8 of the 80s: 2/28/13 (1988)...

Welcome back to this week's flashback to the 80s, and now I'm back to 1988, the year Celine Dion wins the Eurovision song contest representing Switzerland as a "ringer"...

Olivia Newton-John - "The Rumour"
from the album The Rumour (1988)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #62

This Elton John/Bernie Taupin song was Olivia's first lead single from an album to miss the top-40 since the early 70s. I still keep a place in my heart for this though, and thought she looked her damn best then.

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Blue Mercedes - "I Want To Be Your Property"
from the album Rich And Famous (1988)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #65

Only in the 80's can you extol the virtues of "living like Cyd Charisse", and getting her to star in their video, as well. This song topped the dance chart, though I fear I may be one of the only handful who still has the CD.

Romeo's Daughter - "Don't Break My Heart"
from the album Romeo's Daughter (1988)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #73

Long before Shania, Mutt Lange wrote songs for band his then-wife Olga managed. You can tell it's his in the first 10 seconds.

Times Two - "Cecilia"
from the album X2 (1988)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #79

After producer Jay King had success reviving a soft-rock classic with Club Nouveau's "Lean On Me", he tried again with this duo's take on Paul Simon. Notsomuch.

Teena Marie - "Ooh La La La"
from the album Naked To The World (1988)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #85

This was the late great soul star's only #1 R&B hit, before becoming the backdrop to America's intro to the Fugees...

Bananarama - "Love, Truth & Honesty"
from the album Greatest Hits Collection (1988)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #89

This track came after the departure of Siobhan Fahey from the group, with Jacquie O'Sullivan subbing in on vocals.

The System - "Coming To America (Part One)"
from the album Coming To America (Original Soundtrack) (1988)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #91

The "Don't Disturb This Groove" duo had a top-40 R&B hit with his song from the Eddie Murphy/Arsenio Hall romp.

Siedah Garrett - "K.I.S.S.I.N.G."
from the album Kiss Of Life (1988)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #97

Her post-Bad album contained this forgotten awesome nugget that topped the dance chart with a fierce Shep Pettibone mix.

That's a wrap for today's 80's trip, I'll be back tomorrow with another song of the day, candletime, and my top-100 tunes for the week. Good night!