1983 saw a TV revolution in the mornings as BBC and ITV had there own war with new breakfast programmes (there was a worry that people wouldn't go to school or work!) BBC started the challenge and ITV followed 2 weeks later. Another TV first saw Michael Jackson release a 14 Minute yes 14 minute video promo for Thriller. Also the biggest robbery in Britain took place when the Brinks Matt vault was broken into and £26 million in gold bars were taken.
In terms of Music there was a mixed bag again. Renee and Renato carried on from 1982 and started 1983 in poll position before a Motown resurgence started by a cover by Phil Collins You cant hurry love, Michael Jackson continued with Billie Jean and the theme completed by another Motown cover by Paul Young Wherever I lay my hat.
Australian band Men at work made light work with Down Under and made its way to the top. Power ballads were to make an impression and none bigger than the Welsh queen Bonnie Tyler Total eclipse of the heart written by Jim Steinman the architect of many a Power Ballad.
1983 saw the early new romantics shed there make up and deliver top spots we saw Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet score there first number ones. Spandau Ballet True was to become a school favourite at the end of the night! another school favourites who didn't get to number one were Wham Young Guns and New order Blue Monday.
Some familiar names still achieved the top spot with David Bowie Lets dance, Rod Stewart Baby Jane and the Police Every breath you take.
The young guns were certainly going for it with Kajagoogoo too shy and New Edition Candy Girl with bad boy Bobby Brown went all the way. Reggae continued its success with Birmingham's finest UB40 scoring a number one with Neil Diamonds Red Red Wine. Billy Joel also made a welcome return to the charts and scored a massive hit with Uptown Girl possibly to show new girlfriend/wife Christine Brinkley (should have been called Lucky Man!).
The biggest selling single was Karma Chameleon by Culture Club and the song enjoyed a 6 week stay at the head of the charts. The year ended with a capella vocal group the Flying Pickets with Yazoo song Only You.
Deaths in 1983 saw Billy Fury, Karen Carpenter and Dennis Wilson leave the musical world.
Did You Know?
Abba split up in 1983 but the music still goes on
The First Now that's what I call Music is released and still goes on
UK single chart had a radical shake up with gallop taking over and introducing electronic terminals to gather sales information rather than the 'old sales diary'.
The Album charts saw the usual big names and future big names hit the very pinnacle. John Lennon collection carried on from 1982, Pink Floyd The Final Cut also made the cut along with the Beach Boys, The Police, Genesis and Lionel Richie. the Newcomers included The Hurting by Tears for Fears, Michael Jackson Thriller, Spandau Ballet True, Wham Fantastic, Duran Duran seven and the ragged tiger, Paul Young No Parlez and future Rock Giants U2 with War all top of the class.
Although Yazoo wrote a number one single they had to be content with the consolation of a number one album You and me both. UB40 and Culture Club also enjoyed single and album success but the compilation album of Now thats what I call Music made its debut who said Various artists wouldn't last!
recommended listening/purchasing
War - U2
Now that's what I Call Music - Various Artists
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Seven and the ragged Tiger - Duran Duran
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