New month, new staff playlist. This time though, we’re heading back to the 80s, inspired by Kate Bush’s resurgence (thanks, Stranger Things). This month, the top spots are filled with bangers revisited – we see Prince and UB40 up there, along with some all-time favourite tunes from Tears for Fears, Michael Jackson and Madonna. Scroll to tune in.

PAVEL

LET YOUR BODY LEARN – NITZER EBB
There’s nothing I like more than 80s music. Whenever I listen to this banger by Nitzer Ebb (usually at the gym), I just feel like I transcend to the 80s, to a wild and chaotic time that’s defined what music is today. Besides all the blockbuster movies, it’s when TV networks like MTV first appeared and introduced music videos which launched the careers of so many iconic music artists. What I especially like about this track is that the lyrics is about letting go and the instrumentals are so upbeat. I’ll always “choose the fast beat”!

LAURA

SEPTEMBER – EARTH, WIND & FIRE
An absolute classic, no 80s playlist would be complete without Earth, Wind & Fire, and no Earth, Wind & Fire mention would be complete without September. The perfect groove, sweet melodies and just an all-round banger.

MARCUS

GIVE ME THE NIGHT – GEORGE BENSON
We’re back to another feel good banger! Give Me The Night by George Benson is undeniably one of the best tracks to get you grooving. Instantly, the song perks me up, leaving a smile on my face as I leave my awful moves on the dance floor. This is another favourite of mine that doesn’t necessarily make you think or reach new heights of wordplay. Simply put, it’s an oldie but a goodie. 

SAM G

MEMORIES FADE – TEARS FOR FEARS

Ah the 80s, what a time to be alive. My Step-Dad is a huge 80s fanatic, and I’ve basically grown up with some of the best names of the time blasting in the kitchen each evening. This track by Tears For Fears is one of the first he played when I met him, and it stuck and sort of became an anthem in the household – a classic for sure. 

STELLA

I WANNA BE YOUR LOVER – PRINCE
Often overlooked in favour of Purple Rain and the like, I Wanna Be Your Lover is up there with Prince’s best. Opening with ‘I aint got no money’, but sung in the ultra-smooth, ultra-high tones that we know and love from Prince, it’s a feel-good track that will instantly boost any playlist. We don’t have any money either, we’re just vibing.

CHIOMA

THE SWEETEST TABOO – SADE
Somewhere in a pile of discarded clutter is a CD of Sade’s Promise album. Almost on par with the Sunday morning chore tunes of my childhood, The Sweetest Taboo was our car anthem for almost too many years – and honestly still today. Sade’s brilliance and musical genius (and innuendos that most definitely went over my 4 year old mind) are quite literally unparalleled and her influence on modern music can’t be denied. A testament to the timelessness of this smooth groovy tune.

DEVINA

I GUESS I’M JUST A LITTLE TOO SENSITIVE – ORANGE JUICE
Nostalgic songs are my weakness, and Orange Juice’s “I Guess I’m Just a Little Too Sensitive” hits the sweet spot between happy and sad. Although the lyrics aren’t the most upbeat, the instrumentals instantly elevate my mood and create the ideal sense of reminiscence – making it the perfect addition to an 80’s playlist.

ROBYN

LOVE SHACK – B-52’s
If you didn’t grow up listening to B-52’s Love Shack and wondering how the hell to get your hands on an invite, then sorry but you missed out. The whimsical storytelling littered through the song’s iconic lyrics is the perfect key to escapism in this sweltering heat. And this theme of wild-abandon is reflected in the fast-tempo disco groove of the track, a tune known for getting everyone up on the dance floor. Don’t let FOMO get the better of you; let your hair down with B-52 at that funky old shack they call the Luuurve Shack.