Nostalgia overload: The Sound listeners rank the greatest years in music

Some of the best music the world has ever heard was released between 1960 and 1989. A bold claim, sure, but one we’re happy to stand by here at The Sound.

The ’90s had their fair share of great tunes, too, but if listener habits from our ‘Ten at 10’ podcast are anything to go by, no decade is more beloved by our audience than the ’80s.

For those unfamiliar, ‘Ten at 10’ sees Sound Workday host Georgia Cubbon select ten songs each weekday at 10 AM, either from a single year or linked by a common theme, taking listeners on a daily trip down memory lane.

Throughout the year, Georgia has covered everything from the late ’60s right through to the early ’90s, and judging by the numbers, some eras have clearly struck the nostalgia chord more than others.

Based on podcast downloads, here are the top ten most-listened-to episodes, effectively revealing what our audience (or at least some of them) consider the best years in music from decades gone by.

10. 1981 

By 1981, the decade was finding its feet. Big hooks, bigger personalities, and the kind of tracks that defined the era were starting to take hold, including Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin’.’ 

9. 1987

1987 kept the momentum going with tracks from George Harrison, Tom Petty, David Bowie, and more.

8. John Bonham 10 at 10

Not tied to a single year, this special episode paid tribute to one of rock’s greatest drummers and, judging by the downloads, Bonham’s legacy still hits just as hard.

7. 1986 

By 1986, the decade was in full swing. It was a year packed with tracks that remain radio staples (Genesis ‘Invisible Touch’, we’re looking at you).

6. 1977 

1977 proved to be a standout for many of you. It was the year punk really broke through and rock found a new edge. Although it was a year of tragedy as well, with Elvis Presley passing away.

5. 1980

A new decade, and a shift in sound to match. 1980 saw classic rock evolving with new wave on the rise; meanwhile, The Rolling Stones had 17 albums under their belt.

4. 1970

Another start-of-decade year! The ’70s brought a fresh wave of sound and set the tone for a whole decade of music. Not much to complain about when you’ve got music from Joni Mitchell, Deep Purple, Santana, Elton John, and more, to keep you company  

3. 1985 

1985 was another ’80s sweet spot with songs from the likes of Bob Dylan, ZZ Top, Glenn Frey and Sting.

2. 1988 

As the decade drew to a close, 1988 delivered some of the decade's most enduring hits. A mix of polish and emotion, as we heard from new-to-the-scene Tracy Chapman, that still resonates today.

1. 1984

It’s no surprise that both the ‘1984’ episodes of the Ten at 10 were the most downloaded out of the whole lot. From stadium anthems to synth-heavy hits, this was peak ’80s. Think Cars, Pat Benatar, INXS, Prince, and more.

Listen to more Ten at 10 episodes HERE.