KROQ Top 106.7 Songs of 1989

Additional Notes on Songs

• Rank 1: The Cure - Lovesong - Disintegration (1989)
  A dreamy, romantic track from Disintegration, its emotional depth made it a KROQ anthem.
• Rank 2: The B-52’s - Love Shack - Cosmic Thing (1989)
  An infectious party anthem from Cosmic Thing, its quirky energy dominated KROQ airwaves.
• Rank 3: U2 - Everlasting Love - Non-album Single (1989)
  A cover of the 1967 classic, released as a single and later on Rattle and Hum reissues. KROQ loved its soulful vibe.
• Rank 4: Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus - Violator (1989)
  A dark, pulsating track from Violator (released 1990, single 1989), its provocative edge made it a KROQ hit.
• Rank 5: Tears for Fears - Sowing the Seeds of Love - The Seeds of Love (1989)
  A lush, Beatles-inspired track from The Seeds of Love, its psychedelic vibe resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 6: Fine Young Cannibals - Good Thing - The Raw & The Cooked (1989)
  An upbeat pop-soul track from The Raw & The Cooked, its catchy groove was a KROQ staple.
• Rank 7: Love and Rockets - So Alive - Love and Rockets (1989)
  A sultry alt-rock hit from their self-titled album, its hypnotic beat dominated KROQ playlists.
• Rank 8: The Cult - Fire Woman - Sonic Temple (1989)
  A fiery rock anthem from Sonic Temple, its driving energy made it a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 9: R.E.M. - Stand - Green (1988)
  A jangly pop hit from Green, its upbeat vibe continued to shine on KROQ.
• Rank 10: Pixies - Here Comes Your Man - Doolittle (1989)
  A melodic alt-rock gem from Doolittle, its catchy hooks marked the Pixies’ rise on KROQ.
• Rank 11: Dramarama - Last Cigarette - Stuck in Wonderamaland (1989)
  A gritty alt-rock track from Stuck in Wonderamaland, its raw energy resonated with KROQ listeners.
• Rank 12: Ian McCulloch - Proud to Fall - Candleland (1989)
  A melancholic solo track from Echo & The Bunnymen’s frontman, from Candleland. KROQ loved its introspective tone.
• Rank 13: New Order - Round and Round - Technique (1989)
  A danceable synth-pop track from Technique, its sleek production was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 14: XTC - Mayor of Simpleton - Oranges & Lemons (1989)
  A whimsical pop track from Oranges & Lemons, its clever lyrics earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 15: The Ocean Blue - Between Something and Nothing - The Ocean Blue (1989)
  A dreamy alt-pop track from their self-titled debut, its lush sound fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 16: Red Hot Chili Peppers - Higher Ground - Mother’s Milk (1989)
  A funky cover of Stevie Wonder’s classic from Mother’s Milk, its high energy rocked KROQ.
• Rank 17: Elvis Costello - Veronica - Spike (1989)
  A poignant pop track from Spike, its emotional depth resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 18: The Replacements - I'll Be You - Don’t Tell a Soul (1989)
  A heartfelt alt-rock track from Don’t Tell a Soul, its raw honesty was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 19: The Cure - Fascination Street - Disintegration (1989)
  A dark, atmospheric track from Disintegration, its brooding energy dominated KROQ airwaves.
• Rank 20: Martin L. Gore - Compulsion - Counterfeit E.P. (1989)
  Martin L. Gore, Depeche Mode’s primary songwriter, released this solo synth-pop cover of Joe Crow’s track on his debut EP. Its moody, electronic vibe showcases Gore’s experimental side. KROQ played it for its connection to Depeche Mode and its underground appeal.
• Rank 21: Mary's Danish - Don't Crash the Car Tonight - There Goes the Wondertruck... (1989)
  Mary's Danish, an LA-based alt-rock band, delivered this jangly, upbeat track with a mix of funk and punk influences, from their debut album. It captures the late 80s SoCal scene with its quirky energy. KROQ aired it for its local flavor.
• Rank 22: Morrissey - The Last of the Famous International Playboys - Non-album Single (1989)
  A witty, dramatic single, later on Bona Drag (1990), its Smiths-like charm was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 23: Max Q - Way of the World - Max Q (1989)
  Max Q, a side project by INXS’s Michael Hutchence, produced this dance-rock track with industrial elements, from their self-titled album. It blends Hutchence’s charisma with experimental beats. KROQ played it for its INXS connection and unique sound.
• Rank 24: The B-52’s - Channel Z - Cosmic Thing (1989)
  A funky, new wave track from Cosmic Thing, its quirky energy kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 25: The The - Kingdom of Rain - Mind Bomb (1989)
  A haunting alt-rock track from Mind Bomb, its emotional depth resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 26: Public Image Ltd. - Disappointed - 9 (1989)
  A post-punk track from 9, its driving beat and cynical lyrics fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 27: Oingo Boingo - Flesh 'n Blood - Dark at the End of the Tunnel (1989)
  A theatrical new wave track from Dark at the End of the Tunnel (released 1990, single 1989), its quirky energy was a KROQ staple.
