Variety's Best Selling Singles of 1980
This year, the chasm between airplay and sales grows ever-wider as rap, funk, novelty, and instrumental singles easily break the top 40 in sales, singles that got nowhere near the top 40 on the Hot 100.
Mega-shocker:
--The #27 sales rank of Tom Browne's classic Funkin' for Jamaica -- which didn't even CHART on the Hot 100!
Other surprises:
--The #18 rank of Mac Davis' It's Hard to Be Humble... which missed Billboard's Top 40 completely!
-- Zapp's More Bounce to the Ounce -- #29 Variety Sales, only #86 Hot 100
--The #3 ranking of Devo's Whip It, a song that peaked at only #14 on the Hot 100.
--The #28 rank of Queen's The Game, which also missed Billboard's Top 40
--Ravel's Bolero by Henri Mancini was a #36 seller, though it didn't chart on the Hot 100 at all and missed the top forty in Cash Box by a mile!
For newer members who might not have seen my previous postings, here are links to the 1976-1979 Variety singles sales charts. It was the only completely sales based singles chart in existence from 1976 until late 1984, when Billboard began its own separate sales chart.
http://www.top40musiconcd.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=269&KW=variety - 1976
http://www.top40musiconcd.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=290&KW=variety - 1977
http://www.top40musiconcd.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=318&PN=1&TPN=1 - 1978
http://www.top40musiconcd.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=358&KW=variety - 1979
Top 40 sellers in Red did not make the Top 40 on the Hot 100.
***
"The Variety singles chart is a current reflection of records active on the national retail level. The tabulation is derived from a broad sampling of sales data obtained from the top 25 markets. It is based wholly on retail sales."
#1
1. Another One Bites the Dust – Queen #1 (10 weeks), 9/24/80
2. (Just Like) Starting Over – John Lennon #1 (6 weeks), 12/24/80
3. Another Brick in the Wall Part II – Pink Floyd #1 (6 weeks), 3/12/80
4. Call Me – Blondie #1 (6 weeks), 4/23/80
5. Funkytown – Lipps, Inc. #1 (5 weeks), 6/4/80
6. It's Still Rock and Roll to Me – Billy Joel #1 (4 weeks), 7/16/80
7. Magic – Olivia Newton-John #1 (4 weeks), 8/13/80
8. Rock With You – Michael Jackson #1 (3 weeks), 1/30/80
9. Lady – Kenny Rogers #1 (3 weeks), 12/3/80
10. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen #1 (3 weeks), 2/20/80
11. Upside Down – Diana Ross #1 (2 weeks), 9/10/80
12. The Rose – Bette Midler #1 (1 week), 7/9/80
#2
13. Woman in Love – Barbra Streisand #2 (6 weeks), 10/15/80
14. Sailing – Christopher Cross #2 (3 weeks), 8/20/80
15. Coming Up – Paul McCartney #2 (1 week), 7/23/80
#3
16. Ride Like the Wind – Christopher Cross #3 (4 weeks), 4/23/80
17. Do That To Me One More Time – Captain & Tennille #3 (3 weeks), 2/13/80
18. Whip It – Devo #3 (2 weeks), 12/3/80
19. Longer – Dan Fogelberg #3 (2 weeks), 2/27/80
20. Working My Way Back to You – Spinners #3 (2 weeks), 4/2/80
21. Take Your Time (Do It Right) – S.O.S. Band #3 (2 weeks), 8/6/80
22. All Out of Love – Air Supply #3 (1 week), 9/24/80
23. Cars – Gary Numan #3 (1 week), 6/4/80
24. With You I'm Born Again – Billy Preston & Syreeta #3 (1 week), 4/16/80
25. Lost in Love – Air Supply #3 (1 week), 5/28/80
#4
26. Coward of the County – Kenny Rogers #4 (2 weeks), 1/23/80
27. Emotional Rescue – Rolling Stones #4 (2 weeks), 8/27/80
28. Drivin' My Life Away – Eddie Rabbitt #4 (1 week), 10/15/80
#5
29. Guilty – Barbra Streisand & Barry Gibb #5 (2 weeks), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
