https://top40musiconcd.com/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:48:44 +0000 Wed, 23 Nov 2005 06:49:46 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.07 360 https://top40musiconcd.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=530 https://top40musiconcd.com/forum//images/Top-40-Music-on-CD-Forum-Logo.png https://top40musiconcd.com/forum/ https://top40musiconcd.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=530&PID=2743&title=1980-variety-best-selling-singles#2743 Author: Brian W.
Subject: 530
Posted: 23 November 2005 at 6:49am

Variety's Best Selling Singles of 1980

This year, the chasm between airplay and sales grows ever-wider as rap, funk, novelty, and instrumental singles easily break the top 40 in sales, singles that got nowhere near the top 40 on the Hot 100.

Mega-shocker:

--The #27 sales rank of Tom Browne's classic Funkin' for Jamaica -- which didn't even CHART on the Hot 100!

Other surprises:

--The #18 rank of Mac Davis' It's Hard to Be Humble... which missed Billboard's Top 40 completely!
-- Zapp's More Bounce to the Ounce -- #29 Variety Sales, only #86 Hot 100
--The #3 ranking of Devo's Whip It, a song that peaked at only #14 on the Hot 100.
--The #28 rank of Queen's The Game, which also missed Billboard's Top 40
--Ravel's Bolero by Henri Mancini was a #36 seller, though it didn't chart on the Hot 100 at all and missed the top forty in Cash Box by a mile!

For newer members who might not have seen my previous postings, here are links to the 1976-1979 Variety singles sales charts. It was the only completely sales based singles chart in existence from 1976 until late 1984, when Billboard began its own separate sales chart.

1976

1977

1978

1979

Top 40 sellers in Red did not make the Top 40 on the Hot 100.

***

"The Variety singles chart is a current reflection of records active on the national retail level. The tabulation is derived from a broad sampling of sales data obtained from the top 25 markets. It is based wholly on retail sales."

#1

1. Another One Bites the Dust – Queen #1 (10 weeks), 9/24/80
2. (Just Like) Starting Over – John Lennon #1 (6 weeks), 12/24/80
3. Another Brick in the Wall Part II – Pink Floyd #1 (6 weeks), 3/12/80
4. Call Me – Blondie #1 (6 weeks), 4/23/80
5. Funkytown – Lipps, Inc. #1 (5 weeks), 6/4/80
6. It's Still Rock and Roll to Me – Billy Joel #1 (4 weeks), 7/16/80
7. Magic – Olivia Newton-John #1 (4 weeks), 8/13/80
8. Rock With You – Michael Jackson #1 (3 weeks), 1/30/80
9. Lady – Kenny Rogers #1 (3 weeks), 12/3/80
10. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen #1 (3 weeks), 2/20/80
11. Upside Down – Diana Ross #1 (2 weeks), 9/10/80
12. The Rose – Bette Midler #1 (1 week), 7/9/80

#2

13. Woman in Love – Barbra Streisand #2 (6 weeks), 10/15/80
14. Sailing – Christopher Cross #2 (3 weeks), 8/20/80
15. Coming Up – Paul McCartney #2 (1 week), 7/23/80

#3

16. Ride Like the Wind – Christopher Cross #3 (4 weeks), 4/23/80
17. Do That To Me One More Time – Captain & Tennille #3 (3 weeks), 2/13/80
18. Whip It – Devo #3 (2 weeks), 12/3/80
19. Longer – Dan Fogelberg #3 (2 weeks), 2/27/80
20. Working My Way Back to You – Spinners #3 (2 weeks), 4/2/80
21. Take Your Time (Do It Right) – S.O.S. Band #3 (2 weeks), 8/6/80
22. All Out of Love – Air Supply #3 (1 week), 9/24/80
23. Cars – Gary Numan #3 (1 week), 6/4/80
24. With You I'm Born Again – Billy Preston & Syreeta #3 (1 week), 4/16/80
25. Lost in Love – Air Supply #3 (1 week), 5/28/80

