1986: From Top Gun to top hits
1986: From Top Gun to top hits
Gary Oberholzer
1986: From Top Gun to top hits
In 1986, the world was living through a year of unforgettable highs, heartbreaking lows, and some of the most distinctive sounds of the decade. It was the year the world watched the tragedy of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster unfold, the year millions looked to the skies again as Halley’s Comet made its long-awaited return, and the year cinema audiences felt the need… the need for speed, as Top Gun roared into theatres. Meanwhile, radio speakers were delivering everything from synth-pop and power ballads to funk, soul, and the growing stadium rock sound that would define the late ’80s.
It’s the featured year on this week’s HOT Classic Countdown with Steve Bishop, taking place every Sunday from 12 to 3pm on HOT 102.7FM.
The movies of 1986 didn’t just entertain us — they shaped pop culture. Top Gun became a global phenomenon, turning Tom Cruise into one of Hollywood’s biggest stars and giving music fans unforgettable soundtrack moments, including Kenny Loggins’ adrenaline-filled “Danger Zone”, which became forever linked with fighter jets, aviator sunglasses, and Maverick’s need for speed.
It was also a year when artists weren’t afraid to reinvent themselves. Peter Gabriel stepped firmly into the mainstream spotlight with “Sledgehammer”, helped by one of the most innovative music videos ever made. Its groundbreaking stop-motion animation became a defining moment in MTV history and showed just how powerful the relationship between music and visuals had become.
Across the charts, there was incredible variety. Bon Jovi were preparing to take over arenas around the world with “Livin’ on a Prayer”, Madonna continued pushing boundaries with “Papa Don’t Preach”, and Janet Jackson stepped out of the Jackson family shadow with a bold new sound and attitude.
Some future music legends were also celebrating their arrival into the world in 1986 — including Lady Gaga, who was born in March that year, and would grow up to become one of the biggest pop stars on the planet.
1986 also delivered some unforgettable albums.
Paul Simon released Graceland, an album famously recorded with South African musicians and featuring the sounds of mbaqanga and township jive. Its standout hit “You Can Call Me Al” introduced millions around the world to those South African-inspired rhythms — helped by an unforgettable music video featuring Chevy Chase — while the album itself sparked both worldwide acclaim and debate because of the cultural boycott during apartheid.
South African music had its own powerful moments too. The local music scene was alive with creativity, with artists blending homegrown sounds and international influences. Songs from artists like Jonathan Butler, Mango Groove and Sipho Mabuse captured the incredible diversity of local talent.
Did You Know?
One of the most famous drum sounds of the ’80s was created almost by accident. Phil Collins and producer Hugh Padgham helped popularise the “gated reverb” drum effect earlier in the decade — and by 1986, that huge, explosive drum sound could be heard everywhere, helping give the era its unmistakable identity.
From movie soundtracks and music videos to global events and unforgettable voices, 1986 remains a year when music didn’t just reflect the moment — it helped define it.
More Posts for Show: Hot 1027 Classic Countdown with Steve Bishop
