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Chapter 156: Genius Of Love

Synth pop

More often than not, the biggest giveaway you’re listening to a hit song from the 80s is the drums - for years after “In The Air Tonight,” everyone was using gated reverb and pressing every drum hit to the front of the mix. Sometimes the effect is simple, the merciless snare on “Two Of Hearts” propelling Stacey Q’s sex romp. Other songs get more complex; “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” and “Higher Love” are all rhythm, dripping with programmed bells and whistles, while Tom Tom Club undercuts the iconic beat of “Genius Of Love” with hipster cool.
1. Human League

Don't You Want Me

2. Belinda Carlisle

Heaven is a Place on Earth

3. Stacey Q

Two of Hearts

4. Fleetwood Mac

Little Lies

5. Pet Shop Boys

West End Girls

6. Deniece Williams

Let's Hear It for the Boy

7. Steve Winwood

Higher Love

8. Tom Tom Club

Genius of Love

9. Rick Astley

Never Gonna Give You Up

10. Erasure

A Little Respect