35 years ago in 1987, there were 29 songs that hit the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart. That’s a lot songs compared to how many titles hit the number one spot on the charts today. The number ones of ‘87 ranged from rock, pop, R&B, freestyle, and glam metal. The year had some of the most iconic artists of the ‘80s racking up number ones including Michael Jackson, U2, Madonna, George Michael and Whitney Houston. Let’s take a look at what was big back 35 years ago!
1. Shake You Down – Gregory Abbott
Week of January 17, 1987 – 1 Week at # 1
The first number one song of 1987 goes to Gregory Abbott’s “Shake You Down” on the week of January 17, 1987. This song displaced the Bangles “Walk Like an Egyptian” which had spent 4 weeks at number 1 at the end of 1986. “Shake You Down” was a smooth soul hit with a nice groove to it. The song helped to propel his debut album of the same name to platinum status.
2. At This Moment – Billy Vera and the Beaters
Week of January 24 – 2 Weeks at # 1
At This Moment, was originally released as a single in 1981 where it only got to # 79. However, this song was played on the 80s sitcom, “Family Ties.” Rhino Records jumped at the chance of reissuing the single and the single reentered the Billboard Hot 100 singles. It became a big hit in early ‘87. Michael J. Fox has stated in interviews that “I couldn’t get on the dance floor anywhere in the world for like ten years without them playing ‘At This Moment’.”
3. Open Your Heart – Madonna
Week Ending February 7 1987 – 1 Week at # 1
Madonna scores her fifth # 1 single with Open Your Heart. One of her finest dance pop hits accompanied by a somewhat risque video, well for that time anyway! This was the fourth single released from her “True Blue” album. It proved to be a enormous hit for MTV and the radio. There was no slowing down for Madonna during this time in her career.
4. Livin’ On a Prayer – Bon Jovi
Week Ending February 14, 1987 – 4 Weeks at # 1
“Livin’ On A Prayer” was one of the biggest hits of the year. Bon Jovi put 80s glam metal (a.k.a. hair metal and/or pop metal) on the spotlight and brought it into the mainstream. This song was all over MTV, the radio and yes cassette players. Livin’ On a Prayer is one of the most memorable songs of the ‘80s and is still popular some 35 years later. It’s a well crafted song detailing the struggles of a working class couple, Tommy and Gina. The video was filmed at the Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Bon Jovi also had the number one album in America, “Slippery When Wet” when “Livin’ On a Prayer” peaked at number one for four weeks. The single would be the 2nd biggest song for 1987. Tommy and Gina would also be mentioned again in a future song that Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora wrote.
5. Jacob’s Ladder – Huey Lewis and the News
Week of March 14, 1987 – 1 Week at # 1
Jacob’s Ladder was another catchy pop song by the Huey Lewis and the News. The song waited patiently at # 2 on the last two weeks of Livin’ On a Prayer run at # 1. Then on March 14th, the single would be the group’s third # 1 hit. The song is about life’s struggles and taking it one day at a time. Nice message and nice job scoring another number one hit, Mr. Lewis & the News!
6. Lean on Me – Club Nouveau
Week of March 21, 1987 – 2 Weeks at # 1
“Lean on Me” was originally recorded by Bill Withers and was also a # 1 hit in 1972. This version of “Lean on Me” was covered by Club Nouveau. The 80’s cover of “Lean On Me” featured an uptempo dance beat along with samples and electronic arrangements. The single was certified Gold for sales of over 1 million copies.
7. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship
Week of April 4, 1987 – 2 Weeks at # 1
Do you remember the movie, “Mannequin?” The one where Kim Catrell comes to life, who wouldn’t that back then! “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” was performed by Starship. Starship featured Grace Slick on vocals. Grace Slick was originally in the 60s psychedelic band, Jefferson Airplane. This song was far removed from the sounds of the 60s. It featured an upbeat synthesized feel to it with keyboards and a happy chorus. It managed to get heavy rotation on MTV and became the groups 3rd number one song in less than two years.
8. I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me) – Aretha Franklin and George Michael
Week of April 18, 1987 – 2 Weeks at # 1
Two greats teamed up for a Grammy award winning number one song. Aretha Franklin and the late great, George Michael, provide their voices for soulful fun song equipped with light guitars and cheery backing vocals. The song was also number one in the U.K.
