Huey Lewis And The News: Their 10 Biggest Hit Songs

Hey guys! Ever find yourself humming along to some seriously catchy tunes from the '80s and thinking, "Who sings this?" Chances are, you've stumbled upon the magic of Huey Lewis and The News. These guys were HUGE, and their music is still awesome today. Let's dive into their top 10 hits that had everyone dancing and singing along!

1. "The Power of Love"

"The Power of Love" isn't just a song; it's a cultural icon, especially if you're an '80s movie buff! Released in 1985, this track was the theme song for the blockbuster film "Back to the Future." Can you imagine Marty McFly without it? It hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing Huey Lewis and The News' place in music history. The song's infectious energy and feel-good lyrics about the all-conquering force of love made it an instant classic. What makes "The Power of Love" so memorable? Well, beyond its movie tie-in, the song itself is incredibly well-crafted. The driving beat, the catchy saxophone riff, and Huey Lewis's unmistakable vocals all combine to create a perfect pop song. The lyrics, while simple, resonate with anyone who's ever been in love (or wanted to be!). The song's success also owes a lot to its clever integration into "Back to the Future." The scene where Marty McFly's band auditions and plays a snippet of "The Power of Love" is iconic. Even Huey Lewis himself makes a cameo, criticizing Marty's band for being "too loud." This self-aware humor added another layer to the song's appeal. But the impact of "The Power of Love" extends beyond its initial release. It's been covered by countless artists, featured in numerous commercials and TV shows, and continues to be a staple on '80s playlists. It's a testament to the song's enduring popularity and its ability to evoke nostalgia for a simpler, more optimistic time. For Huey Lewis and The News, "The Power of Love" was more than just a hit song; it was a career-defining moment. It solidified their status as one of the biggest bands of the '80s and ensured their music would be enjoyed by generations to come. So, next time you hear that opening riff, crank it up and let the power of love take over!

2. "I Want a New Drug"

Alright, let's be clear – "I Want a New Drug" isn't actually about drugs! It's a clever metaphor for wanting that exhilarating feeling of being in love. Released in 1984, this song shot up the charts, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Its funky bassline, catchy chorus, and Huey Lewis's playful vocals made it a radio staple and a dance floor favorite. The brilliance of "I Want a New Drug" lies in its ambiguity. On the surface, it sounds like a song about addiction, but a closer listen reveals that the "drug" the singer craves is actually the intoxicating feeling of romance. This clever wordplay allowed the song to appeal to a wide audience, from those who simply enjoyed its catchy beat to those who appreciated its deeper meaning. The song's success was also fueled by its memorable music video, which featured the band performing in a vibrant, neon-lit setting. The video perfectly captured the song's energy and helped to solidify its place in '80s pop culture. But "I Want a New Drug" wasn't without its controversies. Ray Parker Jr., who wrote and performed the theme song for the movie "Ghostbusters," sued Huey Lewis, claiming that "I Want a New Drug" had plagiarized his song. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court, but it cast a shadow over the song's success. Despite the controversy, "I Want a New Drug" remains one of Huey Lewis and The News' most popular and enduring songs. Its catchy melody, clever lyrics, and funky groove continue to resonate with listeners of all ages. It's a testament to the band's ability to craft songs that are both fun and thought-provoking. So, next time you're feeling down, put on "I Want a New Drug" and let its infectious energy lift your spirits. Just remember, the best "drug" is often love!

3. "Hip to Be Square"

"Hip to Be Square" – now there's a song that's aged like fine wine! Released in 1986 on the Fore! album, it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It's famous (or infamous, depending on your perspective!) for its somewhat satirical take on conformity and embracing a more conventional lifestyle. The song's music video, which features a very intense Huey Lewis wielding an axe, further added to its iconic status. What's the story behind "Hip to Be Square"? Well, it's a bit of a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the yuppie culture of the 1980s. The lyrics poke fun at the idea of becoming more conservative and embracing traditional values. But the song's catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it hard to resist, even if you don't agree with its message. The music video for "Hip to Be Square" is particularly memorable, thanks to Huey Lewis's over-the-top performance. He portrays a yuppie who's completely obsessed with being square, and his exaggerated expressions and movements are both hilarious and unsettling. The scene where he wields an axe is especially iconic, and it's been parodied countless times. But "Hip to Be Square" also has a darker side. The song was featured in the movie "American Psycho," where the main character, Patrick Bateman, delivers a lengthy monologue about the song before committing a violent act. This association has led some to view the song as a symbol of the dark side of yuppie culture. Despite its controversial associations, "Hip to Be Square" remains one of Huey Lewis and The News' most popular songs. Its catchy melody, satirical lyrics, and memorable music video have made it a cultural touchstone of the 1980s. It's a song that's both funny and thought-provoking, and it continues to resonate with listeners today.

4. "Stuck with You"

"Stuck with You" is the ultimate feel-good love song! This super catchy tune, released in 1986, soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Its sweet lyrics and sing-along chorus made it a favorite at weddings and a staple on romantic mixtapes. This song just makes you wanna grab your sweetheart and dance! What makes "Stuck with You" so special? Well, it's a simple song about the joy of being in love and wanting to spend your life with that special someone. The lyrics are straightforward and heartfelt, and Huey Lewis's vocals perfectly capture the emotion of the song. The song's success also owes a lot to its catchy melody and sing-along chorus. It's the kind of song that gets stuck in your head and makes you want to sing along at the top of your lungs. And the music video for "Stuck with You" is just as charming as the song itself. It features the band performing in a picturesque countryside setting, surrounded by friends and family. The video perfectly captures the warmth and joy of the song, and it's sure to put a smile on your face. "Stuck with You" is a timeless love song that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. Its simple message of love and commitment is something that everyone can relate to, and its catchy melody and sing-along chorus make it impossible to resist. So, if you're looking for a song to dedicate to your sweetheart, look no further than "Stuck with You."

