KROQ Top 106.7 Songs of 1988

Additional Notes on Songs

• Rank 1: Depeche Mode - Route 66 - Non-album Single (1987)
  A cover of the classic "Route 66," this synth-driven version was a B-side to "Behind the Wheel," later included on the live album 101 (1989). KROQ loved its pulsating energy.
• Rank 2: Bollock Brothers - Harley David - Harley David (Son of a Bitch) (1987)
  The Bollock Brothers, a British punk band known for provocative covers, released this synth-punk track with a rebellious edge, from their album named after the song. It reimagines Bobby Fuller’s "I Fought the Law" with a motorbike theme. KROQ played it for its anarchic vibe.
• Rank 3: Siouxsie and The Banshees - Peek-A-Boo - Peepshow (1988)
  This gothic pop hit with playful, eerie vocals became a KROQ staple, showcasing the band’s experimental flair from their album Peepshow.
• Rank 4: U2 - Desire - Rattle and Hum (1988)
  A gritty, rock-driven track from Rattle and Hum, blending blues influences with U2’s signature sound. KROQ embraced its raw energy.
• Rank 5: Morrissey - Everyday Is Like Sunday - Viva Hate (1988)
  Morrissey’s melancholic solo debut single from Viva Hate resonated with KROQ listeners for its poetic lyrics and moody atmosphere.
• Rank 6: Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning - Diesel and Dust (1987)
  An anthemic protest song from Diesel and Dust, this track’s driving beat and political message made it a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 7: Erasure - Chains of Love - The Innocents (1988)
  A buoyant synth-pop hit from The Innocents, its infectious melody and uplifting vibe made it a KROQ dance floor staple.
• Rank 8: New Order - Touched by the Hand of God - Non-album Single (1987)
  This 1987 single, later included on The Best of New Order (1994), mixed dance beats with post-punk energy, a KROQ classic.
• Rank 9: Tone Loc - Wild Thing - Non-album Single (1988)
  A funky rap hit with a sampled riff, released as a 1988 single and later included on Lōc-ed After Dark (1989). KROQ loved its party vibe.
• Rank 10: INXS - Never Tear Us Apart - Kick (1987)
  A soaring ballad from Kick, its emotional depth and lush production made it a KROQ anthem.
• Rank 11: Maxi Priest - Wild World - Maxi (1988)
  A reggae cover of Cat Stevens’ classic from Maxi, its smooth groove and soulful vocals resonated with KROQ listeners.
• Rank 12: The Primitives - Crash - Lovely (1988)
  A jangly pop gem from Lovely, its catchy melody and punky energy made it a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 13: Marc Almond - Tears Run Rings - The Stars We Are (1988)
  A dramatic synth-pop track from The Stars We Are, its emotional delivery earned it KROQ airplay.
• Rank 14: Social Distortion - Prison Bound - Prison Bound (1988)
  A raw punk track from Prison Bound, its gritty storytelling captured KROQ’s love for SoCal punk.
• Rank 15: The Woodentops - Stop This Car - Wooden Foot Cops on the Highway (1988)
  The Woodentops, a British indie band, crafted this jangly, upbeat track with frenetic rhythms and quirky lyrics, from their second album. It blends post-punk with a danceable beat. KROQ aired it for its eclectic energy.
• Rank 16: Martini Ranch - Reach - Holy Cow (1988)
  An industrial-tinged new wave track from Holy Cow, featuring Bill Paxton in its video. KROQ loved its quirky edge.
• Rank 17: The House of Love - Christine - The House of Love (1988)
  A shimmering indie rock track from their self-titled debut, its dreamy vibe earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 18: Pet Shop Boys - Always on My Mind - Introspective (1988)
  A synth-pop cover of the Elvis classic from Introspective, its lush production was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 19: Gene Loves Jezebel - Suspicion - The House of Dolls (1987)
  A gothic rock track from The House of Dolls, its dark, danceable beat fit KROQ’s alternative vibe.