• Rank 28: Michael Penn - No Myth - March (1989)
  A melodic pop-rock track from March, its introspective lyrics earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 29: Erasure - Stop! - Crackers International EP (1988)
  A bouncy synth-pop track from the EP, its infectious beat kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 30: The Smithereens - A Girl Like You - 11 (1989)
  A power-pop gem from 11, its crunchy guitars made it a KROQ hit.
• Rank 31: Fine Young Cannibals - She Drives Me Crazy - The Raw & The Cooked (1989)
  A funky pop hit from The Raw & The Cooked, its catchy hook dominated KROQ.
• Rank 32: R.E.M. - Pop Song 89 - Green (1988)
  An upbeat alt-rock track from Green, its jangly vibe was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 33: Hoodoo Gurus - Come Anytime - Magnum Cum Louder (1989)
  A jangly rock track from Magnum Cum Louder, its Aussie charm resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 34: U2 - Dancing Barefoot - Non-album Single (1989)
  A cover of Patti Smith’s classic, a B-side to "When Love Comes to Town." KROQ loved its raw energy.
• Rank 35: Howard Jones - Everlasting Love - Cross That Line (1989)
  A heartfelt synth-pop track from Cross That Line, its uplifting vibe earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 36: Big Audio Dynamite - Contact - Megatop Phoenix (1989)
  A danceable track with punk roots from Megatop Phoenix, its eclectic style fit KROQ.
• Rank 37: Camper Van Beethoven - Pictures of Matchstick Men - Key Lime Pie (1989)
  A quirky cover of Status Quo’s classic from Key Lime Pie, its alt-rock vibe was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 38: Morrissey - Interesting Drug - Non-album Single (1989)
  A satirical single, later on Bona Drag (1990), its witty lyrics resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 39: The Call - Let the Day Begin - Let the Day Begin (1989)
  An anthemic rock track from Let the Day Begin, its uplifting energy made it a KROQ staple.
• Rank 40: The Cult - Edie (Ciao Baby) - Sonic Temple (1989)
  A haunting rock ballad from Sonic Temple, its emotional depth resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 41: Camouflage - Love Is a Shield - Methods of Silence (1989)
  A German synth-pop track from Methods of Silence, its Depeche Mode-inspired sound fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 42: Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers - Look Who's Dancing - One Bright Day (1989)
  An upbeat reggae track from One Bright Day, its positive vibe earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 43: Living Colour - Cult of Personality - Vivid (1988)
  A funky rock anthem from Vivid, its social commentary continued to rock KROQ.
• Rank 44: Deborah Harry - I Want That Man - Def, Dumb & Blonde (1989)
  A punchy pop-rock track from Def, Dumb & Blonde, its Blondie-esque charm resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 45: Concrete Blonde - God Is a Bullet - Free (1989)
  A gritty alt-rock track from Free, its raw energy was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 46: XTC - Dear God - Skylarking (1986)
  A provocative pop track from Skylarking, its introspective lyrics kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 47: The Mighty Lemon Drops - Into the Heart of Love - Laughter (1989)
  A jangly alt-rock track from Laughter, its bright energy fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 48: Stan Ridgway - Goin' Southbound - Mosquitos (1989)
  Stan Ridgway, former Wall of Voodoo frontman, crafted this moody, cinematic track with a noir vibe, from Mosquitos. It blends his signature storytelling with a haunting beat. KROQ aired it for its unique, underground appeal.
• Rank 49: The Cure - Lullaby - Disintegration (1989)
  A haunting, ethereal track from Disintegration, its eerie vibe was a KROQ staple.
• Rank 50: Adrian Belew - Oh Daddy - Mr. Music Head (1989)
  A quirky pop-rock track from Mr. Music Head, its playful energy earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 51: The Psychedelic Furs - House - Book of Days (1989)
  A moody alt-rock track from Book of Days, its atmospheric sound resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 52: The Primitives - Sick of It - Pure (1989)
  A punchy pop-punk track from
• Rank 52: The Primitives - Sick of It - Pure (1989)
  A punchy pop-punk track from Pure, its raw energy fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 53: U2 - God, Part II - Rattle and Hum (1988)
  A driving rock track from Rattle and Hum, its intense energy kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 54: Love and Rockets - No Big Deal - Love and Rockets (1989)
  A gritty alt-rock track from their self-titled album, its raw vibe was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 55: Information Society - Lay All Your Love On Me - Non-album Single (1989)
  A synth-pop cover of ABBA’s classic, released as a single. KROQ loved its danceable beat.
