Hooray more 1981 nostalgia for me! 🥰 Kim Carnes very much an iconic track so a long run on top is justified, I reckon! I think Ottawan doing about as well in my charts of the time too. Good climb for One Day In Your Life, and Elton too. Of the new entries, Elvira was a catchy tune, but never charted in the UK, and Marty Balin's track I dont remember but I have an inkling he was in Starship or a band like that. Playing it now, it's quite laid-back. Nice.

George Harrison at 2, yay! 🥰 Neil Diamond doing well with his movie song, I think it was. One Day In Your Life leaping too, still a classic to me, and you are still 40 years ahead of the love for Hall & Oates' as it nears the top 10. Modern Girl popping in, I still like that pop tune from Sheena, Kenny Rogers' I Don't Need You showing just how much my charts were based around the UK singles chart of the time, and whatever Radio One played, as this is another I dont remember. Another mellow pleasant tune.

Believe It Or Not I do remember though, I think we got the TV series eventually, and I liked the track, though not a UK hit it was huge in the States. Chequered Love I loved, Kim showing she was here to stay. Banger. I was playing her latest album in the car only today, still got it! ❤️

great charts!!

On 29/04/2025 at 15:23, Popchartfreak said:

Hooray more 1981 nostalgia for me! 🥰 Kim Carnes very much an iconic track so a long run on top is justified, I reckon! I think Ottawan doing about as well in my charts of the time too. Good climb for One Day In Your Life, and Elton too. Of the new entries, Elvira was a catchy tune, but never charted in the UK, and Marty Balin's track I dont remember but I have an inkling he was in Starship or a band like that. Playing it now, it's quite laid-back. Nice.

George Harrison at 2, yay! 🥰 Neil Diamond doing well with his movie song, I think it was. One Day In Your Life leaping too, still a classic to me, and you are still 40 years ahead of the love for Hall & Oates' as it nears the top 10. Modern Girl popping in, I still like that pop tune from Sheena, Kenny Rogers' I Don't Need You showing just how much my charts were based around the UK singles chart of the time, and whatever Radio One played, as this is another I dont remember. Another mellow pleasant tune.

Believe It Or Not I do remember though, I think we got the TV series eventually, and I liked the track, though not a UK hit it was huge in the States. Chequered Love I loved, Kim showing she was here to stay. Banger. I was playing her latest album in the car only today, still got it! ❤️

great charts!!

Thank you so much, John! 😊 I always love reading your reflections—they bring such warmth and perspective to these retro charts. Totally agree on Kim Carnes—Bette Davis Eyes really owned the moment, and still sounds so haunting and unique today. Ottawan were such a fun pop presence too—instant earworms every time!

Marty Balin was indeed from Jefferson Airplane/Starship, so great spot! "Hearts" has that dreamy, soft rock vibe that was everywhere in '81—nice to know it made an impression. And yes, Believe It Or Not is one of those sleeper nostalgia bombs—instantly takes me back. Glad to hear you were spinning some Kim Wilde in the car too—she's timeless! 🚗💿

Appreciate your enthusiasm—it's always lovely to time travel together through the charts! 🥰 Got a favorite from this batch you'd crown as #1 yourself?

aww thanks Sergej, I'm loving your charts - I dont think Ive ever seen original personal charts of that era apart from mine!🥰

My fave track of all from the most-recent top 40 is a tough call! Phil Collins and Kim Carnes peaked at 2 for me, at the time, but both have aged like fine wines and sound even better as they got older. George Harrison topped my chart but it was a grief thing for John Lennon and to have the 3 Beatles together agin, and ditto Roxy's Jealous Guy. Both are lovely but not in the same league as Kim and Phil. That leaves fade To Grey and One Day In Your Life. I love the arrangement in Michael's dreamy romantic ballad, but as it's really 1975 I will discount it.

So it's a tough split between In The Air Tonight, Bette Davis Eyes and Fade To Grey... and I think Visage has the edge!

