8 of the 80s: 8/7/14 (1982)

We move ahead a decade in this week's throwback to 1982, the year the first compact discs come out in Germany.

Junior - "Mama Used To Say"
from the album Ji (1982)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #30
Songwriters: Bob Carter, Junior Giscombe

The British soul singer was one of the first solo acts from the UK to make it in the American R&B radio world in the 80s.

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Diana Ross - "Work That Body"
from the album Why Do Fools Fall In Love? (1981)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #44
Songwriters: Ray Chew, Paul Jabara, Diana Ross

The diva heads to the gym in this fitness jam that sounds much better than it has a right to, thanks to co-writer Paul Jabara.

George Benson - "Never Give Up On A Good Thing"
from the album George Benson Collection (1981)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #52
Songwriters: Michael Garvin, Tom Shapiro

This single from the jazz guitarist and singer's hits album was a much bigger hit across the pond, reaching the top-20 in the UK.

Patti Austin - "Every Home Should Have One"
from the album Every Home Should Have One (1981)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #62
Songwriters: Dominic Bugatti, Frank Musker

Patti had a minor pop hit twice in two years with this single, as it was re-released after the success of her resurrected #1 hit "Baby Come To Me" in 1983.

Larry Carlton - "Sleepwalk"
from the album Sleepwalk (1981)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #74
Songwriters: Ann Farina, Johnny Farina, Santo Farina

The lite-jazz guitar king covered this 60s lullaby to play on quiet storm stations popular in the early 80s.

Chic - "Soup For One"
from the album Soup For One (Original Soundtrack) (1982)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #80
Songwriters: Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers

This post-disco jam from the masters of the late 70s clubs is probably better known for the many later songs sampling the record, like Modjo's "Lady"...

Change - "The Very Best In You"
from the album Sharing Your Love (1982)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #84
Songwriters: Mauro Malavasi, Herb Smith

The lite-disco act that Luther Vandross once sung lead for kept going in the 80s with a lead with the nickname "Crabs". Yep.

GQ - "Sad Girl"
from the album Face To Face (1981)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #93
Songwriters: Lloyd Smith, Jay Wiggins

This was the disco band's last time on the pop and R&B charts, but I had to include this clip just for the long intro to the TV show only those in South Jersey would understand.