I graduated from high school in 1980. Three months later turned 18, and started college. I don’t think any of these songs were personal favorites at the time, but I got to know them over the next few years and they have stuck as my favorites.

Dancing with Myself– Billy Idol 
Billy Idol made the list a few times in here. It’s not my favorite Billy Idol song, but I like enough still today to put it on the list. 

Hungry Heart– Bruce Springsteen 
“Had a wife and kids in Baltimore, Jack; I went out for a ride and I never went back; 
Like a river that don’t know where it’s flowing; I took a wrong turn and I just kept going” 

This is another Springsteen song that I love that has a morally questionable message. 

Sure, we all experience longing, but dude… what about the wife and kids!!??? You just left them because you had a “longing” for something else? There are a lot of interpretations of this song. Some people think it’s just a conversation he’s having in a bar, telling a guy about his history, but acknowledging he has responsibilities despite the occasional desire to be free. I don’t know which is really the right one, but that said, I still really like the song for the music. 

Back in Black– AC/DC 
Classic AC/DC. I was 18 when this song hit and I remember playing it, and trying to sing it. I got as far as the first three words when I screamed out, “Back in Black….”…. then my voice gave out in a coughing fit and I hurt myself. Still a fun song to play though. 

Hit Me With Your Best Shot– Pat Benatar 
I questioned whether to put this one on, but I ended up including it. I loved Pat Benatar at the time, but I think she hasn’t time-traveled as well. Still, this one still packs a punch. 

Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)– Squeeze 
Lesser known song, but super-catchy chorus, albeit short and sparse on words. Bonus points for using a chord sequence way out of the ordinary and a really cool bluesy piano solo by Jools Holland.