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Synth-Pop Love

Ciao! This week’s theme is “Synth-Pop Love”. Let’s start things off with a song that perfectly expresses the essence of the synth-pop genre. Released in 1980, "Fade to Grey" is by Visage, and it became an instant hit across Europe. Here’s "Vienna" by Ultravox. Did you know that this track was famously used in the film "Billy Elliot"? Let’s listen… Now here is "Shake the Disease" by Depeche Mode. Our next song is the synth-pop anthem "Love Action (I Believe in Love)" by The Human League. And now here's "Talking in Your Sleep" by The Romantics. It was a massive hit in the early '80s, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Next up is "Secret" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, better known as OMD. Now let’s listen to "Lessons in Love" by Level 42. This song was a huge hit, reaching the top 10 in several countries. Up next, we have a synth-pop classic that's guaranteed to melt your heart. &

Power Ballads Again

Ciao! As my regular listeners know, I love power ballads. So here is another episode featuring them. Let’s start off with “Drive” by The Cars from 1984.

Next we have “Listen to Your Heart” by Swedish pop music duo Roxette. The song was originally released in Sweden in September of 1988 as the second single from the duo's second studio album, “Look Sharp!” It went on to become one of the most successful singles of 1989, reaching number one in both the US and Canada.

Our next song is “More Than a Feeling” by Boston from 1976.

“The One I Love" is a song by American alternative rock band R.E.M. It was released on the band's fifth full-length studio album, “Document” in 1987. The song was the band’s first hit single, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. In March 2005, Q magazine placed "The One I Love" at No. 57 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks, and in 2012, Slant Magazine listed the song as the 38th best single of the 1980s.

Now let’s listen to “How You Remind Me” by Nickelback from 2001.

Next up is “Streets of Love” by the Rolling Stones from 2005.

"The Power of Love" is a song originally recorded and released by the British band “Frankie Goes to Hollywood” in 1984. It was their third single, and it topped the UK singles chart just like their previous two singles. It was also a top 10 hit in several European countries, in Australia and New Zealand, and in Canada.

“Holding Out for a Hero” is a song recorded by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler for the soundtrack to the 1984 film Footloose. It was a top 40 hit in several European countries, as well as Canada and the US.

And now, “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake from 1982.

Next up we have "White Wedding" by Billy Idol from 1982.

Our next song is “Leave a Light On” by Belinda Carlisle. Released at the end of 1989, the song became a top-ten hit in Australia, Austria, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. In the US it peaked at number 11, giving Carlisle her final US top-twenty hit.

Now let’s listen to “Don't Shed A Tear” by Paul Carrack from 1987.

"Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles was released in January 1990 and became a number-one hit for two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and number one on the Album Rock Tracks chart. It was number ten in Myles’ native Canada and reached number two on the UK Singles Chart. It was also a major success in several other countries. Myles won the 1991 Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for the song, and the 1990 Juno Award for Single of the Year. Since its release, the power ballad has received substantial airplay, receiving a "Millionaire Award" from ASCAP in 2005 for more than four million radio plays.

Be sure to tune in every week for a new episode of Love Songs, featuring host Marcy Coate. See the sidebar for current broadcast days and times.

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