• Rank 20: Talking Heads - (Nothing But) Flowers - Naked (1988)
  A funky, reflective track from Naked, blending world music influences. KROQ embraced its quirky charm.
• Rank 21: Midnight Oil - The Dead Heart - Diesel and Dust (1987)
  An evocative rock track from Diesel and Dust, its Australian outback themes resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 22: Camouflage - The Great Commandment - Voices & Images (1988)
  A German synth-pop hit from Voices & Images, its Depeche Mode-inspired sound was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 23: Robyn Hitchcock and The Egyptians - Balloon Man - Globe of Frogs (1988)
  A whimsical, jangly track from Globe of Frogs, its surreal lyrics caught KROQ’s attention.
• Rank 24: Oingo Boingo - Cinderella Undercover - Boingo Alive (1988)
  A live recording from Boingo Alive, this new wave track’s theatrical flair was a KROQ staple.
• Rank 25: Echo & The Bunnymen - Bedbugs and Ballyhoo - Echo & The Bunnymen (1987)
  A moody, atmospheric track from their self-titled album, its post-punk edge fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 26: Siouxsie and The Banshees - The Killing Jar - Peepshow (1988)
  A haunting, gothic track from Peepshow, its ethereal vocals and dark tone were KROQ favorites.
• Rank 27: Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five - Magic Carpet Ride - On the Strength (1988)
  A hip-hop cover of Steppenwolf’s classic from On the Strength, blending rap with rock for KROQ airplay.
• Rank 28: Edie Brickell & New Bohemians - What I Am - Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars (1988)
  A folk-pop hit from Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars, its introspective lyrics resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 29: Pop Will Eat Itself - There Is No Love Between Us Anymore - Box Frenzy (1987)
  An industrial-tinged track from Box Frenzy, its raw energy made it a KROQ underground hit.
• Rank 30: R.E.M. - Stand - Green (1988)
  A jangly, upbeat single from Green, its pop sensibility marked R.E.M.’s rise on KROQ.
• Rank 31: The Escape Club - Wild, Wild West - Wild Wild West (1988)
  A dance-rock hit from Wild Wild West, its playful vibe and catchy beat made it a KROQ anthem.
• Rank 32: The Smithereens - Only a Memory - Green Thoughts (1988)
  A power-pop track from Green Thoughts, its nostalgic tone and crunchy guitars fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 33: Pet Shop Boys - Heart - Actually (1987)
  A sleek synth-pop ballad from Actually, its polished production was a KROQ staple.
• Rank 34: Erasure - Heart of Stone - The Innocents (1988)
  A heartfelt synth-pop track from The Innocents, its emotional depth earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 35: Danielle Dax - Big Hollow Man - Dark Adapted Eye (1988)
  Danielle Dax, a British experimental artist, produced this eerie, synth-driven track with haunting vocals, from her debut solo album. It showcases her avant-garde style with a gothic twist. KROQ featured it for its underground appeal.
• Rank 36: The Sugarcubes - Motorcrash - Life's Too Good (1988)
  An eccentric art-rock track from Life's Too Good, featuring Björk’s unique vocals. KROQ embraced its quirkiness.
• Rank 37: The Psychedelic Furs - All That Money Wants - All of This and Nothing (1988)
  A new wave track from the compilation All of This and Nothing, its moody vibe was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 38: UB40 - Breakfast in Bed (feat. Chrissie Hynde) - UB40 (1988)
  A reggae-pop duet from UB40, its smooth groove and vocal chemistry earned KROQ airplay.
• Rank 39: Killing Joke - America - Outside the Gate (1988)
  A politically charged track from Outside the Gate, its industrial edge resonated with KROQ’s alternative crowd.
• Rank 40: Jerry Harrison - Rev It Up - Casual Gods (1988)
  A funky rock track from Casual Gods by the Talking Heads member, its groove caught KROQ’s ear.
