Huey Lewis & The News: Their 10 Biggest Chart-Toppers

Alright, music fans! Let's dive headfirst into the incredible world of Huey Lewis & The News. These guys were the absolute kings of the 80s, churning out hit after hit that just made you want to dance. Seriously, if you were around back then, you couldn't escape their infectious tunes – and you wouldn't want to! We’re going to break down their top 10 hits, the songs that cemented their place in music history. Get ready for a trip down memory lane filled with saxophone solos, catchy lyrics, and a whole lot of awesome.

1. "The Power of Love"

"The Power of Love" stands as Huey Lewis and The News's signature song, blasting its way to the top of the charts in 1985. Featured in the iconic movie "Back to the Future," this track became an instant classic, forever linking the band with one of the most beloved films of all time. The story behind this hit is almost as cool as the song itself. The filmmakers were looking for a tune that captured the energy and excitement of the movie, and Huey Lewis and the News delivered big time. The song's upbeat tempo and positive message perfectly encapsulated the film's themes, making it a match made in 80s heaven.

But the success of "The Power of Love" wasn't just about being in the right place at the right time. The song itself is a masterpiece of pop craftsmanship. Huey Lewis's vocals are full of energy and charm, and the band's tight instrumentation provides the perfect backdrop. The saxophone solo, a signature element of many Huey Lewis hits, is particularly memorable in this track. It's no wonder this song resonated with audiences of all ages and continues to be a favorite today. Beyond its initial success, "The Power of Love" has enjoyed a long and healthy shelf life, appearing in countless commercials, TV shows, and, of course, "Back to the Future" sequels. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless quality and the sheer joy it brings to listeners. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the 80s or just discovering Huey Lewis and The News for the first time, "The Power of Love" is a must-listen. It's a feel-good anthem that will have you singing along in no time.

2. "Stuck with You"

"Stuck with You," released in 1986, showcased a softer, more romantic side of Huey Lewis and The News, proving they weren't just about high-energy anthems. This ballad reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing their status as versatile hitmakers. The beauty of "Stuck with You" lies in its simplicity and sincerity. The lyrics tell a relatable story of finding comfort and happiness in a committed relationship. It's a song about appreciating the everyday moments and the simple joys of being with someone you love. This message resonated deeply with listeners, who were perhaps looking for something a little more heartfelt amidst the often flashy and bombastic sounds of the 80s.

Musically, "Stuck with You" is a departure from the band's more upbeat tracks, but it still retains their signature sound. The tempo is slower, and the instrumentation is more restrained, allowing Huey Lewis's vocals to take center stage. His performance is particularly nuanced, conveying both vulnerability and warmth. The song also features a beautiful saxophone solo that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. The success of "Stuck with You" demonstrated that Huey Lewis and The News were capable of more than just catchy pop tunes. They could also deliver emotionally resonant ballads that touched the hearts of their audience. This versatility helped them maintain their popularity throughout the 80s and beyond. It remains a favorite at weddings and anniversaries, a testament to its enduring appeal as a love song.

3. "I Want a New Drug"

"I Want a New Drug," a high-energy track released in 1984, perfectly encapsulated Huey Lewis and The News's signature blend of rock, pop, and soul. This song is pure energy from start to finish. The driving beat, catchy melody, and Huey Lewis's enthusiastic vocals combine to create an irresistible dance-floor filler. But beyond its infectious sound, "I Want a New Drug" is also a clever and witty commentary on consumerism and the search for instant gratification. The lyrics cleverly use the metaphor of drug addiction to explore the human desire for novelty and excitement.

Of course, the song's title and subject matter also generated some controversy at the time. Some listeners misinterpreted the lyrics as promoting drug use, while others found the song to be a lighthearted and humorous take on a serious issue. Regardless of the interpretation, "I Want a New Drug" sparked a conversation and solidified Huey Lewis and The News's reputation as a band that wasn't afraid to push boundaries. Musically, the song is a showcase for the band's tight instrumentation and Huey Lewis's charismatic stage presence. The saxophone solo is particularly memorable, adding a touch of soulful flair to the already energetic track. It's a song that demands to be played loud and danced to with abandon.

4. "Hip to Be Square"

"Hip to Be Square," released in 1986, is arguably one of Huey Lewis and The News' most recognizable and controversial hits. Featured on their album "Fore!", this song reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a cultural phenomenon. The song's message, which seems to advocate for conformity and embracing a conventional lifestyle, has been the subject of much debate and interpretation. Some critics saw it as a satirical commentary on the yuppie culture of the 1980s, while others viewed it as a genuine endorsement of traditional values. Whatever the intended meaning, "Hip to Be Square" certainly struck a nerve with audiences, sparking conversations and generating both praise and criticism.

Adding to the song's notoriety was its inclusion in the film "American Psycho." In a memorable scene, the character Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale, delivers a lengthy monologue about the song's merits before brutally murdering a colleague. This scene cemented "Hip to Be Square"'s place in pop culture history and further fueled the debate about its true meaning. Musically, the song is a departure from Huey Lewis and The News's usual sound. It features a more angular and aggressive arrangement, with prominent use of synthesizers and a driving beat. The saxophone solo is still present, but it's more subdued and less melodic than in their other hits. Despite its controversial nature, "Hip to Be Square" remains a popular and enduring song, often played at sporting events and other public gatherings. Its catchy chorus and memorable melody make it an undeniable earworm, even if its message is open to interpretation.