30. He's So Shy – Pointer Sisters #5 (2 weeks), 11/12/80
31. On the Radio – Donna Summer #5 (1 week), 2/27/80
32. Xanadu – Olivia Newton-John #5 (1 week), 10/1/80
33. Lookin' for Love – Johnny Lee #5 (1 week), 10/8/80
#6
34. More Than I Can Say – Leo Sayer #6 (3 weeks), 12/17/80
35. The Wanderer – Donna Summer #6 (3 weeks), 11/5/80 (10/27/80)
36. Steal Away – Robbie Dupree #6 (2 weeks), 6/25/80 (6/26/80)
37. Shining Star – Manhattans #6 (2 weeks), 8/6/80 (7/28/80)
38. Biggest Part of Me – Ambrosia #6 (2 weeks), 6/11/80
39. Little Jeannie – Elton John #6 (2 weeks), 7/9/80 (6/30/80)
40. Yes, I'm Ready – Teri DeSario with K.C. #6 (2 weeks nc), 2/20/80 (2/11/80)
41. Special Lady – Roy, Goodman & Brown #6 (1 week), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)
42. Off the Wall – Michael Jackson #6 (1 week), 3/26/80 (3/17/80)
#7
43. Fame – Irene Cara #7 (3 weeks nc), 9/10/80 (9/1/80)
44. You May Be Right – Billy Joel #7 (1 week), 5/28/80 (5/19/80)
45. Give Me the Night – George Benson #7, (1 week), 8/27/80 (8/18/80)
46. I'm Alright (Theme from “Caddyshack”) - Kenny Loggins #7 (1 week), 10/22/80 (10/13/80)
47. Hungry Heart – Bruce Springsteen #7 (1 week), 1/7/80 (12/29/80)
#8
48. I'm Coming Out – Diana Ross #8 (2 weeks), 11/5/80 (10/27/80)
49. Don't Do Me Like That – Tom Petty & The Heartbrakers #8 (1 week), 1/30/80 (1/21/80)
50. Too Hot – Kool & The Gang #8 (1 week), 4/16/80 (4/7/80)
51. Fire Lake – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band #8 (1 week), 4/30/80 (4/21/80)
52. Against the Wind – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band #8 (1 week), 6/25/80 (6/16/80)
#9
53. Brass in Pocket (I'm Special) – Pretenders #9 (2 weeks nc), 5/14/80 (5/5/80)
54. Stomp – Brothers Johnson #9 (2 weeks nc), 4/23/80 (4/14/80)
55. Cruisin' – Smokey Robsinson #9 (1 week), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
56. Refugee – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers #9 (1 week), 2/27/80 (2/18/80)
57. How Do I Make You – Linda Ronstadt #9 (1 week), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)
58. Tired of Toein' the Line – Rocky Burnette #9 (1 week), 7/16/80 (7/7/80)
59. One in a Million You – Larry Graham #9 (1 week), 8/20/80 (8/11/80)
60. Master Blaster (Jammin') – Stevie Wonder #9 (1 week), 11/12/80 (11/3/80)
#10
61. Let's Get Serious – Jermaine Jackson #10 (2 weeks), 6/11/80 (6/2/80)
62. Cupid/I've Loved You for a Long Time (Medley) – Spinners #10, 7/16/80 (7/7/80)
63. In America – Charlie Daniels Band #10, 8/6/80 (7/28/80)
64. Jesse – Carly Simon #10 (1 week), 11/12/80 (11/3/80)
#11
65. Don't Fall in Love With a Dreamer – Kenny Rogers with Kim Carnes #11 (2 weeks), 5/14/80 (5/5/80)
66. De Do Do Do De Da Da Da – Police #11 (2 weeks nc), 12/17/80 (12/8/80)
67. This is It – Kenny Loggins #11 (2 weeks nc),1/23/80 (1/14/80)
68. The Second Time Around – Shalamar #11 (1 week), 2/27/80 (2/18/80)
69. Heartbreaker – Pat Benatar #11 (1 week), 3/26/80 (3/17/80)
70. Him – Rupert Holmes #11 (1 week), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)
#12
71. I Can't Tell You Why – Eagles #12 (1 week), 4/23/80 (4/14/80)
72. Sexy Eyes – Dr. Hook #12 (1 week), 5/14/80 (5/5/80)
73. Let My Love Open the Door – Pete Townsend #12 (1 week), 8/20/80 (8/11/80)
74. Real Love – Doobie Brothers #12 (1 week), 10/22/80 (10/13/80)
75. Never Knew Love Like This Before – Stephanie Mills #12 (1 week), 11/12/80 (11/3/80)
#13
76. I Wanna Be Your Lover – Prince #13 (1 week), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
77. Hurt So Bad – Linda Ronstadt #13 (1 week), 5/7/80 (4/28/80)
