron Maiden’s epic The Evil That Men Do.

We’ll bring you colorful stories behind the hits, fun 80s UK trivia, and a mid-show memory that will have you reminiscing about the quirkiest moments of the decade. Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon, and fuel our caffeine addiction with Buy Me a Coffee. Don't forget to subscribe to our exclusive Patreon page for members-only content.

🎧 Relive the magic of 1988—listen now on your favorite podcast app!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Let’s roll back to August 13, 1988, and relive the Top 20 hits that made the late 80s unforgettable! This week on Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown, we’re diving into a chart packed with iconic tracks from Whitney Houston, Guns N’ Roses, George Michael, and Steve Winwood.

🎧 Discover the stories behind these hits, the artists who brought them to life, and the moments that made them legendary. Plus, we’ll share fun 80s trivia, a nostalgic story about mixtapes, and plenty of reasons to keep dancing.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon for exclusive content, and don’t forget to support the show at Buy Me a Coffee.com/GenX80sCountdown. Follow our Patreon for exclusive, member-only podcasts! Let’s keep the 80s alive—one hit at a time!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step back to June 7, 1987, as we count down the UK’s Top 20 hits of the week! From Whitney Houston’s iconic I Wanna Dance With Somebody to George Michael’s provocative I Want Your Sex and U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, this episode is packed with unforgettable tracks and 80s nostalgia.

We’ll also dive into some quirky 80s UK trivia, share a hilarious mid-show story, and keep the energy high with colorful intros and fun transitions. Don’t miss the magic—listen now on your favorite podcast app!

🎧 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Bluesky, and Mastodon for more 80s fun, and support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee to keep the caffeine and nostalgia flowing!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step back into the neon glow of the 80s! This week on Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown, we’re rewinding to June 6, 1987, to relive the unforgettable tracks that topped the charts. From Whitney Houston’s dance-floor anthem I Wanna Dance with Somebody to Kim Wilde’s electrifying You Keep Me Hangin’ On, this countdown is packed with the music that defined a generation.

🎧 Plus, we’ll dive into the stories behind the songs, share some fun 80s trivia, and even revisit the magic of our first concert memories. Follow us @GenX80sCountdown on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon for more nostalgia, and don’t forget to fuel our 80s obsession by buying us a coffee at Buy Me a Coffee.com/GenX80sCountdown. Let’s keep the 80s alive—one hit at a time!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

¡Directo del archivo de Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown! Este episodio fue grabado originalmente como parte de nuestra serie exclusiva de Patreon, y ahora está disponible para todos los oyentes.

Hoy contamos las 20 canciones latinas más importantes del 13 de agosto de 1988, con artistas legendarios como Yuri, José José, Gloria Estefan, Raphael, y muchos más. Este episodio especial se presenta sin ediciones, tal como se publicó originalmente, con toda la energía, intros y comentarios incluidos.

Cerramos la página de Patreon, pero la música sigue siendo demasiado importante para quedarse guardada. Todos los episodios anteriores ahora se están compartiendo como parte de esta serie extra.

Síguenos en Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky y Mastodon como @GenX80sCountdown. Y si te gusta lo que hacemos, puedes invitarnos un café en BuyMeaCoffee.com/GenX80sTop20Countdown. ¡Gracias por ser parte del viaje!

Music by Maksym Dudchyk from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The curtain rises on the grand finale! In this second half of our New Year’s special, Gen X 80s Top 20 Countdown reveals the Top 25 Songs from 80s Films. From the poignant Against All Odds by Phil Collins to the romantic duet After All by Peter Cetera and Cher, this countdown features the most unforgettable tracks and moments from 80s movies.

🎧 With stories, trivia, and heartfelt reflections to close out 2024 and welcome 2025, this episode is more than a countdown—it’s a celebration. Follow us @GenX80sCountdown on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and Mastodon for more behind-the-scenes fun, and let’s toast to an amazing year ahead!

Buy Me a Coffee

Facebook

Instagram

Bluesky

Mastodon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re flashing back to a UK chart absolutely bursting with energy—where ballads soared, synths sparkled, and rock heroes battled it out for dominance. From Madonna’s underground soundtrack single to Jennifer Rush’s record-smashing power ballad, we’ve got every shade of 80s magic in one top-to-bottom stunner.

Expect glam, grit, heartbreak, and heat—plus a few surprises you probably forgot you loved.

So hit play and relive the week of October 11, 1985 with us.

☕ Support the show: Buy Me a Coffee

📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky & Mastodon

Keep moving forward. Keep remembering backward.

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step into the glitter and groove of October 12, 1985, as we count down the hottest 20 tracks from a week when MTV ruled, cassette decks were king, and the charts were soaked in synth, soul, and swagger.

Join host Bret as he rewinds through unforgettable hits like Take On Me, Oh Sheila, Part-Time Lover, Freedom, and Dress You Up—plus deep trivia, nostalgic stories, and a few surprises along the way. You’ll hear about mall memories, Pepsi power moves, and even the magic of disposable cameras.

Also this week. we’ve closed the Patreon, but we’re opening the vault! All four episodes of the Top 80 Protest Songs of the 1980s are now bonus episodes on the main feed. Next up. Adult Contemporary Top 20 from March 25, 1989.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Mastodon, and Bluesky @GenX80sCountdown. And if you’re vibing with the show, support us with a coffee at BuyMeaCoffee.com/GenX80sTop20Countdown.

Keep moving forward. Keep remembering backward.

Intro music by Roman Orekhov from Pixabay

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.