#4

26. Coward of the County – Kenny Rogers #4 (2 weeks), 1/23/80
27. Emotional Rescue – Rolling Stones #4 (2 weeks), 8/27/80
28. Drivin' My Life Away – Eddie Rabbitt #4 (1 week), 10/15/80

#5

29. Guilty – Barbra Streisand & Barry Gibb #5 (2 weeks), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
30. He's So Shy – Pointer Sisters #5 (2 weeks), 11/12/80
31. On the Radio – Donna Summer #5 (1 week), 2/27/80
32. Xanadu – Olivia Newton-John #5 (1 week), 10/1/80
33. Lookin' for Love – Johnny Lee #5 (1 week), 10/8/80

#6

34. More Than I Can Say – Leo Sayer #6 (3 weeks), 12/17/80
35. The Wanderer – Donna Summer #6 (3 weeks), 11/5/80 (10/27/80)
36. Steal Away – Robbie Dupree #6 (2 weeks), 6/25/80 (6/26/80)
37. Shining Star – Manhattans #6 (2 weeks), 8/6/80 (7/28/80)
38. Biggest Part of Me – Ambrosia #6 (2 weeks), 6/11/80
39. Little Jeannie – Elton John #6 (2 weeks), 7/9/80 (6/30/80)
40. Yes, I'm Ready – Teri DeSario with K.C. #6 (2 weeks nc), 2/20/80 (2/11/80)
41. Special Lady – Roy, Goodman & Brown #6 (1 week), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)
42. Off the Wall – Michael Jackson #6 (1 week), 3/26/80 (3/17/80)

#7

43. Fame – Irene Cara #7 (3 weeks nc), 9/10/80 (9/1/80)
44. You May Be Right – Billy Joel #7 (1 week), 5/28/80 (5/19/80)
45. Give Me the Night – George Benson #7, (1 week), 8/27/80 (8/18/80)
46. I'm Alright (Theme from “Caddyshack”) - Kenny Loggins #7 (1 week), 10/22/80 (10/13/80)
47. Hungry Heart – Bruce Springsteen #7 (1 week), 1/7/80 (12/29/80)

#8

48. I'm Coming Out – Diana Ross #8 (2 weeks), 11/5/80 (10/27/80)
49. Don't Do Me Like That – Tom Petty & The Heartbrakers #8 (1 week), 1/30/80 (1/21/80)
50. Too Hot – Kool & The Gang #8 (1 week), 4/16/80 (4/7/80)
51. Fire Lake – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band #8 (1 week), 4/30/80 (4/21/80)
52. Against the Wind – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band #8 (1 week), 6/25/80 (6/16/80)

#9

53. Brass in Pocket (I'm Special) – Pretenders #9 (2 weeks nc), 5/14/80 (5/5/80)
54. Stomp – Brothers Johnson #9 (2 weeks nc), 4/23/80 (4/14/80)
55. Cruisin' – Smokey Robsinson #9 (1 week), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
56. Refugee – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers #9 (1 week), 2/27/80 (2/18/80)
57. How Do I Make You – Linda Ronstadt #9 (1 week), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)
58. Tired of Toein' the Line – Rocky Burnette #9 (1 week), 7/16/80 (7/7/80)
59. One in a Million You – Larry Graham #9 (1 week), 8/20/80 (8/11/80)
60. Master Blaster (Jammin') – Stevie Wonder #9 (1 week), 11/12/80 (11/3/80)

#10

61. Let's Get Serious – Jermaine Jackson #10 (2 weeks), 6/11/80 (6/2/80)
62. Cupid/I've Loved You for a Long Time (Medley) – Spinners #10, 7/16/80 (7/7/80)
63. In America – Charlie Daniels Band #10, 8/6/80 (7/28/80)
64. Jesse – Carly Simon #10 (1 week), 11/12/80 (11/3/80)