78. Late in the Evening – Paul Simon #13 (1 week), 10/1/80 (9/22/80)
#14
79. And the Beat Goes On – Whispers #14 (4 weeks), 3/19/80 (3/10/80)
80. She's Out of My Life – Michael Jackson #14 (2 weeks nc), 6/18/80 (6/9/80)
81. Don't Let Go – Isaac Hayes #14 (1 week), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
82. Jane – Jefferson Starship #14 (1 week), 1/23/80 (1/14/80)
83. All Over the World – Electric Light Orchestra #14 (1 week), 9/17/80 (9/8/80)
#15
84. We Don't Talk Anymore – Cliff Richard #15 (1 week), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
85. Sara – Fleetwood Mac #15 (1 week), 1/23/80 (1/14/80)
86. Misunderstanding – Genesis #15 (1 week), 7/30/80 (7/21/80)
87. Hot Rod Hearts – Robbie Dupree #15 (1 week), 9/17/80 (9/8/80)
#16
88. Theme from The Dukes of Hazzard - Waylon Jennings #16 (2 weeks), 12/31/80 (12/22/80)
89. Boulevard – Jackson Browne #16 (1 week), 8/27/80 (8/18/80)
90. Gimme Some Lovin' – Blues Brothers #16 (1 week), 7/23/80 (7/14/80)
91. Love the World Away - Kenny Rogers #16 (1 week), 7/30/80 (7/21/80)
#17
92. More Love – Kim Carnes #17 (1 week), 8/6/80 (7/28/80)
93. Look What You've Done to Me – Boz Scaggs #17 (1 week), 9/24/80 (9/15/80)
94. She's So Cold – Rolling Stones #17 (1 week), 11/12/80 (11/3/80)
95. You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling – Daryl Hall & John Oates #17 (1 week), 11/19/80 (11/10/80)
#18
96. It's Hard to Be Humble – Mac Davis #18 (1 week), 5/28/80 (5/19/80)
97. It's My Turn – Diana Ross #18 (1 week), 12/31/80 (12/22/80)
#19
98. Never Be the Same – Christopher Cross #19 (3 weeks), 12/3/80 (11/24/80)
99. Pilot of the Airwaves – Charlie Dore #19 (1 week), 5/14/80 (5/5/80)
#20
100. Tell It Like It Is – Heart #20 (3 weeks), 1/7/81 (12/29/80)
101. Give It All You Got – Chuck Mangione #20 (2 weeks), 3/26/80 (3/17/80)
102. Should've Never Let You Go – Neil & Dara Sedaka #20 (1 week), 6/25/80 (6/16/80)
103. Into the Night – Benny Mardones #20 (1 week), 9/3/80 (8/25/80)
104. Lovely One – Jacksons #20 (1 week), 10/29/80 (10/20/80)
105. Dreaming – Cliff Richard #20 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
106. I Believe in You – Don Williams #20 (1 week), 12/31/80 (12/22/80)
#21
107. September Morn – Neil Diamond #21 (1 week), 2/20/80 (2/11/80)
108. Breakdown Dead Ahead – Boz Scaggs #21 (1 week), 5/28/80 (5/19/80)
109. Theme from New York, New York - Frank Sinatra #21 (1 week), 6/25/80 (6/16/80)
110. Empire Strikes Back (Medley) – Meco #21 (1 week), 8/6/80 (7/28/80)
111. Stand by Me – Mickey Gilley #21 (1 week), 8/20/80 (8/11/80)
112. Don't Ask Me Why – Billy Joel #21 (1 week), 9/17/80 (9/8/80)
#22
113. Deja Vu – Dionne Warwick #22 (1 week), 2/6/80 (1/28/80)
114. I'm Alive – Electric Light Orchestra #22 (1 week), 7/16/80 (7/7/80)
115. You're the Only Woman (You & I) – Ambrosia #22 (1 week), 9/10/80 (9/1/80)
116. On the Road Again – Willie Nelson #22 (1 week), 11/5/80 (10/27/80)
117. Turning Japanese – Vapors #22 (1 week), 12/3/80 (11/24/80)
#23
118. Daydream Believer – Anne Murray #23 (1 week), 2/20/80 (2/11/80)
119. Love Stinks – J. Geils Band #23 (1 week), 6/4/80 (5/26/80)
120. Twilight Zone – Manhattan Transfer #23 (1 week), 6/11/80 (6/2/80)
121. You Better Run – Pat Benatar #23 (1 week), 9/3/80 (8/25/80)
122. You'll Accomp'ny Me – Bob Seger & Silver Bullet Band #23 (1 week), 9/24/80 (9/15/80)
#24
123. I Made It Through the Rain – Barry Manilow #24 (2 weeks nc), 12/31/80 (12/22/80)
124. Money – Flying Lizards #24 (1 week), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
125. Pledge My Love – Peaches & Herb #24 (1 week), 4/9/80 (3/31/80)