• Rank 41: The Screaming Tribesmen - I've Got a Feeling - Bones and Flowers (1987)
  The Screaming Tribesmen, an Australian garage rock band, delivered this raw, melodic track with a 60s-inspired sound, from their debut album. It captures their punk-meets-pop sensibility. KROQ played it for its Aussie import charm.
• Rank 42: INXS - Devil Inside - Kick (1987)
  A sultry rock hit from Kick, its seductive rhythm and energy made it a KROQ classic.
• Rank 43: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Dreaming - The Best of OMD (1988)
  A dreamy synth-pop track from The Best of OMD, its lush sound was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 44: The Bangles - In Your Room - Everything (1988)
  A bright pop-rock single from Everything, its catchy melody kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 45: The Sisters of Mercy - This Corrosion - Floodland (1987)
  A gothic epic from Floodland, its dramatic production made it a KROQ staple.
• Rank 46: Julian Cope - Charlotte Anne - My Nation Underground (1988)
  A melodic, introspective track from My Nation Underground, its folk-rock vibe earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 47: Sparks - So Important - Interior Design (1988)
  A quirky synth-pop track from Interior Design, its eccentric style fit KROQ’s eclectic playlist.
• Rank 48: Morrissey - Suedehead - Viva Hate (1988)
  A jangly, reflective single from Viva Hate, its Smiths-like charm was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 49: Thomas Dolby - Airhead - Aliens Ate My Buick (1988)
  A funky, satirical track from Aliens Ate My Buick, its playful synths caught KROQ’s attention.
• Rank 50: Johnny Clegg and Savuka - Take My Heart Away - Shadow Man (1988)
  A South African-inspired track from Shadow Man, its world music fusion resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 51: Eurythmics - I Need a Man - Savage (1987)
  A bold, bluesy track from Savage, Annie Lennox’s powerful vocals made it a KROQ standout.
• Rank 52: Voice of the Beehive - There's a Barbarian in the Back of My Car - Let It Bee (1988)
  A punchy pop-punk track from Let It Bee, its cheeky energy was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 53: Duran Duran - I Don't Want Your Love - Big Thing (1988)
  A funky dance-rock track from Big Thing, its polished production kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 54: Big Audio Dynamite - Just Play Music - Tighten Up Vol. 88 (1988)
  A danceable track with punk roots from Tighten Up Vol. 88, Mick Jones’ project thrived on KROQ.
• Rank 55: Hugh Cornwell - Another Kind of Love - Wolf (1988)
  A moody track from Wolf by the ex-Stranglers frontman, its atmospheric vibe fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 56: The Alarm - Presence of Love - Eye of the Hurricane (1987)
  A heartfelt rock ballad from Eye of the Hurricane, its anthemic feel resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 57: Scritti Politti - Boom! There She Was - Provision (1988)
  A glossy synth-pop track from Provision, its slick production earned KROQ airplay.
• Rank 58: 10,000 Maniacs - What's the Matter Here? - In My Tribe (1987)
  A folk-rock track from In My Tribe, its social commentary struck a chord on KROQ.
• Rank 59: Information Society - What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy) - Information Society (1988)
  A synth-pop hit from their self-titled album, its danceable beat and Star Trek sample made it a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 60: Joe Strummer and The Latino Rockabilly War - Trash City - Permanent Record (Soundtrack) (1988)
  A gritty rock track from the 1988 Permanent Record soundtrack, later included on The Future Is Unwritten (2007). KROQ loved its raw energy.
• Rank 61: Icehouse - Electric Blue - Man of Colours (1987)
  A soaring synth-rock track from Man of Colours, its lush sound was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 62: Eurythmics - Shame - Savage (1987)
  A sleek, introspective track from Savage, its electronic edge fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 63: Ranking Roger - So Excited - Radical Departure (1988)
  A reggae-pop track from Radical Departure, its upbeat vibe earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 64: The KLF - Doctorin' the Tardis - Non-album Single (1988)
  A novelty dance track mixing Doctor Who themes, released as a 1988 single and later included on The What Time Is Love? Story (1997). KROQ loved its quirky charm.
