Smilin' Don's Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989 cover art

Smilin' Don's Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989

The History and Trivia Behind the Top 100 Hits of the 80s

Preview

Get 30 days of Standard free

£5.99/mo after trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options

Smilin' Don's Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989

By: Steve Lee
Narrated by: Nick Paras
Try for £0.00

£5.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for £12.54

Buy Now for £12.54

Summary

Relive the Magic of the 80s: Discover the Untold Stories Behind the Decade's Biggest Chart-Toppers! Step into a time machine and relive the golden era of music with “Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989.” This captivating book takes you on a journey through the biggest hits of the 80s, unraveling the secrets, inspirations, and untold stories behind the top 100 chart-toppers that defined a generation.

Remember when the radio was your lifeline, and those unforgettable tunes on your favorite FM station became the soundtrack of your life? Each chapter of this book delves into the fascinating backstory of the decade's most iconic songs, from the electrifying beats of “Call Me” to the rebellious spirit of “It's Still Rock and Roll to Me”.

Have you ever wondered:

•Who was the muse behind the song "Jessie's Girl," and was Jessie her real name?

•In the "Coming Up!" music video, Paul McCartney portrayed how many different characters? And who did those characters represent?

•What was the inspiration for Steve Miller conjured up the magic of the song "Abracadabra?"

•What is the real story behind Dire Straits' song "Money For Nothing" and who performs the song's trademark falsetto opening?

•What country banned the song, "Another Brick in the Wall, Part II" by Pink Floyd? And what was the song really about?

Not only does this book provide answers to these questions, but it also reveals the hidden treasures that lie behind the music that continues to reverberate in our times.

his book is perfect for anyone who wants to relive the magic of the 80s, discover new trivia, or simply celebrate the era that brought us some of the greatest hits ever recorded. This is more than just a book—it's a time capsule that will transport you back to the days of neon lights, big hair, and the unforgettable sound of the 80s.

©2024 Steven Lee (P)2024 Steven Lee
History & Criticism Music
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
All stars
Most relevant

Listener received this title free

Smilin' Don's Stories Behind The Songs 1980 to 1989 includes backstory and chart history of one hundred hit songs from the 80's. If that's your decade, these are your hits, which include great songs, good songs, and the inevitable clunker that somehow made its way up the charts. I enjoyed hearing the stories, but I soon figured there is a better way to listen to this audiobook besides just hitting play and letting it unspool.
Here's what I recommend. Load the audiobook, and go to the chapters listing. You can start anywhere in the listing of 100 songs and choose one. Before you hit play, go to Google and enter the song title. Listen to the song in part or in its entirety, and THEN hit play on Smilin' Don's story. You'll find you get much more out of thiis audiobook if you listen to all or part of each song before you hear the backstory.

There's a trick to listening to this audiobook

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

The stories behind the songs are fascinating and it's amazing to hear the inspiration and history behind some of the most iconic songs of the 80s. The narrator's voice is warm and engaging, making you feel like you're sitting with a old friend swapping stories. I loved every minute of it and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves music and wants to learn more about the artists who create it. A must-listen for music fans of all ages!

A Fascinating Journey Through Music History

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

A must-read for 80s music lovers, offering a nostalgic dive into the hidden stories and inspirations behind the decade's most iconic hits. This book brilliantly captures the magic of the 80s, uncovering fascinating trivia and untold tales that bring a new appreciation for the chart-toppers we still love today. With its engaging storytelling and rich detail, it is the ultimate time capsule for anyone who wants to relive the unforgettable soundtrack of the 80s.

Packed with revelations

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

Listening to this audiobook felt like stepping into a time machine set to the '80s—pure nostalgia paired with fascinating revelations. If you’ve ever tapped your foot to Jessie’s Girl or belted out Eye of the Tiger in your car, this book is a veritable treasure trove of fun facts.

What sets it apart is how it uncovers the real stories behind the hits. Did you know Rick Springfield wrote Jessie’s Girl about a real-life love triangle? Or that Another Brick in the Wall was banned in South Africa? It’s filled with surprises like this, and each one makes you hear the songs in a completely new way.

It’s really fun to rediscover the soundtrack of an era, piece by piece. I think that if the ’80s hold a special place in your heart, this one’s a no-brainer. You’ll want to listen to every track all over again.

Rediscover the Best of the 80's

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

This audiobook is so much fun for those that love 80s music. I appreciated how it's a blend of learning the history of the songs plus trivia to play around. Great listen during a long car ride, it kept me entertained.

Fun for those that love 80s music

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

See more reviews