126. All Night Long – Joe Walsh #24 (1 week), 7/23/80 (7/14/80)
127. Jojo – Boz Scaggs #24 (1 week), 8/20/80 (8/11/80)
#25
128. Romeo's Tune – Steve Forbert #25 (1 week), 2/27/80 (2/18/80)
129. Any Way You Want It – Journey #25 (1 week), 5/7/80 (4/28/80)
130. Cocaine / Tulsa Time – Eric Clapton & His Band #25 (1 week), 7/23/80 (7/14/80)
#26
131. 99 – Toto #26 (1 week), 3/26/80 (3/17/80)
132. Let Me Be Your Angel – Stacy Lattisaw #26 (1 week), 10/29/80 (10/20/80)
133. Dreamer – Supertramp #26 (1 week), 11/5/80 (10/27/80)
#27
134. Funkin' for Jamaica – Tom Browne #27 (1 week), 10/15/80 (10/6/80)
#28
135. Play the Game – Queen #28 (1 week), 7/30/80 (7/21/80)
136. You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC #28 (1 week), 12/31/80 (12/22/80)
#29
137. Better Love Next Time – Dr. Hook #29 (1 week), 1/23/80 (1/14/80)
138. Desire – Andy Gibb #29 (1 week), 3/12/80 (3/3/80)
139. An American Dream – Dirt Band #29 (1 week), 3/19/80 (3/10/80)
140. Even It Up – Heart #29 (1 week), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)
141. The Seduction (Love Theme) – James Last Band #29 (1 week), 6/4/80 (5/26/80)
142. Train in Vain (Stand by Me) – Clash #29 (1 week), 6/11/80 (6/2/80)
143. One Fine Day – Carole King #29 (1 week), 7/9/80 (6/30/80)
144. More Bounce to the Ounce – Zappa #29 (1 week), 10/15/80 (10/6/80)
#30
145. Do You Love What You Feel – Rufus & Chaka #30 (2 weeks nc), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
146. Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time for Love) – Isley Brothers #30 (1 week), 5/21/80 (5/12/80)
#31
147. A Lover's Holiday – Change #31 (3 weeks nc), 6/25/80 (6/16/80)
148. Cool Change – Little River Band #31 (1 week), 1/23/80 (1/14/80)
149. Let Me Love You Tonight – Pure Prairie League #31 (1 week), 7/30/80 (7/21/80)
150. The Breaks – Curtis Blow #31 (1 week), 9/10/80 (9/2/80)
151. Someone That I Used to Love – Natalie Cole #31 (1 week), 10/8/80 (9/29/80)
152. Touch and Go – Cars #31 (1 week), 10/29/80 (10/20/80)
#32
153. Two Places at the Same Time – Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio #32 (2 weeks nc), 6/11/80 (6/2/80)
154. I Can't Help It – Andy Gibb Olivia and Newton-John #32 (1 week), 5/7/80 (4/28/80)
155. Lady – Whispers #32 (1 week), 6/4/80 (5/26/80)
#33
156. We Live for Love – Pat Benatar #33 (1 week), 6/11/80 (6/2/80)
157. No Night So Long – Dionne Warwick #33 (1 week), 9/24/80 (9/15/80)
#34
158. Could I Have This Dance – Anne Murray #34 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
#35
159. Why Me – Styx #35 (1 week), 2/13/80 (2/4/80)
160. I Wish I Was Eighteen Again – George Burns #35 (1 week), 2/20/80 (2/11/80)
161. Come Back – J. Geils Band #35 (1 week), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)
162. Sweet Sensation – Stephanie Mills #35 (1 week), 7/2/80 (6/23/80)
#36
163. Ravel's Bolero – Henri Mancini #36 (1 week), 1/30/80 (1/21/80)
164. Three Times in Love – Tommy James #36 (1 week), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)
165. Think About Me – Fleetwood Mac #36 (1 week), 4/30/80 (4/21/80)
166. Gee Whiz – Bernadette Peters #36 (1 week), 5/28/80 (5/19/80)
167. All Night Thing – Invisible Man's Band #36 (1 week), 7/2/80 (6/23/80)
#37
168. Don't Push It, Don't Force It – Leon Haywood #37 (1 week), 5/28/80 (5/19/80)
#38
None
#39
169. Heart Hotels – Dan Fogelberg #39 (1 week), 4/23/80 (4/14/80)
170. Clones – Alice Cooper #39 (1 week), 7/2/80 (6/23/80)
171. Legend of Wooley Swamp – Charlie Daniels Band #39 (1 week), 10/1/80 (9/22/80)
#40
172. Everything Works if You Let It – Cheap Trick #40 (2 weeks), 7/2/80 (6/23/80)
