The summer of 1985 was stacked with unforgettable music and movies . . . well you could say that about ALL of the 1980s! Movie soundtracks were dominating the airwaves, MTV was in its prime and cassette singles were still finding their way into every boombox. BUTTTTTTT if you turned on the radio in August, two very different songs kept fighting for your attention — and the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
Tears for Fears – “Shout”
Billboard’s Hot 100 for weeks of Aug 3rd, 10th and 17th.
Released in late 1984, Shout became the anthem of 1985. With its hypnotic beat, commanding chorus, and socially conscious undertones, it was a departure from your typical pop fare. Written by Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley, the song urged listeners to speak out about the world’s injustices — but it also worked perfectly as a dramatic sing‑along.
By August 1985, Shout had claimed the #1 position and refused to let go for three straight weeks. It was the band’s second U.S. #1, following Everybody Wants to Rule the World and it cemented Tears for Fears as one of the decade’s defining acts.
Huey Lewis & The News – “The Power of Love”
Billboard’s Hot 100 for weeks of Aug 24th and 31st.
If Shout was a call to action, The Power of Love was pure feel‑good energy. Written for the Back to the Future soundtrack, the song became instantly tied to Marty McFly’s adventures through time. From its opening guitar riff to Huey Lewis’ confident vocals, it radiated optimism and 80s charm.
The single rocketed up the charts, claiming the #1 spot in late August and holding it for two weeks. It was Huey Lewis & The News’ first chart‑topper, and it gave Back to the Future an even bigger cultural footprint.