5. "Jacob's Ladder"

"Jacob's Ladder", released in 1986, showcased Huey Lewis and The News' ability to tackle social commentary while maintaining their signature upbeat sound. This song, co-written by Bruce Hornsby, climbed its way to the top of the charts with its insightful lyrics and catchy melody. The brilliance of "Jacob's Ladder" lies in its ability to address serious issues without sacrificing the band's trademark energy and optimism. The song tells the story of a working-class individual struggling to make ends meet and questioning the promises of success and prosperity. It's a relatable tale of disillusionment and the challenges of navigating a complex and often unfair world.

But despite its serious subject matter, "Jacob's Ladder" is not a depressing or pessimistic song. Instead, it offers a message of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners to keep climbing towards their goals even in the face of adversity. Huey Lewis's vocals are particularly effective in conveying this message, imbuing the lyrics with both empathy and determination. Musically, the song is a blend of rock, pop, and folk influences, with a prominent piano riff that adds a touch of whimsy. The saxophone solo is also present, but it's more understated and serves to complement the overall arrangement. "Jacob's Ladder" demonstrates that Huey Lewis and The News were more than just a party band. They were also capable of creating thought-provoking and socially conscious music that resonated with a wide audience.

6. "If This Is It"

"If This Is It", released in 1984, perfectly captures Huey Lewis and The News' energetic and infectious sound. The song reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying their place as hitmakers. The appeal of "If This Is It" lies in its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and relatable lyrics about the uncertainty and excitement of new love. It's a song that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of falling for someone and wondering if it's the real deal. Huey Lewis's vocals are full of energy and enthusiasm, perfectly capturing the excitement and anticipation of a budding romance.

Musically, "If This Is It" is a showcase for the band's tight instrumentation and their ability to create a sound that is both polished and raw. The saxophone solo is particularly memorable, adding a touch of soulful flair to the already energetic track. The song's music video, which features the band performing in a variety of humorous scenarios, also contributed to its popularity. "If This Is It" is a feel-good anthem that will have you singing along in no time. It's a perfect example of Huey Lewis and The News's ability to create music that is both fun and meaningful.

7. "Heart and Soul"

Originally recorded by Exile, Huey Lewis and The News breathed new life into "Heart and Soul" in 1983, transforming it into a rock-infused anthem that soared up the charts. The song's success is a testament to the band's ability to take a pre-existing song and make it their own. They injected "Heart and Soul" with their signature energy and enthusiasm, transforming it from a country-tinged ballad into a high-octane rock number. Huey Lewis's vocals are particularly powerful, imbuing the lyrics with a sense of urgency and passion.

Musically, the song is a showcase for the band's tight instrumentation and their ability to create a sound that is both polished and raw. The saxophone solo is particularly memorable, adding a touch of soulful flair to the already energetic track. The song's music video, which features the band performing in a variety of humorous scenarios, also contributed to its popularity. "Heart and Soul" is a perfect example of Huey Lewis and The News's ability to take a song and make it their own, transforming it into a hit that resonated with audiences of all ages.

8. "Do You Believe in Love"

"Do You Believe in Love", released in 1982, marked Huey Lewis and The News' breakthrough into the mainstream, setting the stage for their future success. This song is a classic example of the band's ability to blend rock, pop, and soul into a catchy and irresistible package. The lyrics, which explore the themes of love, faith, and belief, are both relatable and inspiring. Huey Lewis's vocals are full of conviction, making the song's message all the more powerful.

Musically, "Do You Believe in Love" is a showcase for the band's tight instrumentation and their ability to create a sound that is both polished and raw. The saxophone solo is particularly memorable, adding a touch of soulful flair to the already energetic track. The song's success helped to establish Huey Lewis and The News as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. It's a song that continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages, a testament to its timeless quality and enduring appeal.

9. "Perfect World"

"Perfect World", released in 1988, showcased Huey Lewis and The News' ability to explore more mature themes while maintaining their signature sound. This song delves into the complexities of relationships and the challenges of creating a perfect world within the context of love. The lyrics are thoughtful and introspective, exploring the idea that true love is not about finding perfection, but about accepting each other's flaws and imperfections. Huey Lewis's vocals are particularly nuanced, conveying both vulnerability and strength.

Musically, "Perfect World" is a departure from the band's more upbeat tracks, but it still retains their signature sound. The tempo is slower, and the instrumentation is more restrained, allowing Huey Lewis's vocals to take center stage. The song also features a beautiful saxophone solo that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. "Perfect World" demonstrates that Huey Lewis and The News were capable of creating music that was both meaningful and entertaining.

10. "Doing It All for My Baby"

"Doing It All for My Baby", released in 1987, is a high-energy track that perfectly encapsulates Huey Lewis and The News' fun-loving and infectious spirit. This song is pure joy from start to finish. The driving beat, catchy melody, and Huey Lewis's enthusiastic vocals combine to create an irresistible dance-floor filler. The lyrics, which celebrate the joys of love and commitment, are both heartwarming and relatable.

Musically, "Doing It All for My Baby" is a showcase for the band's tight instrumentation and Huey Lewis's charismatic stage presence. The saxophone solo is particularly memorable, adding a touch of soulful flair to the already energetic track. It's a song that demands to be played loud and danced to with abandon. "Doing It All for My Baby" is a perfect example of Huey Lewis and The News's ability to create music that is both fun and uplifting.

So there you have it, folks! The top 10 hits that made Huey Lewis & The News legendary. These songs are more than just catchy tunes; they're a soundtrack to a generation, filled with memories, good times, and a whole lot of heart. Now, go crank up the volume and relive the magic!