#11

65. Don't Fall in Love With a Dreamer – Kenny Rogers with Kim Carnes #11 (2 weeks), 5/14/80 (5/5/80)
66. De Do Do Do De Da Da Da – Police #11 (2 weeks nc), 12/17/80 (12/8/80)
67. This is It – Kenny Loggins #11 (2 weeks nc),1/23/80 (1/14/80)
68. The Second Time Around – Shalamar #11 (1 week), 2/27/80 (2/18/80)
69. Heartbreaker – Pat Benatar #11 (1 week), 3/26/80 (3/17/80)
70. Him – Rupert Holmes #11 (1 week), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)

#12

71. I Can't Tell You Why – Eagles #12 (1 week), 4/23/80 (4/14/80)
72. Sexy Eyes – Dr. Hook #12 (1 week), 5/14/80 (5/5/80)
73. Let My Love Open the Door – Pete Townsend #12 (1 week), 8/20/80 (8/11/80)
74. Real Love – Doobie Brothers #12 (1 week), 10/22/80 (10/13/80)
75. Never Knew Love Like This Before – Stephanie Mills #12 (1 week), 11/12/80 (11/3/80)

#13

76. I Wanna Be Your Lover – Prince #13 (1 week), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
77. Hurt So Bad – Linda Ronstadt #13 (1 week), 5/7/80 (4/28/80)
78. Late in the Evening – Paul Simon #13 (1 week), 10/1/80 (9/22/80)

#14

79. And the Beat Goes On – Whispers #14 (4 weeks), 3/19/80 (3/10/80)
80. She's Out of My Life – Michael Jackson #14 (2 weeks nc), 6/18/80 (6/9/80)
81. Don't Let Go – Isaac Hayes #14 (1 week), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
82. Jane – Jefferson Starship #14 (1 week), 1/23/80 (1/14/80)
83. All Over the World – Electric Light Orchestra #14 (1 week), 9/17/80 (9/8/80)

#15

84. We Don't Talk Anymore – Cliff Richard #15 (1 week), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
85. Sara – Fleetwood Mac #15 (1 week), 1/23/80 (1/14/80)
86. Misunderstanding – Genesis #15 (1 week), 7/30/80 (7/21/80)
87. Hot Rod Hearts – Robbie Dupree #15 (1 week), 9/17/80 (9/8/80)

#16

88. Theme from The Dukes of Hazzard - Waylon Jennings #16 (2 weeks), 12/31/80 (12/22/80)
89. Boulevard – Jackson Browne #16 (1 week), 8/27/80 (8/18/80)
90. Gimme Some Lovin' – Blues Brothers #16 (1 week), 7/23/80 (7/14/80)
91. Love the World Away - Kenny Rogers #16 (1 week), 7/30/80 (7/21/80)

#17

92. More Love – Kim Carnes #17 (1 week), 8/6/80 (7/28/80)
93. Look What You've Done to Me – Boz Scaggs #17 (1 week), 9/24/80 (9/15/80)
94. She's So Cold – Rolling Stones #17 (1 week), 11/12/80 (11/3/80)
95. You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling – Daryl Hall & John Oates #17 (1 week), 11/19/80 (11/10/80)

#18

96. It's Hard to Be Humble – Mac Davis #18 (1 week), 5/28/80 (5/19/80)
97. It's My Turn – Diana Ross #18 (1 week), 12/31/80 (12/22/80)

#19

98. Never Be the Same – Christopher Cross #19 (3 weeks), 12/3/80 (11/24/80)
99. Pilot of the Airwaves – Charlie Dore #19 (1 week), 5/14/80 (5/5/80)

#20

100. Tell It Like It Is – Heart #20 (3 weeks), 1/7/81 (12/29/80)
101. Give It All You Got – Chuck Mangione #20 (2 weeks), 3/26/80 (3/17/80)
102. Should've Never Let You Go – Neil & Dara Sedaka #20 (1 week), 6/25/80 (6/16/80)
103. Into the Night – Benny Mardones #20 (1 week), 9/3/80 (8/25/80)
104. Lovely One – Jacksons #20 (1 week), 10/29/80 (10/20/80)
105. Dreaming – Cliff Richard #20 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
106. I Believe in You – Don Williams #20 (1 week), 12/31/80 (12/22/80)