On 29/04/2025 at 15:23, Popchartfreak said:

Hooray more 1981 nostalgia for me! 🥰 Kim Carnes very much an iconic track so a long run on top is justified, I reckon! I think Ottawan doing about as well in my charts of the time too. Good climb for One Day In Your Life, and Elton too. Of the new entries, Elvira was a catchy tune, but never charted in the UK, and Marty Balin's track I dont remember but I have an inkling he was in Starship or a band like that. Playing it now, it's quite laid-back. Nice.

George Harrison at 2, yay! 🥰 Neil Diamond doing well with his movie song, I think it was. One Day In Your Life leaping too, still a classic to me, and you are still 40 years ahead of the love for Hall & Oates' as it nears the top 10. Modern Girl popping in, I still like that pop tune from Sheena, Kenny Rogers' I Don't Need You showing just how much my charts were based around the UK singles chart of the time, and whatever Radio One played, as this is another I dont remember. Another mellow pleasant tune.

Believe It Or Not I do remember though, I think we got the TV series eventually, and I liked the track, though not a UK hit it was huge in the States. Chequered Love I loved, Kim showing she was here to stay. Banger. I was playing her latest album in the car only today, still got it! ❤️

great charts!!

Aw, thank you so much, John! That means a lot coming from someone who's been charting since the actual era — it’s such a privilege to have your insights alongside mine! 🥰 You're right, it is rare to see original personal charts from back then, so having yours as a reference point makes this whole nostalgic journey feel even richer.

Your breakdown of your favourites is brilliant — I love how you weigh them not just by memory but by how they’ve aged. I totally get the emotional weight behind George’s track too; the sense of closure and grief wrapped up in that song is so powerful. And yes, Roxy’s “Jealous Guy” was such a heartfelt tribute, but I agree — musically, Kim and Phil have this timeless quality that just keeps shining brighter.

“Fade to Grey” taking the crown is a fantastic choice — that icy synth elegance still feels futuristic even now. And what a trio to be choosing from — Kim, Phil, and Visage really capture the breadth of the early ‘80s so well. I absolutely love that we both appreciate how these songs have grown with time.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts — it’s always such a joy to read them! 🎶💫

Sergej's Personal Chart Highlights – June 26, 1981

🎯 Top of the Chart

• Kim Carnes reigns supreme for a 7th consecutive week with “Bette Davis Eyes”, maintaining her grip on the #1 spot and showing no signs of slowing down.

• George Harrison remains steady at #2 with his heartfelt tribute “All Those Years Ago”, still challenging but not quite overtaking Kim.

• The disco nostalgia of Stars On 45 holds strong at #3, completing a static Top 3.

📈 Biggest Climbers

• Joey Scarbury makes a heroic leap, soaring 20 spots to #19 with “Theme From 'Greatest American Hero' (Believe It Or Not)” – the week’s biggest mover!

• Kim Wilde scores her second hit in the Top 40 as “Chequered Love” jumps 18 places to #22, joining “Kids In America” at #18.

• Kenny Rogers gains traction with “I Don’t Need You”, climbing 14 spots to #24.

• Marty Balin continues his upward journey as “Hearts” rises 9 spots to #20.

📉 Biggest Fallers

• After peaking high, Neil Diamond's “America” drops 9 positions to #13.

• Smokey Robinson slips 11 places to #25 with “Being With You”.

• Juice Newton's former hit “Angel of the Morning” falls to #39, down 9.

🚀 Hot Entries

Six fresh debuts shake up the chart:

• Adam and the Ants crash in at #26 with the punchy “Stand and Deliver”

• Juice Newton is back again with a brand-new entry “Queen Of Hearts” at #32

• The Moody Blues return to the Top 40 with their newest hit “Gemini Dream” at #35

• Bob Marley & The Wailers make a soulful debut at #37 with “No Woman No Cry”

• The Manhattan Transfer groove into #38 with “Boy From New York City”

• The Alan Parsons Project round out the chart at #40 with the haunting “Time”

💥 On the Rise

• Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl” cracks the Top 10 for the first time, jumping 6 spots to #10.

• Daryl Hall & John Oates continue their slow-burn climb with “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” now at #8.

• Air Supply rises into the Top 5 with “The One That You Love”, up 4 places to #4!

1) Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes (=)

2) George Harrison - All Those Years Ago (=)

3) Stars On 45 - Stars On 45 (=)

4) Air Supply - The One That You Love (+4)

5) Ottawan - Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart) (+1)

6) Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight (=)

7) Michael Jackson - One Day In Your Life (+2)

8) Daryl Hall & John Oates - You Make My Dreams (Come True) (+3)

9) A Taste Of Honey - Sukiyaki (-2)

10) Rick Springfield - Jessie's Girl (+6)

11) Ray Parker, Jr. & Raydio - A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do) (-1)

12) Shakin' Stevens - This Ole House (=)

13) Neil Diamond - America (-9)

14) Gary U.S. Bonds - This Little Girl (+1)

15) Santana - Winning (+5)

16) Bucks Fizz - Making Your Mind Up (-3)

17) The Oak Ridge Boys - Elvira (+6)

18) Kim Wilde - Kids In America (-1)

19) Joey Scarbury - Theme From "Greatest American Hero" (Believe It Or Not) (+20)

20) Marty Balin - Hearts (+9)

21) Lee Ritenour - Is It You (=)

22) Kim Wilde - Chequered Love (+18)

23) Climax Blues Band - I Love You (-5)

24) Kenny Rogers - I Don't Need You (+14)

25) Smokey Robinson - Being With You (-11)

26) Adam and the Ants - Stand and Deliver (debut)

27) Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - The Waiting (-8)

28) Dottie West & Kenny Rogers - What Are We Doin' In Love (-4)

29) Elton John - Nobody Wins (-3)

30) Sheena Easton - Modern Girl (+4)

31) REO Speedwagon - Take It On The Run (-6)

32) Juice Newton - Queen Of Hearts (debut)

33) Ultravox - Vienna (-5)

34) Roxy Music - Jealous Guy (-2)

35) The Moody Blues - Gemini Dream (debut)

36) Visage - Fade To Grey (-3)

37) Bob Marley & The Wailers - No Woman No Cry (debut)

38) The Manhattan Transfer - Boy From New York City (debut)

39) Juice Newton - Angel Of The Morning (-9)

40) The Alan Parsons Project - Time (debut)

On 05/06/2025 at 07:39, Sergej said:

Aw, thank you so much, John! That means a lot coming from someone who's been charting since the actual era — it’s such a privilege to have your insights alongside mine! 🥰 You're right, it is rare to see original personal charts from back then, so having yours as a reference point makes this whole nostalgic journey feel even richer.

Your breakdown of your favourites is brilliant — I love how you weigh them not just by memory but by how they’ve aged. I totally get the emotional weight behind George’s track too; the sense of closure and grief wrapped up in that song is so powerful. And yes, Roxy’s “Jealous Guy” was such a heartfelt tribute, but I agree — musically, Kim and Phil have this timeless quality that just keeps shining brighter.

“Fade to Grey” taking the crown is a fantastic choice — that icy synth elegance still feels futuristic even now. And what a trio to be choosing from — Kim, Phil, and Visage really capture the breadth of the early ‘80s so well. I absolutely love that we both appreciate how these songs have grown with time.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts — it’s always such a joy to read them! 🎶💫

Oh my pleasure Sergej! One of the great joys in life is getting excited with people talking about music you mutually love, old or new. It's also fascinating how some records never date and others do!

7 weeks for Kim Carnes on top, I wish she'd grabbed a week on top in my charts too! She still might if an advert or film features it! A great new entry for Stand & Deliver, that was Adam's one and only chart-topper for me, I remember buying the single when it came out and the great video which I recorded and played a lot. Queen Of Hearts is a nice version of the Dave Edmunds UK hit, so it was nice to see that chart in the USA for Juice.

Gemini Dream was a good later Moody Blues hit, one I bought too, and I only recently bought Justin's Life In A Northern Town, hooray! Fab to see No Woman No Cry back, Bob's greatest record, maybe, and a huge loss he passed away so young and still with so much to offer. I remember that version of Boy From New York City, pretty sure I also charted it, and Alan Parsons Project might also fit into that category, though I can't think of them these days without thinking of Mike Meyers Austin Powers references 😄

fab chart!

