Although this track falls far more into the straight adult contemporary category than any kind of authentic R&B or soul, it does stand as a memorable example of elegant pop songcraft and presentation. Bryson happens to hail from upstate South Carolina, a portion of the Southeast within spitting distance of my old stomping grounds of western North Carolina (not that I stomped all that often or all that memorably). However, I don't think I'm allowing a geographical bias to creep into this feature. Rather, Bryson's smooth vocal delivery and the interesting melodic progression of this song remain some of my most vivid musical memories of the early '80s.

Part of this can probably be attributed to the fact that "If Ever You're in My Arms Again" was a major crossover hit in 1983, hitting the Top 10 on Billboard's pop, R&B and adult contemporary charts. Even so, this track doesn't seem to come up too often in a discussion of '80s music or on flashback playlists. Depending on one's perspective, overlooking Bryson's biggest hit not performed in a duet with a female singer may stem from the music's core blandness or its timeless pop appeal that keeps it from being clearly tied to an era. If for no other reason than to save a little face, I'll go with the latter explanation.

• Sample or download "If Ever You're in My Arms Again" here.
• Compare prices on Peabo Bryson CDs here.

Album Cover Image Courtesy of Rhino/Elektra

One of the few bands to come close to the pure molten majesty of AC/DC, England's the Cult went through a number of transformations before settling on its arguably most successful sound. Starting off as a post-punk band with Goth trappings in terms of both image and sound, the group gradually adapted according to what seemed like a genuine pursuit of artistic distinction. Rather than attempting to fit into a popular format for the sole sake of popularity, band leaders Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy combined a throwback psychedelic fascination with driving, punishing rock and roll. Contemporary styles such as hair metal and early alternative rock rarely allowed for as much stylistic meandering as the Cult favored, and the group's 1987 release Electric may well be the gold standard for music capable of resisting classification in the most organic of ways. Perhaps nothing beats "Love Removal Machine" for grab-you-by-the-throat intensity, but "Wild Flower" proves that simplicity - when done well - provides an immediate advantage for bands unconcerned with genre labels.

• Sample or download "Wild Flower" here.

• Compare prices on the Cult CDs here.

Album Cover Image Courtesy of Beggars Banquet Records

A keen spirituality has always flowed through the impeccable songwriting and vocals of Sam Phillips, even two decades after the end of her impressive early-'80s career as a Christian pop artist. However, in many ways this tune - written and originally recorded in 1986 by future husband and long-time collaborator T-Bone Burnett - represents her clear transition from niche artist to world-class original.

So why do I choose Phillips' version rather than Burnett's to spotlight here? Easy answer: Phillips was and is one of the finest female singers alive. This is mesmerizing, guitar-based folk-pop of which Phillips would produce plenty more during the next two decades, but the best thing about her as an artist is that she never repeats herself. "River of Love" sounds like it's been a roots rock standard for the past 50 years if not longer, and such staying power stems directly from the impact of the unique Phillips-Burnett artistry. If the Christian music industry had not tried so hard to pigeonhole Phillips by engineering her image, perhaps the world would have been able to enjoy her genius for far longer. Then again, she's far from the first artist (or the last) to be unjustly ignored by pop radio.

• Sample or download Phillips' version of "River of Love" here.
• Sample or download Burnett's original version of "River of Love" here.
• Compare prices on Sam Phillips CDs here.

Album Cover Image Courtesy of Word Records

During the past decade, the term "new wave" has come to refer to a new crop of bands obsessed with melody and throwback style almost as much as the notorious, still world-famous Flock of Seagulls hairstyle from the early '80s. This says plenty about the ability of the era's music not only to resist labels such as disposable and unforgettable but also to influence subsequent generations of pop musicians. So feel free to seek out Snow Patrol and the Bravery to your heart's delight, but it never hurts to have a reminder of the artists who first mined the treasures of new wave music and paved the way for many of today's successful alternative/indie pop acts. Check out my list of the Top 10 New Wave Artists of the '80s for a healthy introduction to this rich and still quite relevant pop/rock style.