#21

107. September Morn – Neil Diamond #21 (1 week), 2/20/80 (2/11/80)
108. Breakdown Dead Ahead – Boz Scaggs #21 (1 week), 5/28/80 (5/19/80)
109. Theme from New York, New York - Frank Sinatra #21 (1 week), 6/25/80 (6/16/80)
110. Empire Strikes Back (Medley) – Meco #21 (1 week), 8/6/80 (7/28/80)
111. Stand by Me – Mickey Gilley #21 (1 week), 8/20/80 (8/11/80)
112. Don't Ask Me Why – Billy Joel #21 (1 week), 9/17/80 (9/8/80)

#22

113. Deja Vu – Dionne Warwick #22 (1 week), 2/6/80 (1/28/80)
114. I'm Alive – Electric Light Orchestra #22 (1 week), 7/16/80 (7/7/80)
115. You're the Only Woman (You & I) – Ambrosia #22 (1 week), 9/10/80 (9/1/80)
116. On the Road Again – Willie Nelson #22 (1 week), 11/5/80 (10/27/80)
117. Turning Japanese – Vapors #22 (1 week), 12/3/80 (11/24/80)

#23

118. Daydream Believer – Anne Murray #23 (1 week), 2/20/80 (2/11/80)
119. Love Stinks – J. Geils Band #23 (1 week), 6/4/80 (5/26/80)
120. Twilight Zone – Manhattan Transfer #23 (1 week), 6/11/80 (6/2/80)
121. You Better Run – Pat Benatar #23 (1 week), 9/3/80 (8/25/80)
122. You'll Accomp'ny Me – Bob Seger & Silver Bullet Band #23 (1 week), 9/24/80 (9/15/80)

#24

123. I Made It Through the Rain – Barry Manilow #24 (2 weeks nc), 12/31/80 (12/22/80)
124. Money – Flying Lizards #24 (1 week), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
125. Pledge My Love – Peaches & Herb #24 (1 week), 4/9/80 (3/31/80)
126. All Night Long – Joe Walsh #24 (1 week), 7/23/80 (7/14/80)
127. Jojo – Boz Scaggs #24 (1 week), 8/20/80 (8/11/80)

#25

128. Romeo's Tune – Steve Forbert #25 (1 week), 2/27/80 (2/18/80)
129. Any Way You Want It – Journey #25 (1 week), 5/7/80 (4/28/80)
130. Cocaine / Tulsa Time – Eric Clapton & His Band #25 (1 week), 7/23/80 (7/14/80)

#26

131. 99 – Toto #26 (1 week), 3/26/80 (3/17/80)
132. Let Me Be Your Angel – Stacy Lattisaw #26 (1 week), 10/29/80 (10/20/80)
133. Dreamer – Supertramp #26 (1 week), 11/5/80 (10/27/80)

#27

134. Funkin' for Jamaica – Tom Browne #27 (1 week), 10/15/80 (10/6/80)

#28

135. Play the Game – Queen #28 (1 week), 7/30/80 (7/21/80)
136. You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC #28 (1 week), 12/31/80 (12/22/80)

#29

137. Better Love Next Time – Dr. Hook #29 (1 week), 1/23/80 (1/14/80)
138. Desire – Andy Gibb #29 (1 week), 3/12/80 (3/3/80)
139. An American Dream – Dirt Band #29 (1 week), 3/19/80 (3/10/80)
140. Even It Up – Heart #29 (1 week), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)
141. The Seduction (Love Theme) – James Last Band #29 (1 week), 6/4/80 (5/26/80)
142. Train in Vain (Stand by Me) – Clash #29 (1 week), 6/11/80 (6/2/80)
143. One Fine Day – Carole King #29 (1 week), 7/9/80 (6/30/80)
144. More Bounce to the Ounce – Zappa #29 (1 week), 10/15/80 (10/6/80)

