Billboard's #1's (1980s) Trivia Quiz

Answer: Around the World in a Day

Behind Michael Jackson's "Thriller", the soundtrack to "Purple Rain" had the decade's second longest stint at #1. "Sign 'O' the Times" peaked at #6 in 1987 and "1999" only reached number nine.

Answer: The Wall

Yes, it was Pink Floyd's "The Wall". Actually, it was the 3rd album to hit #1 in the decade, but the first of new material. The recordings that preceded it to the pole position were greatest hits compilations by Donna Summer and the Bee Gees. Spanning an incredible 15 weeks at the top, "The Wall" produced Pink Floyd's first #1 single- "Another Brick in the Wall".

Answer: Dancing on the Ceiling

"Can't Slow Down" was Mr. Richie's first #1 album. "Lionel Richie" was of course his debut solo effort, and "All Night Long" was a Number One single off "Can't Slow Down". "Dancing on the Ceiling" spent 2 weeks at top in September 1986.

Answer: Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814

Four of these singles reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100: "Miss You Much", "Black Cat", "Escapade", and "Love Will Never Do(Without You)". The "Rhythm Nation" album peaked on October 28, 1989 and held the top spot for 4 consecutive weeks.

Answer: The Game

Hopefully, everyone knew that Queen was the band I was referring to. While they remain one of the most influential and popular bands of all time, "The Game" was their only #1, spending 5 weeks on top in 1980. The other possible selections were the band's three preceding albums.

Answer: Miami Vice

I can't honestly say that "The A-Team" and "Knight Rider" ever released soundtrack albums, but each had memorable theme songs. "Top Gun" was a #1 soundtrack, but that was a movie. While Glenn Frey, Phil Collins and others contributed to the success of the album, the biggest hit was actually the "Miami Vice Theme" which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart on November 9, 1985. Jan Hammer, a Czech composer, was the braintrust and held full artistic control over the entire project.

Henry Mancini's "The Music from Peter Gunn" was the first television soundtrack to top the chart.

It peaked in February of 1959.

Answer: Forever Your Girl

Paula Abdul's "Forever Your Girl" was the first debut album to hit #1 and also spawn four chart-topping singles. "Straight Up" was one of those four singles and "Spellbound" was Ms. Abdul's 1991 follow-up album, also a #1. "Raised on Radio" was Journey's 1986 release, featuring Randy Jackson on bass.

Answer: Whitney

Sometimes I think the only reason we didn't see more Whitney Houston albums is because she ran out of titles. After naming her first two LP's after herself, she must have been relieved when "The Bodyguard" came along so she wouldn't have to call her next one something crazy, like "Houston". That being said, no artist ever provided more bang for the buck. With just these three albums, Whitney spent an amazing 45 weeks at the top of the Billboard 200. By comparison, The Beatles and Elvis Presley averaged a measley 7.6 and 7.1 weeks at the top per album, respectively.

Answer: 5150

Believe it or not, Van Halen never reached the pinnacle until David Lee Roth left. Sammy Hagar, and the new Van Halen, topped the Billboard Top 200 four times. "5150" was the first of these hits followed by "OU812", "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" and "Balance". Say what you will about VH sans Roth, but their greatest commercial success has been with Sammy Hagar.

Answer: Tattoo You

"Some Girls" and "Emotional Rescue" were the two Stones' recordings that preceded "Tattoo You". While "Steel Wheels" was released in 1989, it never made the pole position thanks to Janet Jackson, Motley Crue and yes, Milli Vanilli.