Great to see the arrival of 'Stand and Deliver'!

I got through quite a lot of artist discographies during lockdown, including a big Adam and the Ants fixation and 'Stand and Deliver' is my favourite of theirs, even if Kings of the Wild Frontier is the best of their three albums for me. The video stands out a lot too in those early MTV years.

On 08/06/2025 at 15:50, Popchartfreak said:

Oh my pleasure Sergej! One of the great joys in life is getting excited with people talking about music you mutually love, old or new. It's also fascinating how some records never date and others do!

7 weeks for Kim Carnes on top, I wish she'd grabbed a week on top in my charts too! She still might if an advert or film features it! A great new entry for Stand & Deliver, that was Adam's one and only chart-topper for me, I remember buying the single when it came out and the great video which I recorded and played a lot. Queen Of Hearts is a nice version of the Dave Edmunds UK hit, so it was nice to see that chart in the USA for Juice.

Gemini Dream was a good later Moody Blues hit, one I bought too, and I only recently bought Justin's Life In A Northern Town, hooray! Fab to see No Woman No Cry back, Bob's greatest record, maybe, and a huge loss he passed away so young and still with so much to offer. I remember that version of Boy From New York City, pretty sure I also charted it, and Alan Parsons Project might also fit into that category, though I can't think of them these days without thinking of Mike Meyers Austin Powers references 😄

fab chart!

Thank you so much, John! 😊 You're absolutely right—there's something incredibly special about sharing musical excitement with someone who really gets it. It makes the listening experience feel even more alive!

Kim Carnes truly owned those 7 weeks—Bette Davis Eyes just had that perfect blend of cool, mystery, and 80s synth magic. Fingers crossed she gets a resurgence moment on your chart someday—ads and soundtracks have revived many classics before!

Love that Stand & Deliver was your Adam chart-topper! Such a bold, unforgettable track (and video!), and it still packs a punch today. Glad you appreciated Queen Of Hearts too—it’s always fun when different versions of a song find success in different places.

And yes, No Woman No Cry just hits differently. Bob Marley’s legacy continues to be such a powerful force.

Always a pleasure chatting with you!

On 08/06/2025 at 15:59, Jade said:

Great to see the arrival of 'Stand and Deliver'!

I got through quite a lot of artist discographies during lockdown, including a big Adam and the Ants fixation and 'Stand and Deliver' is my favourite of theirs, even if Kings of the Wild Frontier is the best of their three albums for me. The video stands out a lot too in those early MTV years.

Hey Jade! 😊

That's awesome to hear! Lockdown definitely gave us all time to deep-dive into some great discographies, and Adam and the Ants are such a fun one to explore. ‘Stand and Deliver’ is such a standout—so bold and theatrical, and that video is absolutely iconic! Totally agree about Kings of the Wild Frontier being their best album overall, but there’s just something irresistible about the swagger of Stand and Deliver.

Glad we share the love for it! 🏴‍☠️🎸

Thank you both for your comments, take care!

Sergej's Personal Chart Highlights – July 3, 1981

🎯 Top of the Chart

• Kim Carnes is unshakable at #1 for an incredible 8th week with “Bette Davis Eyes”, firmly holding onto the crown of the summer.

• Air Supply climb to #2 with the soaring ballad “The One That You Love”, matching the peak of "All Out Of Love" and now eyeing that top spot.

• Daryl Hall & John Oates also make a major move into the Top 3, leaping 5 spots to #3 with the irresistible “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” — a true summer jam in the making.

📈 Biggest Climbers

• Bob Marley & The Wailers surge up 16 places to #21 with “No Woman No Cry”, making one of the week’s strongest jumps.

• Kim Wilde’s second hit “Chequered Love” continues its impressive ascent, up 8 spots to #14, while “Kids in America” still holds in the Top 20.

• Adam and the Ants march forward to #18 with “Stand and Deliver”, climbing 8 as their unique flair resonates.

• Kenny Rogers rises 9 places to #15 with the heartfelt “I Don’t Need You”.