#30

145. Do You Love What You Feel – Rufus & Chaka #30 (2 weeks nc), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
146. Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time for Love) – Isley Brothers #30 (1 week), 5/21/80 (5/12/80)

#31

147. A Lover's Holiday – Change #31 (3 weeks nc), 6/25/80 (6/16/80)
148. Cool Change – Little River Band #31 (1 week), 1/23/80 (1/14/80)
149. Let Me Love You Tonight – Pure Prairie League #31 (1 week), 7/30/80 (7/21/80)
150. The Breaks – Curtis Blow #31 (1 week), 9/10/80 (9/2/80)
151. Someone That I Used to Love – Natalie Cole #31 (1 week), 10/8/80 (9/29/80)
152. Touch and Go – Cars #31 (1 week), 10/29/80 (10/20/80)

#32

153. Two Places at the Same Time – Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio #32 (2 weeks nc), 6/11/80 (6/2/80)
154. I Can't Help It – Andy Gibb Olivia and Newton-John #32 (1 week), 5/7/80 (4/28/80)
155. Lady – Whispers #32 (1 week), 6/4/80 (5/26/80)

#33

156. We Live for Love – Pat Benatar #33 (1 week), 6/11/80 (6/2/80)
157. No Night So Long – Dionne Warwick #33 (1 week), 9/24/80 (9/15/80)

#34

158. Could I Have This Dance – Anne Murray #34 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)

#35

159. Why Me – Styx #35 (1 week), 2/13/80 (2/4/80)
160. I Wish I Was Eighteen Again – George Burns #35 (1 week), 2/20/80 (2/11/80)
161. Come Back – J. Geils Band #35 (1 week), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)
162. Sweet Sensation – Stephanie Mills #35 (1 week), 7/2/80 (6/23/80)

#36

163. Ravel's Bolero – Henri Mancini #36 (1 week), 1/30/80 (1/21/80)
164. Three Times in Love – Tommy James #36 (1 week), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)
165. Think About Me – Fleetwood Mac #36 (1 week), 4/30/80 (4/21/80)
166. Gee Whiz – Bernadette Peters #36 (1 week), 5/28/80 (5/19/80)
167. All Night Thing – Invisible Man's Band #36 (1 week), 7/2/80 (6/23/80)

#37

168. Don't Push It, Don't Force It – Leon Haywood #37 (1 week), 5/28/80 (5/19/80)

#38

None

#39

169. Heart Hotels – Dan Fogelberg #39 (1 week), 4/23/80 (4/14/80)
170. Clones – Alice Cooper #39 (1 week), 7/2/80 (6/23/80)
171. Legend of Wooley Swamp – Charlie Daniels Band #39 (1 week), 10/1/80 (9/22/80)

#40

172. Everything Works if You Let It – Cheap Trick #40 (2 weeks), 7/2/80 (6/23/80)
173. Baby Talks Dirty – Knack #40 (1 week), 3/5/80 (2/25/80)
174. Haven't You Heard – Patrice Rushen #40 (1 week), 3/12/80 (3/3/80)
175. Make a Little Magic – Dirt Band #40 (1 week), 8/13/80 (8/4/80)
176. Take a Little Rhythm – Ali Thompson #40 (1 week), 9/3/80 (8/25/80)
177. Out Here On My Own – Irene Cara #40 (1 week), 11/5/80 (10/27/80)

#41

178. Fool in the Rain – Led Zeppelin #41 (1 week), 1/30/80 (1/21/80)
179. Love T.K.O. - Teddy Pendergrass #41 (1 week), 11/28/80 (11/19/80)

#42

180. Atomic – Blondie #42 (2 weeks nc), 6/11/80 (6/2/80)
181. Private Idaho – B-52s #42 (1 week), 10/1/80 (9/22/80)
182. Without Your Love – Roger Daltry #42 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
183. One Step Closer – Doobie Brothers #42 (1 week), 12/17/80 (12/8/80)

