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Billboard Hot 100 Top Songs

1981

Starting in 1958, Billboard magazine has tracked the performance of music singles in the United States through the Billboard Hot 100. Taking a look through their archives of top songs is like viewing a time capsule. To better cater to this journey, I have listed all songs that topped the Billboard Hot 100 each week for the year. I have embedded a video to easily listen to them, given a link to the lyrics, included the date it topped the chart, and given a way to purchase the song. Enjoy listening to the best songs of 1981!

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Billboard Hot 100 - 1981

January 3

January 10

January 17

January 24

"(Just Like) Starting Over" by John Lennon
"(Just Like) Starting Over" was The Hot 100's #1 song on January 3, January 10, January 17, and January 24.

January 31

"The Tide Is High" by Blondie
"The Tide Is High" was The Hot 100's #1 song on January 31.

February 7

February 14

"Celebration" by Kool & The Gang
"Celebration" was The Hot 100's #1 song on February 7 and February 14.

February 21

"9 To 5" by Dolly Parton
"9 To 5" was The Hot 100's #1 song on February 21.

February 28

March 7

"I Love A Rainy Night" by Eddie Rabbitt
"I Love A Rainy Night" was The Hot 100's #1 song on February 28 and March 7.

March 14

"9 To 5" by Dolly Parton
"9 To 5" was The Hot 100's #1 song on March 14.

March 21

"Keep On Loving You" by REO Speedwagon
"Keep On Loving You" was The Hot 100's #1 song on March 21.

March 28

April 4

"Rapture" by Blondie
"Rapture" was The Hot 100's #1 song on March 28 and April 4.

April 11

April 18

April 25

"Kiss On My List" by Daryl Hall John Oates
"Kiss On My List" was The Hot 100's #1 song on April 11, April 18, and April 25.

May 2

May 9

"Morning Train (Nine To Five)" by Sheena Easton
"Morning Train (Nine To Five)" was The Hot 100's #1 song on May 2 and May 9.

May 16

May 23

May 30

June 6

June 13

"Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes
"Bette Davis Eyes" was The Hot 100's #1 song on May 16, May 23, May 30, June 6, and June 13.

June 20

"Medley" by Stars On 45
"Medley" was The Hot 100's #1 song on June 20.

June 27

July 4

July 11

July 18

"Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes
"Bette Davis Eyes" was The Hot 100's #1 song on June 27, July 4, July 11, and July 18.

July 25

"The One That You Love" by Air Supply
"The One That You Love" was The Hot 100's #1 song on July 25.

August 1

August 8

"Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield
"Jessie's Girl" was The Hot 100's #1 song on August 1 and August 8.

August 15

August 22

August 29

September 5

September 12

September 19

September 26

October 3

October 10

"Endless Love" by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
"Endless Love" was The Hot 100's #1 song on August 15, August 22, August 29, September 5, September 12, September 19, September 26, October 3, and October 10.

October 17

October 24

October 31

"Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" by Christopher Cross
"Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" was The Hot 100's #1 song on October 17, October 24, and October 31.

November 7

November 14

"Private Eyes" by Daryl Hall John Oates
"Private Eyes" was The Hot 100's #1 song on November 7 and November 14.

November 21

November 28

December 5

December 12

December 19

December 26

"Physical" by Olivia Newton-John
"Physical" was The Hot 100's #1 song on November 21, November 28, December 5, December 12, December 19, and December 26.
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