S3E29: Madonna Region 2v15(Richie/Marx)

[EDITOR’S NOTE: I mis-posted earlier by accidentally sending out Wednesday’s episode, because it’s 5AM! and I am still awake making posts. I have deleted that post for now, here is the actual correct show for Monday, July 7th! —Keith]In this episode, we're diving deep into the final matchup of the Madonna Region with a fascinating clash between two completely different approaches to 80s greatness. On one side, we have the (2) seed "All Night Long (All Night)" by Lionel Richie—a global party anthem that dominated 1983 with its infectious Caribbean-influenced groove. Facing off against this powerhouse is the (15) seed "Right Here Waiting" by Richard Marx, a stripped-down, intimate ballad by a man with hair so powerful, his first 7 hits made the top 5! What makes a song "80s"—the era's trademark bombast and production excess, or a timeless melody that happened to peak in the decade's final year? Both songs topped the charts, but they represent vastly different philosophies of what made the 80s special. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the80sest.substack.com