#43

184. Free Me – Roger Daltry #43 (3 weeks nc), 8/13/80 (8/4/80)
185. Fire in the Morning – Melissa Manchester #43 (1 week), 4/30/80 (4/21/80)
186. Rock Lobster – B-52s #43 (1 week), 5/21/80 (5/12/80)

#44

187. Can't We Try – Teddy Pendergrass #44 (2 weeks nc), 9/10/80 (9/1/80)
188. Hold on to My Love – Jimmy Ruffin #44 (1 week), 4/9/80 (3/31/80)
189. Midnight Rocks – Al Stewart #44 (1 week), 10/1/80 (9/22/80)
190. Sequel – Harry Chapin #44 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
191. Stop This Game – Cheap Trick #44 (1 week), 12/17/80 (12/8/80)
192. Girls Can Get It – Dr. Hook #44 (1 week), 12/24/80 (12/15/80)

#45

193. Miss Sun – Boz Scaggs #45 (2 weeks), 12/31/80 (12/22/80)
194. That Girl Can Sing – Jackson Browne #45 (2 weeks nc), 10/22/80 (10/13/80)
195. Who'll Be the Fool Tonight – Larsen/Feiten Band #45 (1 week), 10/1/80 (9/22/80)
196. One Trick Pony – Paul Simon #45 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
197. Switch to Glide / Beat Goes On – Kings #45 (1 week), 12/17/80 (12/8/80)

#46

198. I Can't Let Go – Linda Ronstadt #46 (2 weeks), 8/6/80 (6/27/80)
199. Back On My Feet Again – Babys #46 (1 week), 3/5/80 (2/25/80)
200. Let Me Be the Clock – Smokey Robinson #46 (1 week), 5/7/80 (4/28/80)
201. Hey There Lonely Girl – Robert John #46 (1 week), 9/10/80 (9/1/80)
202. How Do I Survive – Amy Holland #46 (1 week), 10/1/80 (9/22/80)
203. Let Me Talk – Earth Wind & Fire #46 (1 week), 10/8/80 (9/29/80)
204. Hold On – Kansas #46 (1 week), 10/22/80 (10/13/80)
205. Sometimes a Fantasy – Billy Joel #46 (1 week), 11/12/80 (11/3/80)

#47

206. This Time – John Cougar #47 (2 weeks), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
207. The Spirit of the Radio – Rush #47 (1 week), 3/26/80 (3/17/80)
208. Do Right – Paul Davis #47 (1 week), 4/23/80 (4/14/80)

#48

209. Set Me Free – Utopia #48 (2 weeks), 4/2/80 (3/24/80)
210. When a Man Loves a Woman – Bette Midler #48 (1 week), 2/20/80 (2/11/80)
211. Deep Inside My Heart – Randy Meisner #48 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)
212. Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime – Korgis #48 (1 week), 12/10/80 (12/1/80)

#49

213. When I Wanted You – Barry Manilow #49 (2 weeks), 1/16/80 (1/7/80)
214. Kiss Me in the Rain – Barbra Streisand #49 (1 week), 2/6/80 (1/28/80)
215. Games Without Frontiers – Peter Gabriel #49 (1 week), 9/10/80 (9/1/80)
216. I'm Happy That Love Has Found You – Jimmy Hall #49 (1 week), 11/26/80 (11/17/80)

#50

217. Let Me Go, Love – Nicolette Larson #50 (1 week), 2/27/80 (2/18/80)
218. Headed for a Fall – Firefall #50 (1 week), 5/14/80 (5/5/80)
219. Walks Like a Lady – Journey #50 (1 week), 6/25/80 (6/16/80)


Edited by Brian W.]]> Wed, 23 Nov 2005 06:49:46 +0000 https://top40musiconcd.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=530&PID=2743&title=1980-variety-best-selling-singles#2743