• Rank 65: Cocteau Twins - Carolyn's Fingers - Blue Bell Knoll (1988)
  An ethereal dream-pop track from Blue Bell Knoll, its haunting beauty resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 66: U2 - Angel of Harlem - Rattle and Hum (1988)
  A soulful tribute to Billie Holiday from Rattle and Hum, its warm vibe was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 67: Ramones - I Wanna Be Sedated - Road to Ruin (1978)
  A punk classic from Road to Ruin, its timeless energy kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 68: Jon Astley - Been There, Done That (What's Next Mix) - The Compleat Angler (1988)
  A playful new wave track from The Compleat Angler, its quirky vibe earned KROQ airplay.
• Rank 69: Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers - Tomorrow People - Conscious Party (1988)
  An uplifting reggae track from Conscious Party, its positive message resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 70: Jane's Addiction - Jane Says - Jane's Addiction (1987)
  An acoustic alt-rock track from their self-titled debut, its raw emotion made it a KROQ hit.
• Rank 71: Was (Not Was) - Dad I'm in Jail - What Up, Dog? (1988)
  A funky, humorous track from What Up, Dog?, its oddball charm fit KROQ’s eclectic vibe.
• Rank 72: Cetu Javu - Situations - Non-album Single (1988)
  Cetu Javu, a German synth-pop band, created this dark, danceable track with pulsing beats and moody vocals, released as a single in 1988. It’s an early example of their Depeche Mode-inspired sound, later included on Southern Lands (1990). KROQ aired it for its European flair.
• Rank 73: Devo - Baby Doll - Total Devo (1988)
  A quirky synth-pop track from Total Devo, its playful energy earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 74: Red Flag - Broken Heart - Non-album Single (1988)
  Red Flag, an American synth-pop duo, produced this emotional track with lush synths and heartfelt lyrics, released as a single in 1988. It echoes the 80s electronic wave with a melancholic tone, later included on Naïve Art (1989). KROQ played it for its new wave vibe.
• Rank 75: Love and Rockets - Mirror People - Earth, Sun, Moon (1987)
  A dark, atmospheric track from Earth, Sun, Moon, its gothic vibe was a KROQ staple.
• Rank 76: Sinéad O'Connor - I Want Your (Hands On Me) - The Lion and the Cobra (1987)
  A fierce, rhythmic track from The Lion and the Cobra, its intensity earned KROQ airplay.
• Rank 77: The Mighty Lemon Drops - Inside Out - World Without End (1988)
  A jangly alt-rock track from World Without End, its bright energy fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 78: R.E.M. - Orange Crush - Green (1988)
  A politically charged track from Green, its driving beat made it a KROQ anthem.
• Rank 79: Erasure - A Little Respect - The Innocents (1988)
  An emotional synth-pop anthem from The Innocents, its heartfelt lyrics were a KROQ hit.
• Rank 80: Danielle Dax - Cat-House - Dark Adapted Eye (1988)
  A sultry, experimental track from Dark Adapted Eye, its avant-garde style caught KROQ’s ear.
• Rank 81: Oingo Boingo - Winning Side - Boingo Alive (1988)
  A live new wave track from Boingo Alive, its theatrical energy was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 82: The Pogues - Fiesta - If I Should Fall from Grace with God (1988)
  A lively Celtic punk track from If I Should Fall from Grace with God, its festive vibe resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 83: Peter Murphy - All Night Long - Love Hysteria (1988)
  A haunting gothic rock track from Love Hysteria, its atmospheric sound was a KROQ staple.
• Rank 84: Jerry Harrison - Man With a Gun - Casual Gods (1988)
  A moody rock track from Casual Gods, its cinematic feel earned KROQ airplay.
• Rank 85: Shona Laing - (Glad I'm) Not a Kennedy - South (1987)
  A reflective pop-rock track from South, its introspective lyrics resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 86: Living Colour - Glamour Boys - Vivid (1988)
  A funky rock track from Vivid, its social commentary and groove made it a KROQ hit.