9. I Just Died in Your Arms – Cutting Crew
Week of May 2, 1987 – 2 Weeks at # 1
We have another big hit for a British synth band. The 80s had so many different British artists topping the charts. It was almost another British Invasion on the pop music scene. The Cutting Crew brought a rock influenced dance/pop song to the charts. They were relatively unknown here in the states but “Just Died in Your Arms” was a huge success for the Cutting Crew. This was also their debut single, great job for getting to number one.
10. With or Without You – U2
Week of May 16, 1987 – 3 Weeks at # 1
U2 released their monumental album, “The Joshua Tree” in the spring of 1987. The first single released was “With or Without You.” The song is a very deep and moving song which is left up to the listeners interpretation as to whether the song is about love and relationships or spirituality. This was U2’s first number one single spending three weeks at number one.
11. You Keep Me Hangin’ On – Kim Wilde
Week of June 6, 1987 – 1 Week at #1
Yet another remake of a classic song makes it all the way to the top. Kim Wilde creates a rocking synth pop rendition of the Supreme’s “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” The reworking of this song made it over to a high energy dance song and memorable hit from the ‘80s that still gets airplay today. The lyrics were also slightly changed from the original song.
12. Always – Atlantic Starr
Week of June 13, 1987 – 1 Week at # 1
Always is wonderful romantic ballad sung by R & B group, Atlantic Starr. It has been a favorite as weddings. This song was also number 1 on the R & B charts.
13. Head to Toe – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
Week of June 20, 1987 – 1 Week at # 1
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam were one of the originators of the freestyle sound in the late ’80s. The song was touched up with a dancy pop beat and it became the groups first number one song. Coincidentally, “Head to Toe” was also number one on the R & B charts at the same time.
14. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston
Week of June 27, 1987 – 2 Weeks at # 1
The late Whitney Houston released one of the biggest hits in 1987. The upbeat song featured a Roland TR drum machine and Whitney transformed the song into a big dance hit for the summer of ‘87. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” won Whitney a Grammy for best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Not only did “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” become a top hit on various Billboard charts, but it was also a enormous hit around the world. In July of 1987, the single was certified gold for sales of over one million copies. The single was also one of the highest selling cassette singles at the time. You remember those right?
15. Alone – Heart
Week Ending July 11, 1987 – 3 Weeks at No. 1
The rock band, Heart, released an epic power ballad. The song is full of keyboards, power chords and vocals. This is the groups second number one song.
16. Shakedown – Bob Seger
Week Ending August 1, 1987 – 1 Week at # 1
Soundtrack and remakes were a big part of the number one singles this year. Shakedown was from the “Beverly Hills Cops 2” soundtrack. The song was a fast paced ‘80s mainstream rock song equipped with keyboards and saxophones. It features a very cool guitar solo. ‘Shakedown’ was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
17. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2
Week of August 8, 1987 – 2 Weeks at # 1
U2 scores another big hit from the phenomenal “Joshua Tree” album. Bono and guitarist, the Edge, provide a hypnotic and spiritual performance in this classic song. The song was also nominated for a Grammy.
18. Who’s That Girl – Madonna
Week Ending August 22, 1987 – 1 Week at # 1
Do remember the movie “Who’s That Girl?” May be you don’t. However, the lead song from the movie is probably more memorable. Madonna gets another number one in 1987. This would be her sixth number one song.
19. La Bamba – Los Lobos
Week Ending August 29, 1987 – 3 Weeks at No. 1
This time, there is a song cover and soundtrack single that hits the number one spot. Originally La Bamba was a Mexican folk song that dates back to the early 20th century. Los Lobos did an excellent job covering La Bamba which was made popular by Richie Valens back in the late ’50s. The single stayed close to the original but it had an updated ‘80s sound musically. It also won an MTV video music award for Best Video from a Soundtrack. Soundtrack songs would make quite an impact on the charts in the late ‘80s.
20. I Just Can’t Stop Loving You – Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett
Week Ending September 19, 1987 – 1 Week at # 1
The late, great Michael Jackson was back with a new album in 1987. “Bad” would be MJ’s seventh studio album and “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” was the first single released from the album. This song was a duet with Siedah Garrett who would also provide backing vocals on “Man in the Mirror.” This single was eventually certified gold for sales of over one million copies. Interestingly the single was released without a video but that didn’t stop this wonderful ballad from becoming a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard R&B charts.
