Around The World In ‘80s Days

The other day I was listening to some tunes, and thinking about how many bands in the ‘80s were obsessed with informing us about life in other countries. It seemed like on the radio there was always at least one song that would lead you to believe an atlas was involved in the inspiration.

So with that in mind I decided to cash in some airline miles, musically speaking, and go around the globe, ‘80s style, putting together a playlist of international tunes.

The following are 11 songs that will take you around the world in ‘80s days (I really hope everyone gets the play on words there).

Toto – Africa

I’m pretty sure it’s a crime to not sing along to this song whenever it comes on the radio. If you aren’t blessing the rains down in Africa as loudly as possible, you should be sentenced to 30 days of current pop radio!

Men at Work – Down Under

If all your knowledge about Australia comes from this Men at Work classic you might be in for some surprises if you ever visit the country. That said, not only do Men at Work tell us a little bit about life “Down Under,” they take their own trip around the world in the song, making it truly perfect for this playlist.

The Vapors – Turning Japanese

“Turning Japanese” was intended as a love song about a man looking at a photo of his ex, and pining over her. Instead, the song’s title became off-color slang for masturbation.

What’s that old saying about telling God your plans? I think The Vapors can relate.

Wall of Voodoo – Mexican Radio

A wonderfully bizarre tune that you’ll find yourself singing the chorus of long after the song is over, “Mexican Radio” sounded like it was from another planet … but a planet we’d really like to visit.

We hadn’t heard anything like this song before, and we haven’t heard anything like it since.

Murray Head – One Night In Bangkok

Speaking of bizarre songs, we’re about to head to Bangkok with Murray Head, but just for one night.

“One Night In Bangkok” is about chess … and Bangkok’s attractions … sort of. The government of Thailand was less than thrilled about the song, and actually banned it, but it’s still going strong everywhere else.

Fun Fact – Murray was brother to Anthony Stewart Head, aka Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

Van Halen – Panama

How the heck is this not the national anthem of Panama?!?!? Whatever their current national anthem is, it can’t possibly kick as much ass as this Van Halen classic. Heck, make it America’s national anthem, just to confuse everyone before each sporting event. Who says no? (OK probably a lot of people, but who cares what they think?)

Billy Joel – Back in the U.S.S.R. 

A song about a Russian spy returning home, with an homage to The Beach Boys’ (more from them in a bit) “California Girls” mixed in, The Beatles sparked controversy with “Back in the U.S.S.R.” when they released it in 1968.

Billy Joel’s version, on the other hand, was performed in Russia as part of a run of six concerts he had in the country in 1987, which have been cited as part of the inspiration for the fall of communism.

That’s pretty damned impressive, if you ask me!

David Bowie – China Girl

We’re going back-to-back with covers here.

“China Girl” was originally released by Iggy Pop in 1977, with Bowie releasing his own version of the song in 1983. The cultural critique still resonated. Heck, it still resonates today!

Men Without Hats – Antarctica

If you only know Men Without Hats’ biggest hits, you’re missing out on some great deep album cuts. “Antarctica” is one of those gems. An addictive tune you can’t help but move to, it’s so cool it’s arctic!

The Beach Boys – Kokomo

I told you we’d get to The Beach Boys!

Of course, “Kokomo” is a fictional place, but the harmonies made it sound so magical, and relaxing that the song inspired a bevy of people to call their travel agents to ask them to book trips there. Seriously, that really happened!

A Flock of Seagulls – I Ran (So Far Away)

What is “I Ran” doing on this list, you ask? Well, put those words together, and you have Iran, and that’s pretty much the only way we can squeeze the Middle East into this playlist.

So there you have it, 11 songs from the ‘80s that cover nearly the entire world, and you didn’t even have to present a boarding pass, or deal with jet lag!

If you liked this article, check out my latest book – One Hit Wondering: The Stories of 40 One Hit Wonders + Other Tales From The Crates. Available now!