15. “One Thing Leads to Another,” The Fixx, 1983

More than almost any other single from that decade, this song and video say, “The 1980’s” to me. In fact, when you listen to any of the new-New Wave bands currently out there, what do they sound like? This song.

The 80’s were a grand time for singles and one-hit-wonders, and The Fixx, and this song, are one of the best. I presume they had other single releases, but I couldn’t tell you what they were, how they went, or if they were even any good. But this song is pretty goddamn great, and the fact that it’s a shallow bit of pop detritus from that much-mocked decade doesn’t lessen its quality. Listen without prejudice, as a certain other 80’s pop fixture once said.

Favorite Lyric: “When one little cross leads to shots, grit your teeth.”

Favorite Musical Moment: The dance-floor ready guitar is a hallmark of 80’s pop, of course, and the main driver of this song, but most distinctive sound is the disorienting synth warbles throughout.

Would It Make Good Karaoke? 80’s hits are oversung in karaoke bars, but this would still be a fun tune to belt out regardless.