Music is a big part of our lives. It can trigger memories of days gone by. It can transport us to different places and put us in the company of other people.

Music is awesome.

And as much as I love music now and have my own favourite bands and singers and albums, my love of music started when I was little with the radio and cassettes at home with my mom and dad.

When I think back to those days there are songs that always remind me of being a little kid. So today, in an homage to the music that I remember from my childhood, here is a list of songs that I learned and loved back in the mid-80’s and will always have a fondness for.

Genesis: Invisible Touch
Released on the album of the same name in 1986, this title track went to #1 in the US, #4 in Canada and #15 in the UK. I can remember the cassette sitting on the shelf beside the radio/tape player in the kitchen for what seems like years. I botched the words a lot, but loved it anyway and to this day love Genesis. While I may be willing to debate Phil Collins vs. Peter Gabriel at any time, I do believe that they are stronger together than either of them are on their own.

Juice Newton: Queen of Hearts
Released on the album Juice in 1981, this hit is as catchy as they come. And while it’s a country track, I don’t that should discourage anyone from loving it completely! This is a sing-along song and catchy and a ton of fun. Finding reasons not to love it seems like a task that would take more effort that I can imagine.

Fun Fact: Alvin and the Chipmunks recorded the track for Chipmunk Rock in 1982.

Randy Travis: Forever and Ever, Amen
Released in March 1987, this track hits right in my 5 year old wheelhouse of being able to learn words to songs that I’d hear over and over again. Randy Travis was a country powerhouse and while Forever and Ever, Amen isn’t my favourite song from his library (that honour goes to Deeper Than The Holler) it was a big hit and I’m sure I heard it more than my share of times.

Simon and Garfunkel: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Released 12 years before I was born, this classic track is in my memory bank because of my mom’s love for Simon and Garfunkel. I also could have gone with Mrs. Robinson – but Bridge wins this race. It’s a gorgeous song that lends itself well to beautiful voices and that is the kind of thing that I want to listen to.

Note: I will now freely admit on the internet that I bought the CD single of Clay Aiken’s cover of Bridge Over Troubled Water from American Idol season 2.

Deniece Williams: Let’s Hear It For The Boy
Released in 1894 (when I was 2 years old) I really shouldn’t have much memory of this as a radio hit. But, I think the reason that I remember the song is Footloose and the fact that it was a hit on VHS in the 80’s. I love that soundtrack and I love this song!

Those 5 tracks aren’t the only music of my youth, but they do hold great memories and I do love it when I hear them.

I hope that you’ve got a similar list that you can use to go to a happy place through the power of music.

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Joshua Murray

creator of content, daddy blogger, writer, coffee drinker, fan of the Batman. proud mo bro. prouder dad.