• Rank 87: Morrissey - Hairdresser on Fire - Viva Hate (1988)
  A witty, upbeat track from Viva Hate, its Smiths-esque charm kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 88: Pop Will Eat Itself - Def.Con.One - Non-album Single (1988)
  An industrial rap-rock track, released as a 1988 single and later included on This Is the Day...This Is the Hour...This Is This! (1989). Its eclectic style fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 89: Devo - Disco Dancer - Total Devo (1988)
  A danceable synth track from Total Devo, its quirky energy earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 90: The Pursuit of Happiness - I'm an Adult Now - Love Junk (1988)
  A witty power-pop track from Love Junk, its relatable lyrics resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 91: The Sugarcubes - Delicious Demon - Life's Too Good (1988)
  An offbeat art-rock track from Life's Too Good, its playful chaos was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 92: Book of Love - Tubular Bells - Lullaby (1988)
  A dreamy synth-pop track from Lullaby, its atmospheric vibe earned KROQ airplay.
• Rank 93: Wire - Kidney Bingos - A Bell Is a Cup Until It Is Struck (1988)
  An experimental post-punk track from A Bell Is a Cup, its avant-garde sound fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 94: Aswad - Don't Turn Around - Distant Thunder (1988)
  A reggae cover from Distant Thunder, its smooth rhythm became a KROQ hit.
• Rank 95: Camper Van Beethoven - Eye of Fatima (Pt. 1) - Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart (1988)
  An eclectic alt-rock track from Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart, its quirky energy resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 96: Crowded House - Kill Eye - Temple of Low Men (1988)
  A moody rock track from Temple of Low Men, its introspective tone earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 97: A House - Call Me Blue - On Our Big Fat Merry-Go-Round (1988)
  A House, an Irish indie rock band, released this angular, upbeat track with sharp guitars and witty lyrics, from their debut album. It reflects the late 80s Irish alternative scene. KROQ featured it for its fresh sound.
• Rank 98: Pixies - Bone Machine - Surfer Rosa (1988)
  A raw alt-rock track from Surfer Rosa, its abrasive energy marked the Pixies’ rise on KROQ.
• Rank 99: Morrissey - Sister I'm a Poet - Viva Hate (1988)
  A poetic, jangly track from Viva Hate, its introspective lyrics kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 100: Siouxsie and The Banshees - Ornaments of Gold - Peepshow (1988)
  A shimmering gothic track from Peepshow, its ethereal vibe was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 101: Transvision Vamp - Tell That Girl to Shut Up - Pop Art (1988)
  A punchy punk-pop track from Pop Art, its rebellious energy resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 102: The Jesus and Mary Chain - Surfin' USA - Barbed Wire Kisses (1988)
  A noisy cover of the Beach Boys’ classic from Barbed Wire Kisses, its raw edge fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 103: Dead or Alive - Turn Around and Count 2 Ten - Nude (1988)
  A high-energy dance track from Nude, its pulsating beat was a KROQ staple.
• Rank 104: UB40 - Come Out to Play - UB40 (1988)
  A reggae-pop track from UB40, its laid-back groove earned KROQ airplay.
• Rank 105: Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers - Tumblin' Down - Conscious Party (1988)
  A soulful reggae track from Conscious Party, its uplifting vibe resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 106: Midnight Oil - Dreamworld - Diesel and Dust (1987)
  An anthemic rock track from Diesel and Dust, its environmental message struck a chord on KROQ.
• Rank 106.7: Boy John Frost - Mother's Day - Non-album Single (1988)
  Boy John Frost, an obscure LA-based act, made this quirky, lo-fi track with a playful, sentimental tone, released as a standalone single. It’s a rare gem with a DIY feel. KROQ aired it for its local novelty, and the name "Boy John Frost" may be a playful pseudonym or character created by John Frost, KROQ’s Creative Director in 1988, known for his unique voice and creative production.