5. "Jacob's Ladder"

"Jacob's Ladder," released in 1986, took a slightly more serious turn for the band. Reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, it offers a commentary on ambition and the pursuit of success. The song's lyrics tell the story of someone climbing the ladder of success, only to realize that it's not all it's cracked up to be. This song showcases a different side of Huey Lewis and The News, proving they could tackle more complex themes. What's the message behind "Jacob's Ladder"? Well, it's a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the importance of staying true to yourself. The song's protagonist is so focused on climbing the ladder of success that he loses sight of what's truly important in life. He becomes consumed by his work and neglects his relationships with family and friends. In the end, he realizes that all his hard work has been for nothing, and he's left feeling empty and unfulfilled. The song's success is due in part to its relatable theme. Many people can identify with the feeling of being caught up in the rat race and striving for success. "Jacob's Ladder" reminds us to take a step back and consider what's truly important in life. It's a message that's as relevant today as it was in the 1980s. The song's music video is also quite thought-provoking. It features images of people climbing ladders and struggling to reach the top. The video effectively captures the song's message about the dangers of ambition and the importance of staying grounded.

6. "If This Is It"

"If This Is It," released in 1984, is a quintessential '80s pop-rock anthem. It climbed to number six on the Billboard Hot 100, driven by its upbeat tempo and relatable lyrics about the uncertainties of a new relationship. The song captures that exciting yet slightly anxious feeling of wondering if a new romance will last. It's a song that's perfect for dancing, singing along to, and reminiscing about the good old days. What makes "If This Is It" so appealing? Well, it's a song that perfectly captures the awkwardness and excitement of early romance. The lyrics express the singer's uncertainty about the future of the relationship, but also his willingness to take a chance and see where things go. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it impossible to resist, and it's sure to get you moving on the dance floor. The song's music video is a classic example of '80s music videos. It features the band performing in a colorful and energetic setting, surrounded by dancers and flashing lights. The video perfectly captures the song's energy and adds to its overall appeal. "If This Is It" is a timeless pop-rock anthem that continues to be enjoyed by listeners of all ages. Its relatable lyrics, catchy melody, and upbeat tempo make it a perfect song for any occasion.

7. "Heart and Soul"

"Heart and Soul" is where things get interesting because this song wasn't originally by Huey Lewis and The News! Originally performed by Exile, Huey Lewis and The News covered it in 1983, and their version reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. Their rendition brought a new energy to the song, making it a signature hit for them. It shows their ability to take a song and make it their own! What did Huey Lewis and The News bring to "Heart and Soul"? They injected it with their signature blend of pop, rock, and soul. Their version is more upbeat and energetic than the original, and it features Huey Lewis's distinctive vocals. The song's success is a testament to the band's ability to take a song and make it their own. They didn't just copy the original; they reimagined it and created something new and exciting. The song's music video is a simple but effective performance video. It features the band performing on stage, and it perfectly captures the energy and excitement of their live shows. "Heart and Soul" is a great example of a cover song that's just as good as, if not better than, the original. It's a song that's sure to get you moving and singing along.

8. "Do You Believe in Love"

"Do You Believe in Love," released in 1982, marked an early breakthrough for Huey Lewis and The News. Reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, it established their signature sound: a blend of rock, pop, and a whole lot of saxophone! This song is pure '80s gold, showcasing their infectious energy and catchy songwriting. It's a must-have for any '80s playlist. What makes "Do You Believe in Love" so special? It's a song that's full of youthful energy and optimism. The lyrics express the singer's belief in the power of love, and the song's upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it impossible to resist. The song's success helped to launch Huey Lewis and The News into the mainstream, and it paved the way for their future hits. The song's music video is a simple but effective performance video. It features the band performing on stage, and it perfectly captures the energy and excitement of their live shows. "Do You Believe in Love" is a timeless pop-rock classic that continues to be enjoyed by listeners of all ages.

9. "Perfect World"

"Perfect World," released in 1988 from the album Small World, hit number three on the Billboard Hot 100. This track has a slightly different vibe compared to their earlier hits, incorporating more of a bluesy feel. It's a song that reflects on the imperfections of the world while still holding onto hope for a better future. What's unique about "Perfect World"? It showcases the band's willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles. While it still has their signature catchy melodies, it also incorporates elements of blues and soul. The song's lyrics are also more introspective than some of their earlier hits, reflecting on the challenges and complexities of the world. The song's music video is a visually stunning and thought-provoking piece. It features images of both the beauty and the ugliness of the world, and it perfectly captures the song's message of hope and resilience. "Perfect World" is a reminder that even though the world isn't perfect, it's still worth fighting for.

10. "Walking on a Thin Line"

Rounding out our top 10 is "Walking on a Thin Line," released in 1984. This song reached number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, and while it may not have cracked the top 10, it's a fan favorite and deserves a spot on this list! It stands out for its socially conscious lyrics, addressing the impact of war and conflict. It's a powerful song that shows another layer to Huey Lewis and The News' musical talent. What makes "Walking on a Thin Line" so meaningful? It's a song that tackles a serious topic with sensitivity and intelligence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the realities of war and the impact it has on individuals and communities. The song's success is a testament to the band's ability to write songs that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. The song's music video is a powerful and moving piece. It features images of war and its aftermath, and it perfectly captures the song's message of peace and understanding. "Walking on a Thin Line" is a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for social change.

So there you have it, folks! Huey Lewis and The News gave us some seriously amazing tunes that continue to be enjoyed today. From the power of love to the realities of war, they covered a wide range of topics and created a soundtrack for a generation. Keep on rockin'!