🚀 New Entries

• The Pointer Sisters debut at #25 with their seductive slow burner “Slow Hand”.

• Jim Photoglo enters at #34 with the heartfelt “Fool In Love With You”.

• Rosanne Cash makes her first chart appearance at #35 with “Seven Year Ache”.

• Commodores light up the chart with the funky “Lady (You Bring Me Up)”, new at #36.

📉 Biggest Fallers

• Santana stumbles 16 spots to #31 with “Winning”, marking the week’s steepest drop.

• A Taste Of Honey lose flavor this week as “Sukiyaki” slides down 11 places to #20.

• Smokey Robinson takes a hard tumble, dropping 14 spots to #39 with “Being With You”.

• Neil Diamond also dips sharply, down 9 places to #22.

💥 Top 10 Highlights

• Michael Jackson climbs into the Top 5 with “One Day In Your Life” at #4 — getting yet another top 5 hit for the legend himself.

• Rick Springfield continues to rise, now at #9 with “Jessie’s Girl”, his first top 10 hit, now possibly headed for the Top 5.

• The Oak Ridge Boys charge into the Top 10 with “Elvira”, leaping 7 spots to #10, bringing country flavor into the pop spotlight.

1) Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes (=)

2) Air Supply - The One That You Love (+2)

3) Daryl Hall & John Oates - You Make My Dreams (Come True) (+5)

4) Michael Jackson - One Day In Your Life (+3)

5) Stars On 45 - Stars On 45 (-2)

6) George Harrison - All Those Years Ago (-4)

7) Ottawan - Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart) (-2)

8) Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight (-2)

9) Rick Springfield - Jessie's Girl (+1)

10) The Oak Ridge Boys - Elvira (+7)

11) Shakin' Stevens - This Ole House (+1)

12) Gary U.S. Bonds - This Little Girl (+2)

13) Joey Scarbury - Theme From "Greatest American Hero" (Believe It Or Not) (+6)

14) Kim Wilde - Chequered Love (+8)

15) Kenny Rogers - I Don't Need You (+9)

16) Ray Parker, Jr. & Raydio - A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do) (-5)

17) Marty Balin - Hearts (+3)

18) Adam and the Ants - Stand and Deliver (+8)

19) Kim Wilde - Kids In America (-1)

20) A Taste Of Honey - Sukiyaki (-11)

21) Bob Marley & The Wailers - No Woman No Cry (+16)

22) Neil Diamond - America (-9)

23) Climax Blues Band - I Love You (=)

24) Bucks Fizz - Making Your Mind Up (-8)

25) The Pointer Sisters - Slow Hand (debut)

26) Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - The Waiting (+1)

27) Juice Newton - Queen Of Hearts (+5)

28) Lee Ritenour - Is It You (-7)

29) The Manhattan Transfer - Boy From New York City (+9)

30) Dottie West & Kenny Rogers - What Are We Doin' In Love (-2)

31) Santana - Winning (-16)

32) The Moody Blues - Gemini Dream (+3)

33) Sheena Easton - Modern Girl (-3)

34) Jim Photoglo - Fool In Love With You (debut)

35) Rosanne Cash - Seven Year Ache (debut)

36) Commodores - Lady (You Bring Me Up) (debut)

37) The Alan Parsons Project - Time (+3)

38) Ultravox - Vienna (-5)

39) Smokey Robinson - Being With You (-14)

40) Roxy Music - Jealous Guy (-6)

No shifting Bette davis Eyes yet! Will Michael's oldie get on top from 4? Still love it. Interesting to see a fair sprinkling of country tracks in the chart, the UK seemed a bit more resistant in 1981, though rockabilly was big. Kim & Adam making nice strides 🥰Slow Hand a nice high entry, I alwasy liked that, I'd been aware of the Pointer Sisters for almost a decade, so it was nice to see them getting more consistent breakthroughs in Europe. The Commodores I also charted but the Roseanne Cash and Jim Photoglo singles are unknown to me! When I get round to reviewing the 80's I will be using your chart to revamp my charts to include stuff I dont know so thanks in advance 😄