JANUARY
Top hit
Physical · Olivia Newton-john
Top album
For Those About To Rock (We Salute You) · AC/DC
Year
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One moment while we pull together the music from this year.
Pop spectacle intensifies
1982
Michael Jackson films videos like blockbusters, synth-pop keeps the clubs glowing, and every label hunts a star who looks undeniable on thirteen-inch screens.
Thriller's Shadow Looms
Michael Jackson is filming videos that look like blockbusters and the industry is taking notes — pop stardom is about to become a full-time cinematic enterprise. Synth-pop and new wave keep the clubs glowing while Quiet Storm R&B fills the late-night air with silk and confession. Every label wants a star who can sing, dance, and look undeniable on a thirteen-inch screen.
- Michael Jackson
- Thriller
- synth pop
- new wave
- R&B
- Michael Jackson releases 'Thriller' — November 30
- The Go-Go's become the first all-women band to write a No. 1 album
- Grandmaster Flash's 'The Message' elevates hip-hop storytelling
- Survivor's 'Eye of the Tiger' becomes the workout anthem
Hot 100 · weeks at #1
Top songs
Album chart · weeks at #1
Top albums
Through the year
Tap a month to drill into chart weeks.
FEBRUARY
Top hit
Centerfold · The J. Geils Band
Top album
Freeze-Frame · The J. Geils Band
MARCH
Top hit
Centerfold · The J. Geils Band
Top album
Beauty And The Beat · Go-go's
APRIL
Top hit
I Love Rock 'N Roll · Joan Jett
Top album
Beauty And The Beat · Go-go's
MAY
Top hit
I Love Rock 'N Roll · Joan Jett
Top album
Chariots Of Fire (Soundtrack) · Vangelis
JUNE
Top hit
Ebony And Ivory · Paul Mccartney And Stevie Wonder
Top album
Tug Of War · Paul Mccartney
JULY
Top hit
Don't You Want Me · The Human League
Top album
Asia · Asia
AUGUST
Top hit
Eye Of The Tiger · Survivor
Top album
Mirage · Fleetwood Mac
SEPTEMBER
Top hit
Abracadabra · The Steve Miller Band
Top album
Mirage · Fleetwood Mac
OCTOBER
Top hit
Jack & Diane · John Cougar
Top album
American Fool · John Cougar
NOVEMBER
Top hit
Up Where We Belong · Joe Cocker And Jennifer Warnes
Top album
American Fool · John Cougar
DECEMBER
Top hit
Truly · Lionel Richie
Top album
Business As Usual · Men At Work
