I chose 1981 music as my theme this year. My newest novel The Summer of Princess Diana is set in the summer of 1981, and oh! the music! Let’s take a look back at a pivotal time in the music industry.
From their album Tattoo You, “Start Me Up” was the lead single released off the album, and reached #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1981. It was the biggest hit of the 80s for The Rolling Stones in the US.
Music critic Stewart Mason noted, “There were hits after ‘Start Me Up,’ but…it’s undeniable that this…was the last great Rolling Stones song.” Here are The Stones live in 2006:
Martha Reynolds Writes 
Since the weirdest #1 song of 1981 and possibly of all-time isn’t on this list, I’ll mention it here:
“Stars of 45 – Medley: Intro ‘Venus’ / Sugar Sugar / No Reply / I’ll Be Back / Drive My Car / Do You Want to Know a Secret / We Can Work It Out / I Should Have Known Better / Nowhere Man / You’re Going to Lose That Girl / Stars on 45.” Yes, that’s the official song title making it the longest title for a #1 song as well. Somehow a medley of 60s tunes, including 8 Beatles songs, mixed with Disco really resonated with people in the summer of 1981.
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Oh. My. God. LIAM! Do you know that (a) I have written and pre-scheduled all of my posts? (b) I do bonus posts on Sundays? (c) there is one Sunday left in April?????? 😂
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Uh-oh! Sneak preview, I guess!
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Exactly!
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I guessed this would be the one you chose for this letter!
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You win the day!!!
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“Tattoo You’ is not one of their best outings, but “Start Me Up” rates way up there among the countless great songs from this classic, seminal, world-changing band. Love it. It always makes me feel like dancing.
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They weren’t at their peak, but I was happy to include them in this theme. 💕
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They surely belong.
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The Big Q at work, said this would be your “S” song many letters ago. I didn’t want to tip your hand, but he will be VERY excited to find the Rolling Stones anywhere! ZD
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I love that 1981 includes The Stones, Beatles, Foreigner, Journey, country crossovers, new wave/punk, R&B…..great year!
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What a fabulous song! Brings me back to step aerobics! Definitely an ’80s thing. Our teacher played this every class for our warmup!
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Hari Om
One of those which might be considered anthemic… never a Stones fan, there is no denying the impact and durability of much of their music! YAM xx
S=Schism
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