Greatest Hits of the 80s Episode Rating Graph

The stories behind six songs from the decade. Spandau Ballet's Steve Norman remembers how the sound of their biggest hit True was influenced by its idyllic recording setting in the Bahamas. Soul II Soul's Jazzie B looks back on their sound system origins and how their biggest hit Back to Life (However Do You Want Me) blended a bass heavy street vibe with classical strings. Also appraised are Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer, Simply Red's Holding Back the Years, Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Relax and Whitney Houston's I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).

Gary Davies narrates this look at the music of 1980, featuring revealing interviews with the singers and band members who made it one of the biggest years in pop. From the Specials and the Jam to Blondie and Bowie, and not forgetting the biggest girl band of the time - the Nolans, it was a year of music and pop videos to remember. Sheena Easton was singing about her man working 9 to 5, Madness stormed the charts with Baggy Trousers and Dexy's Midnight Runners had a memorable number one with Geno. Contributors include Toyah Willcox, Paul Gambaccini and Katie Puckrik.