173. Baby Talks Dirty – Knack #40 (1 week), 3/5/80 (2/25/80)
174. Haven't You Heard – Patrice Rushen #40 (1 week), 3/12/80 (3/3/80)
175. Make a Little Magic – Dirt Band #40 (1 week), 8/13/80 (8/4/80)
176. Take a Little Rhythm – Ali Thompson #40 (1 week), 9/3/80 (8/25/80)
177. Out Here On My Own – Irene Cara #40 (1 week), 11/5/80 (10/27/80)
#41
178. Fool in the Rain – Led Zeppelin #41 (1 week), 1/30/80 (1/21/80)
179. Love T.K.O. - Teddy Pendergrass #41 (1 week), 11/28/80 (11/19/80)
#42
180. Atomic – Blondie #42 (2 weeks nc), 6/11/80 (6/2/80)
181. Private Idaho – B-52s #42 (1 week), 10/1/80 (9/22/80)
182. Without Your Love – Roger Daltry #42 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
183. One Step Closer – Doobie Brothers #42 (1 week), 12/17/80 (12/8/80)
#43
184. Free Me – Roger Daltry #43 (3 weeks nc), 8/13/80 (8/4/80)
185. Fire in the Morning – Melissa Manchester #43 (1 week), 4/30/80 (4/21/80)
186. Rock Lobster – B-52s #43 (1 week), 5/21/80 (5/12/80)
#44
187. Can't We Try – Teddy Pendergrass #44 (2 weeks nc), 9/10/80 (9/1/80)
188. Hold on to My Love – Jimmy Ruffin #44 (1 week), 4/9/80 (3/31/80)
189. Midnight Rocks – Al Stewart #44 (1 week), 10/1/80 (9/22/80)
190. Sequel – Harry Chapin #44 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
191. Stop This Game – Cheap Trick #44 (1 week), 12/17/80 (12/8/80)
192. Girls Can Get It – Dr. Hook #44 (1 week), 12/24/80 (12/15/80)
#45
193. Miss Sun – Boz Scaggs #45 (2 weeks), 12/31/80 (12/22/80)
194. That Girl Can Sing – Jackson Browne #45 (2 weeks nc), 10/22/80 (10/13/80)
195. Who'll Be the Fool Tonight – Larsen/Feiten Band #45 (1 week), 10/1/80 (9/22/80)
196. One Trick Pony – Paul Simon #45 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
197. Switch to Glide / Beat Goes On – Kings #45 (1 week), 12/17/80 (12/8/80)
#46
198. I Can't Let Go – Linda Ronstadt #46 (2 weeks), 8/6/80 (6/27/80)
199. Back On My Feet Again – Babys #46 (1 week), 3/5/80 (2/25/80)
200. Let Me Be the Clock – Smokey Robinson #46 (1 week), 5/7/80 (4/28/80)
201. Hey There Lonely Girl – Robert John #46 (1 week), 9/10/80 (9/1/80)
202. How Do I Survive – Amy Holland #46 (1 week), 10/1/80 (9/22/80)
203. Let Me Talk – Earth Wind & Fire #46 (1 week), 10/8/80 (9/29/80)
204. Hold On – Kansas #46 (1 week), 10/22/80 (10/13/80)
205. Sometimes a Fantasy – Billy Joel #46 (1 week), 11/12/80 (11/3/80)
#47
206. This Time – John Cougar #47 (2 weeks), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
207. The Spirit of the Radio – Rush #47 (1 week), 3/26/80 (3/17/80)
208. Do Right – Paul Davis #47 (1 week), 4/23/80 (4/14/80)
#48
209. Set Me Free – Utopia #48 (2 weeks), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)
210. When a Man Loves a Woman – Bette Midler #48 (1 week), 2/20/80 (2/11/80)
211. Deep Inside My Heart – Randy Meisner #48 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
212. Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime – Korgis #48 (1 week), 12/10/80 (12/1/80)
#49
213. When I Wanted You – Barry Manilow #49 (2 weeks), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
214. Kiss Me in the Rain – Barbra Streisand #49 (1 week), 2/6/80 (1/28/80)
215. Games Without Frontiers – Peter Gabriel #49 (1 week), 9/10/80 (9/1/80)
216. I'm Happy That Love Has Found You – Jimmy Hall #49 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
#50
217. Let Me Go, Love – Nicolette Larson #50 (1 week), 2/27/80 (2/18/80)
218. Headed for a Fall – Firefall #50 (1 week), 5/14/80 (5/5/80)
219. Walks Like a Lady – Journey #50 (1 week), 6/25/80 (6/16/80)
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