A lot happened in the year 1989, including the debut of a TV sitcom in which nothing happened. That show, of course, was Seinfeld, and we’ll be doing a deep dive into this iconic comedy over the coming weeks.
But first, to get a sense of the times and trends that helped shape this series, here’s a quick look at the notable music that was published in 1989.
Madonna
Like a Prayer
“Like a Prayer” is a song by American singer Madonna from her 1989 fourth studio album of the same name. It was released as the album’s lead single on March 3, 1989, by Sire Records. Written and produced by the singer and Patrick Leonard, the song heralded an artistic and personal approach to songwriting for Madonna, who believed that she needed to cater more to her adult audience. Musically, “Like a Prayer” is a pop rock and gospel track that also incorporates elements of funk music. It features background vocals from a choir and also a rock guitar. Thematically, the song talks about a passionate girl in love with God, who becomes the only male figure in her life. Its lyrics contain liturgical words, but they have been interpreted by some people to have dual meanings of sexual innuendo and religion.
“Like a Prayer” was acclaimed by music critics and was a commercial success. It topped the charts in many countries including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. In the United States, “Like a Prayer” became Madonna’s seventh number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for three consecutive weeks, and also topped Billboard’s Dance Club Songs component chart. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), for shipment of one million copies. Globally, “Like a Prayer” has sold over five million copies, with two million sold in the United States alone. Rolling Stone listed it among the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The accompanying music video for “Like a Prayer”, directed by Mary Lambert, portrays Madonna witnessing a white woman being killed by a group of white men. While a black man is arrested for the murder, Madonna hides in a church for safety, seeking strength to go forth as a witness. The video depicts a choir and Catholic symbols such as stigmata. It also features the Ku Klux Klan’s burning crosses and a dream about kissing a black saint. The Vatican condemned the video, while family and religious groups protested against its broadcast. They also boycotted products by soft drink manufacturer Pepsi, who had used the song in their commercial. The company canceled their sponsorship contract with Madonna, but allowed her to retain the $5 million fee.
Madonna has performed the song on five of her concert tours, most recently on the Madame X Tour (2019–2020). “Like a Prayer” has been covered by many artists throughout the years and is considered to be one of the best songs of Madonna’s catalog. It is noted for the mayhem surrounding the music video and the various interpretations of its content, leading to discussions among music and film scholars. Along with its parent album, “Like a Prayer” has been considered a turning point in Madonna’s career, with critics starting to acknowledge her as an artist rather than a mere pop singer.
The Bangles
Eternal Flame
“Eternal Flame” is a song by American pop rock group the Bangles for their third studio album, Everything (1988). The power ballad was written by group member Susanna Hoffs with the established hit songwriting team of Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. Upon its 1989 single release, “Eternal Flame” became a number-one hit in nine countries, including Australia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Since its release, it has been covered by many musical artists, including Australian boy band Human Nature, who reached the Australian top 10 with their version, and British girl group Atomic Kitten, who topped four national charts with their rendition.
Phil Collins
Another Day in Paradise
“Another Day in Paradise” is a song recorded by English drummer and singer-songwriter Phil Collins. Produced by Collins along with Hugh Padgham, it was released as the first single from his number-one album …But Seriously (1989). As with his song for Genesis, “Man on the Corner”, the track has as its subject the problem of homelessness and paradise; as such, the song was a substantial departure from the dance-pop music of his previous album, No Jacket Required (1985). Collins sings the song from a third-person perspective, as he observes a man crossing the street to ignore a homeless woman, and he implores listeners not to turn a blind eye to homelessness because, by drawing a religious allusion, “it’s just another day for you and me in paradise”. Collins also appeals directly to God by singing: “Oh Lord, is there nothing more anybody can do? Oh Lord, there must be something you can say.”
The song was Collins’ seventh and final Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single, the last No. 1 single of the 1980s and the first No. 1 single of the 1990s. It was also a worldwide success, eventually becoming one of the most successful songs of his solo career. It won Collins and Padgham the Grammy Award for Record of the Year at the 1991 awards ceremony, while it was also nominated for Song of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male and Best Music Video, Short Form. “Another Day in Paradise” also won an award for British Single at the 1990 Brit Awards.
Despite the awards gained following its release, the song also generated controversy over its subject matter and has received a largely unfavorable reaction from music critics. The live performance of the song at the 1991 Grammy Awards by Collins and David Crosby, who provided backing vocals on the track, was released on the 1994 album Grammy’s Greatest Moments Volume I. In 2009, Collins’ version was listed 86th on Billboard’s Greatest Songs of All Time. “Another Day in Paradise” has since been covered by several artists, including Brandy and her brother Ray J, Jam Tronik, Axxis, Novecento, Brad Arnold and Hank Marvin.
Roxette
The Look
“The Look” is a song by Swedish pop duo Roxette. It was released in early 1989 as the fourth single from their second studio album, Look Sharp! (1988). It became an international hit, and was one of the most successful singles of 1989. It topped the charts in 25 countries, and was the first of their four number ones on the Billboard Hot 100. The song received mostly positive reviews from music critics.
The B 52’s
Love Shack
“Love Shack” is a song by American new wave band the B-52’s from their fifth studio album, Cosmic Thing (1989). It was released on June 20, 1989, and was produced by Don Was. The song was a comeback for the band following their decline in popularity in the mid-1980s and the death of guitarist Ricky Wilson in 1985. “Love Shack” is considered the band’s signature song and has been a concert staple since its release. Commercially, the single topped the charts in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand and reached number two on the UK Singles Chart, number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 (becoming their first top-40 hit), and number five on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart. Rolling Stone named “Love Shack” the best single of 1989 and ranked it 246th on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song was also named one of the 365 Songs of the Century in 2001.
Tone Loc
Loc-ed After Dark
On January 23, 1989, Tone Loc’s album, Loc-ed After Dark, hit the top charts. It was released via Delicious Vinyl. Production was handled by Matt Dike, Michael Ross and The Dust Brothers. The album reached the number-one spot on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. It featured three singles: “Wild Thing”, “Funky Cold Medina”, and “I Got It Goin’ On”. The album’s cover is based on Donald Byrd’s 1963 album A New Perspective and also features the headlight of a Jaguar e-type sports car.
Tom Petty
Full Moon Fever
Full Moon Fever is a studio album by Tom Petty that debuted on April 24, 1989. It was released by MCA Records. It features contributions from members of his band the Heartbreakers, notably Mike Campbell, as well as Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison (who died prior to its release), and George Harrison, Petty’s bandmates in the Traveling Wilburys. The record shows Petty exploring his musical roots with nods to his influences. The songwriting is mainly collaborations between Petty and Lynne, who was also a producer on the album. Full Moon Fever became a commercial and critical success, peaking at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and being certified 5 times platinum in the United States and 6 times platinum in Canada. In 2019, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
SCREEN TIME WITH SAM 