Don’s Top 10 From September 13, 1988

(#8 last week) This song by the British pop band Breathe was one of a number of singles, many by British & Australian bands, that helped to shape the smooth jazz radio format in the US in the mid to late 1980s. A haunting ballad.

(#14 last week) At this time in 1988, after over 200 shows on tour in support of "Hysteria", the band began work on their fifth album.

(#10 last week) Considering how many times this hip-hop staple has been sampled, it's ironic that IT sampled heavily from a previous song, "Think (About It)" by Lyn Collins, from 1972. Considered by some critics as the greatest rap hit of all time. Certified platinum single.

(#17 last week) Originally a mid-chart record in 1984, this became one of those "secret weapon" undiscovered older songs that radio likes to find. Guy Zapoleon did, while in Phoenix, & used his influence to get this rereleased. This time, it went all the way to the top. UB40 did not know this was first written & recorded by Neil Diamond until after the record peaked at #1. They only saw "N. Diamond" & were surprised to learn later it was Neil. Hey, this wasn't his only song about red wine. Remember "Cracklin' Rosie"?

(#16 last week) Along with "Kokomo" (both were from the movie "Cocktail"), another very polarizing hit record. The only a cappella song to ever hit #1. Bobby McFerrin used his astounding voice to make all the sounds heard here. The Grammy winner for Song Of The Year & Best Pop Vocal Performance.

(#7 last week) Almost forgotten first single from "Chicago 19", lead sung by Bill Champlin. Co-written by the #1 songwriter of the past 30 years, Diane Warren, with Albert Hammond.

(#3 last week) Barely played today, this was the 4th straight #1 single from "Faith", Michael's debut solo album. In 1987-88, two other arts also achieved this feat, Michael Jackson & Whitney Houston.

(#1 last week; was #1 for 1 week) This was so big, for awhile we thought that it would spearhead another folk music boom. It did better here, peaking at #1 (6 nationally). Rolling Stone ranked it at #167 on their Top 500 Great Songs Of All Time.

(#4 last week) Taylor's real name is Leslie Wunderman. Hey, that's a cool name! She should have kept it for show biz. In 1985, when Taylor was 23, she married an 18-year old guy.

(#2 last week) I admit, this was not one of my favorites when new. I'm just not a metalhead or hard rocker, but something about the hook of this huge hit has gotten to me over the years. So I'm in!