Musically, 1987 was unstoppable. Dancefloors were ruled by glossy pop and irresistible grooves, while deeper, more reflective songwriting also found space on the charts. It’s the year that gave us Never Gonna Give You Up, a debut that became so iconic it would later spawn an internet phenomenon no one could have predicted. At the same time, Bad reminded the world that Michael Jackson was still pushing pop into cinematic territory – sharper, tougher and bigger than ever.

Did you know?

“Never Gonna Give You Up” didn’t just top charts in 1987 – it became one of the first music videos to cross a billion views on YouTube decades later, thanks to the viral “Rickroll” trend. A song born in the age of vinyl somehow became immortal in the age of memes. Pop culture longevity doesn’t get more surprising than that.

Away from the charts, pop culture was in full spectacle mode. Music videos had become essential viewing, with MTV turning artists into visual icons almost overnight. Fashion followed suit, embracing bold colours, oversized silhouettes and unapologetic glamour that felt perfectly in step with the music of the time. At home, people were upgrading their sound systems and discovering compact discs in growing numbers, while television leaned into glossy escapism and big personalities. It was an era where pop culture didn’t just reflect the music — it amplified it, making stars feel larger than life and every hit feel like an event.

The world itself was also shifting. The INF Treaty was signed by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, easing nuclear tensions and signalling real change. That sense of optimism and forward motion echoed through the music of the year – from anthemic pop to soul-infused ballads that felt built for radio singalongs and stadium moments.

South African music also made its mark in 1987. Artists like Johnny Clegg were gaining international attention, blending traditional sounds with pop and rock in a way that carried powerful cultural meaning. Locally and globally, music wasn’t just entertainment – it was identity, protest, joy and connection.

The year was also packed with unforgettable pop culture moments. Dirty Dancing danced its way into cinemas, changing soundtracks forever, while television leaned into glossy drama and big personalities. Fashion followed suit: bold colours, big hair, shoulder pads – subtlety was officially cancelled.

Revisiting 1987 today, it’s easy to hear why it still resonates. These songs weren’t background noise – they were moments. They soundtracked first dances, long drives, late nights and big feelings. And this week’s HOT Classic Countdown is packed with exactly that kind of magic, waiting to transport you right back.