1981 Number One Songs UK
Following on from the list of the top hits of 1980, in this series of number one songs by year, this guide to the 1981 number one songs UK covers the second year of the decade. Spoiler alert – musically, the year doesn’t get off to a great start, but things soon pick up. Particularly for a former Beatle…
The 80s are now known as one of music’s biggest decades, but many tunes still played on the radio didn’t make it to the top of the charts. The reverse is also true, of course – some of the biggest hits are now all but forgotten.
Which ones will you remember from 1981, and how old were you? I turned 7 in early 1981, so I was a little young to recall a few of these. Others, though, have been played pretty much relentlessly ever since. Including the last number one single of 1981.
What’s your pick from this list, or would you prefer one of those 1981 songs that didn’t quite hit the top spot? All the mega hits of 1981 in the UK can be found right here. So if you’re wondering what was no 1 in 1981, read on to find out!
THE 20 1981 NUMBER ONE SONGS IN THE UK
St Winifred’s School Choir – There’s No One Quite Like Grandma
2 weeks at number one in December 1980 & January 1981
John Lennon – Imagine
4 weeks at number one in January 1981
John Lennon – Woman
2 weeks at number one in February 1981
Joe Dolce Music Theatre – Shaddap You Face
3 weeks at number one in February & March 1981
Roxy Music – Jealous Guy
2 weeks at number one in March 1981
Shakin’ Stevens – This Ole House
3 weeks at number one in March & April 1981
Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up
3 weeks at number one in April & May 1981
Eurovision Song Contest winner 1981
Adam And The Ants – Stand And Deliver
5 weeks at number one in May & June 1981
Smokey Robinson – Being With You
2 weeks at number one in June 1981
Michael Jackson – One Day In Your Life
2 weeks at number one in June & July 1981
The Specials – Ghost Town
3 weeks at number one in July 1981
Shakin’ Stevens – Green Door
4 weeks at number one in August 1981
Aneka – Japanese Boy
1 week at number one in August 1981
Soft Cell – Tainted Love
2 weeks at number one in September 1981
Adam And The Ants – Prince Charming
4 weeks at number one in September & October 1981
Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin – It’s My Party
4 weeks at number one in October & November 1981
The Police – Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
1 week at number one in November 1981
Queen and David Bowie – Under Pressure
2 weeks at number one in November 1981
Julio Iglesias – Begin the Beguine
1 week at number one in December 1981
The Human League – Don’t You Want Me
3 weeks at number one in December 1981
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE 1981 NUMBER ONE SONGS UK?
What do you make of the 1981 number one songs? Any surprises there? For me, the most unexpected number one song in 1981 was the Julio Iglesias track. That and the fact that we actually won the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest…
John Lennon, Shakin’ Stevens and Adam and the Ants fared best, with two number one hits of 1981 apiece, while the latter also stayed at the top for the longest, with Stand and Deliver spending 5 weeks there.
Marcy x
Discover all the number one singles from the rest of the 80s here:
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