What Was #1 This Week in Spring Back in the Day?
Billboard Flashback: April 15th Across the Decades
Let’s rewind the Billboard Hot 100 to see what was ruling the airwaves this same spring week throughout past decades. From disco-infused rock to socially conscious anthems, here’s a look at the #1 songs on April 15—from 1980 through 1994.
“Call Me” – Blondie
Album: American Gigolo (Soundtrack)
Release Date: February 1980
Achievements/Award: Six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Blondie’s biggest hit blended new wave, rock, and disco under the guidance of producer Giorgio Moroder. “Call Me” served as the theme for American Gigolo and catapulted Debbie Harry into global stardom. The song’s gritty synths and urgent vocals captured the restless spirit of the era.
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“Kiss on My List” – Hall & Oates
Album: Voices
Release Date: January 1981
Achievements/Award: Three weeks at No. 1
This smooth mix of pop and R&B marked a turning point for the Philadelphia duo. With catchy keyboard riffs and playful lyrics, “Kiss on My List” brought Hall & Oates their first No. 1 hit—and laid the groundwork for their dominance in the decade ahead.
”I Love Rock ‘n Roll” – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Album: I Love Rock ‘n Roll
Release Date: January 1982
Achievements/Award: Seven weeks at No. 1
Originally by the Arrows, Joan Jett’s fiery cover turned the song into a cultural touchstone. Backed by pounding drums and snarling guitars, her version became an anthem for rebellious youth and established her as a rock icon.
️ “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
Album: Thriller
Release Date: January 1983
Achievements/Award: Seven weeks at No. 1, two Grammy Awards
With its unforgettable bassline and narrative of scandal, “Billie Jean” defined a new era of pop music. It was a cornerstone of Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, and played a key role in Jackson’s game-changing Motown 25 moonwalk performance.
“Footloose” – Kenny Loggins
Album: Footloose (Soundtrack)
Release Date: January 1984
Achievements/Award: Three weeks at No. 1
This energetic anthem was tailor-made for the dancefloor—and the film’s rebellious spirit. “Footloose” fueled Kenny Loggins’ reputation as the king of ’80s soundtrack hits, combining punchy guitars with an irresistible call to move.
“We Are the World” – USA for Africa
Album: We Are the World
Release Date: March 1985
Achievements/Award: Four weeks at No. 1, Grammy for Song of the Year
Penned by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, this all-star collaboration united dozens of artists for a humanitarian cause. The song raised over $60 million for African famine relief and symbolized pop’s power to drive change.
“Rock Me Amadeus” – Falco
Album: Falco 3
Release Date: January 1986
Achievements/Award: Three weeks at No. 1; first German-language song to top U.S. charts
Falco’s unconventional homage to Mozart fused classical motifs with synth-pop and rap—a novelty that captivated global listeners. The track’s success marked a rare moment when a European artist broke into the American mainstream with a foreign-language hit.
“I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” – Aretha Franklin & George Michael
Album: Aretha
Release Date: January 1987
Achievements/Award: Two weeks at No. 1, Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo
Two powerhouse voices joined forces for a rare pop-soul duet. The result was a transatlantic hit that blended gospel strength with pop finesse, earning Aretha Franklin her first No. 1 since “Respect.”
“Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car” – Billy Ocean
Album: Tear Down These Walls
Release Date: January 1988
Achievements/Award: Two weeks at No. 1
Upbeat, flirty, and fun, Billy Ocean’s synth-heavy track rode the wave of late-’80s pop. Its animated video and feel-good energy helped the song top charts in multiple countries and become a radio staple.
“She Drives Me Crazy” – Fine Young Cannibals
Album: The Raw & the Cooked
Release Date: December 1988
Achievements/Award: One week at No. 1
This quirky British hit stood out for its clipped drumbeat and Roland Gift’s unmistakable falsetto. Mixing pop-rock with a new wave edge, “She Drives Me Crazy” became an unexpected transatlantic smash.
Still humming “She Drives Me Crazy”? BOB FM will either cure you or make it permanent—worth the risk.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinéad O’Connor
Album: I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got
Release Date: January 1990
Achievements/Award: Four weeks at No. 1
Written by Prince, this stripped-down ballad became a global phenomenon thanks to O’Connor’s raw, tear-streaked performance. The minimal production put the focus squarely on the aching vocals, earning critical acclaim and iconic status.
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“You’re in Love” – Wilson Phillips
Album: Wilson Phillips
Release Date: February 1991
Achievements/Award: One week at No. 1
This gentle pop ballad capitalized on Wilson Phillips’ harmonies and wholesome appeal. Following the success of “Hold On,” the song reaffirmed their presence in early ’90s pop with a sweet message about unexpected love.
“Save the Best for Last” – Vanessa Williams
Album: The Comfort Zone
Release Date: January 1992
Achievements/Award: Five weeks at No. 1
A soaring ballad about timing and fate, Vanessa Williams’ signature song showcased her transformation from beauty queen to Grammy-nominated vocalist. The track’s graceful melody and emotional delivery made it a wedding favorite and adult contemporary staple.
“Informer” – Snow
Album: 12 Inches of Snow
Release Date: August 1992
Achievements/Award: Seven weeks at No. 1
With this surprising hit, Canadian rapper Snow brought patois-inflected lyrics and reggae rhythms to American audiences. “Informer” was polarizing but undeniably catchy, becoming one of the most unlikely chart-toppers of the decade.
“Bump n’ Grind” – R. Kelly
Album: 12 Play
Release Date: January 1994
Achievements/Award: Twelve weeks at No. 1 on R&B chart; No. 1 on Hot 100
Smooth, sensual, and slow-burning, this track was R. Kelly’s breakout solo hit. With its explicit lyrics and steamy delivery, “Bump n’ Grind” became a cornerstone of ‘90s R&B and one of the decade’s most enduring slow jams. And now let’s pretend this artist and song do not exist.
