I don't want to poo poo my generation, musically. However, the 1980s really don't do much for me -- not now.

Oh, back in the day, I was convinced the decade was super underrated. And while the early half of the 1980s was pretty solid, it had little to do with mainstream pop. The "angry young man" movement combined with new wave, the second British invasion and even touches of urban cowboy music made 1980-83 really interesting.

But 1988?

Wow, not a good year for music.

However, I've reviewed Billboard's Hot 100 countdown and put together what I think are the 10 best songs from 1988. Not the songs as I liked them then, no. This is a look back at the music from the year 1988 with a ranking of how I like those songs today.

10. The Valley Road - Bruce Hornsby

Bruce always had great lyrics and Earthy, jazzy progressions, but I am not a fan of Hornsby's use of electronic drums.

9. Devil Inside - INXS

The Aussie band's best single was its first, "The One Thing" from 1983.

8. Man In The Mirror - Michael Jackson

I think I liked this a lot more as a teen. Now, I'm not sure I can stomach it, but thankfully Tuck Andress rescued it. One of the best guitarists of the 1980s. Or of any time.

7. Piano In The Dark - Brenda Russell

Honestly, Brenda has had 100 better songs than this, and this one is a classic of the decade. Brenda is one of the best R&B, adult contemporary songwriters in history. If you were aware of her catalog, you'd be like: She wrote that? She wrote this?

6. Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin

Make fun if you'd like, but McFerrin is an American treasure. He's a master jazz vocalist who got a ton of exposure in 1988 with a novelty song. He's one of a handful of artists I'd pay $200 to see live. His concert series with Chick Corea was phenomenal on CD. Check out this version of "Blackbird."

5. Wishing Well - Terence Trent d'Arby

Song was ahead of its time, and so was Terence's ego. He always thought way more of himself than anybody else. Good voice though.

4. Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses

In retrospect, Guns & Roses is a fairly underappreciated band critically.

3. Nite & Day - Al B. Sure

Like it more today than I did 20 years ago. It's smooth.

2. Time & Tide - Basia

Not sure that this was exactly 1988, but I can't leave it off the list. In retrospect, I'm pretty surprised Basia didn't have a bigger career.

1. Fast Car - Tracy Chapman



I never would have said this 20 years ago. However, this is by a mile, a monster mile, the best song from 1988. Great words. Great musicality. Great soul. Stands the test of time. And what's amazing is that this song was so adult for an entire musical generation that prided itself on its collective lack of seriousness. Somebody needs to remake this song.