21. Didn’t We Almost Have it All – Whitney Houston
Week Ending September 26, 1987 – 2 Weeks at # 1
Whitney certainly did have it all. Number one albums and another one single from the “Whitney” album. This would be the second number one song in a string of multiple number one singles between 1987-1988. This time Whitney belts out a heartfelt love song. Her song was also nominated for a Grammy.
22. Here I Go Again – Whitesnake
Week ending October 10, 1987 – 1 Week at No. 1
When you have an iconic video, big hair, power chords and vocals, you got a hit single for 1987. Whitesnake created an memorable pop metal song that put them on the map for MTV and to this day still manages to get airplay. The single stayed on the Hot 100 chart for seven months and whenever you hear this song makes you think of ‘1987.’
23. Lost in Emotion – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
Week of October 17, 1987 – 1 Week at # 1
Lisa Lisa is back again with a freestyle dance song. “Lost in Emotion” had upbeat feel to it. The song ended with a very intricate “I Love Lucy” feel to it.
24. Bad – Michael Jackson
Week Ending October 24, 1987 – 2 Weeks at No. 1
Michael is back on top again. Only a month after his first single, MJ scores big with “Bad.” The video is one of Jackson’s most memorable. The original MTV video was actually a short film clocking in at 18 minutes long. This helped the single rise quickly to the top of the charts. “Bad” debuted within the top 40 and stayed at number one for two weeks. This is the second of five consecutive number one singles that would go to the top of the charts from the “Bad” album. Oh, Michael Jackson also had the number one album of the same name on this week as well.
25. I Think We’re Alone Now – Tiffany
Week Ending November 7, 1987 – 2 Weeks at # 1
You may remember this song from Tiffany or the original song by Tommy James and the Shondells. Either way Tiffany won the honor of number one song this week. In fact, the original version by the Tommy James only got to number 4. Tiffany would go on to have a number one album and she was only 16 years old.
26. Mony Mony – Billy Idol
Week Ending November 21, 1987 – 1 Week at No. 1
The snarling one, Billy Idol, hits big with a number one hit in 1987. Interestingly, this was also remake of a Tommy James & the Shondells song. I’ll have to say that I find this version very superior. Billy’s version was a rockin’ dance song with an ’80s new wave touch to it. The song was actually recorded live. Chrysalis Records released “Mony, Mony” as a single from his “Vital Idol” album and became a big hit staying 22 weeks on the Hot 100 chart.
27. I’ve Had the Time of My Life – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Week of November 28, 1987 – 1 Week at No. 1
One of the most iconic ‘80s films was released in late 1987, “Dirty Dancing.” The film created a soundtrack which would produce hit after hit. “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” is easily one of the most recognizable songs from the film. Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes belt out powerful vocals with a sexy saxophone solo and an epic crescendo.
28. Heaven Is a Place on Earth – Belinda Carlisle
Week of December 5, 1987 – 1 Week at # 1
Belinda Carlisle was the leader singer of the Go Gos with the chipmunk voice. The Go Gos eventually did split up in 1985. Belinda Carlisle released two solo albums. “Heaven is a Place on Earth” was the first single released from her second solo album, Heaven on Earth. How original is that?
29. Faith – George Michael
Week ending December 12, 1987 – 4 Weeks at # 1
For the last number one song of the year, the honor goes to the late, great George Michael. This was the first single off the album of the same name, “Faith.” This is the first of mutiple number one songs off of the “Faith” album. The album would go on to be Album of the Year and sell over 20 million copies. For the single, “Faith” would tie with Bon Jovi’s “Livin On a Prayer” for the longest running number one song of 1987 staying four weeks at number one. “Faith” would remain on the charts for five months and it was the top song for the Billboard top 40 for 1987.
There you have it, the 29 number one songs that hit the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles. 29 singles is a tremendous amount compared to more recent times where the the Hot 100 averages about 10 to 11 number one songs per year. It’s always interesting to look back at the variety of music that hit the top of the charts. The 80s certainly had plenty of that!
Billboard Chart Rewind 
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