• Rank 56: 10,000 Maniacs - Eat For Two - Blind Man’s Zoo (1989)
  A folk-rock track from Blind Man’s Zoo, its introspective lyrics resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 57: New Order - Vanishing Point - Technique (1989)
  A sleek electronic track from Technique, its hypnotic beat fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 58: Jane's Addiction - Mountain Song - Nothing’s Shocking (1988)
  A raw alt-rock track from Nothing’s Shocking, its intense energy kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 59: Kate Bush - Love and Anger - The Sensual World (1989)
  An ethereal art-pop track from The Sensual World, its dramatic flair earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 60: U2 - Angel of Harlem - Rattle and Hum (1988)
  A soulful rock track from Rattle and Hum, its warm vibe continued to resonate on KROQ.
• Rank 61: Lenny Kravitz - Let Love Rule - Let Love Rule (1989)
  A funky rock track from his debut album, its retro vibe made it a KROQ hit.
• Rank 62: Wire - Eardrum Buzz - It’s Beginning to and Back Again (1989)
  An experimental post-punk track from It’s Beginning to and Back Again, its edgy sound fit KROQ.
• Rank 63: The Jesus and Mary Chain - Blues from a Gun - Automatic (1989)
  A noisy alt-rock track from Automatic, its raw energy resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 64: UB40 - Where Did I Go Wrong - UB40 (1988)
  A smooth reggae-pop track from UB40, its laid-back groove kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 65: The Cult - Sun King - Sonic Temple (1989)
  A mystical rock track from Sonic Temple, its epic vibe was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 66: Transvision Vamp - Baby I Don't Care - Velveteen (1989)
  A punchy punk-pop track from Velveteen, its rebellious energy resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 67: XTC - King for a Day - Oranges & Lemons (1989)
  A bright pop track from Oranges & Lemons, its upbeat melody earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 68: The B-52’s - Roam - Cosmic Thing (1989)
  An adventurous pop track from Cosmic Thing, its playful vibe dominated KROQ.
• Rank 69: The Waterboys - Fisherman's Blues - Fisherman’s Blues (1988)
  A folk-rock anthem from Fisherman’s Blues, its Celtic charm kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 70: Thompson Twins - Bombers in the Sky - Big Trash (1989)
  A synth-pop track from Big Trash, its quirky beat fit KROQ’s eclectic playlist.
• Rank 71: Duran Duran - Do You Believe in Shame? - Big Thing (1988)
  A reflective pop-rock track from Big Thing, its emotional tone resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 72: Howard Jones - The Prisoner - Cross That Line (1989)
  A dramatic synth-pop track from Cross That Line, its anthemic feel earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 73: Eurythmics - Don't Ask Me Why - We Too Are One (1989)
  A sleek pop track from We Too Are One, its introspective vibe fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 74: Electronic - Getting Away With It - Non-album Single (1989)
  A smooth electronic track, later on Electronic (1991), its polished sound was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 75: The Sugarcubes - Regina - Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week! (1989)
  An eccentric art-rock track from Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week!, its quirky energy fit KROQ.
• Rank 76: The Stone Roses - I Wanna Be Adored - The Stone Roses (1989)
  A hypnotic alt-rock track from their debut album, its dreamy vibe hinted at the 90s on KROQ.
• Rank 77: Fuzzbox - Self! - Big Bang! (1989)
  Fuzzbox, a British all-female punk-pop band, released this energetic, rebellious track with a mix of synth and guitar riffs, from Big Bang!. It reflects their shift from punk to a more polished sound. KROQ played it for its quirky, underground appeal.
• Rank 78: Hoodoo Gurus - Another World - Magnum Cum Louder (1989)
  A melodic rock track from Magnum Cum Louder, its Aussie charm earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 79: Voice of the Beehive - Beat of Love - Let It Bee (1988)
  A punchy pop-punk track from Let It Bee, its cheeky energy kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 80: The Lightning Seeds - Pure - Cloudcuckooland (1989)
  A dreamy pop track from Cloudcuckooland (released 1990, single 1989), its bright melody was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 81: The Replacements - Achin' To Be - Don’t Tell a Soul (1989)
  A heartfelt alt-rock track from Don’t Tell a Soul, its raw emotion resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 82: The B-52’s - Cosmic Thing - Cosmic Thing (1989)
  A funky title track from Cosmic Thing, its quirky vibe was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 83: Violent Femmes - Nightmares - 3 (1989)
  A folk-punk track from 3, its dark humor fit KROQ’s eclectic playlist.
• Rank 84: Erasure - Brother and Sister - Wild! (1989)
  A heartfelt synth-pop track from Wild!, its emotional depth earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 85: The Pogues - Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah - Non-album Single (1989)
  An upbeat Celtic punk track, later on Hell’s Ditch (1990), its festive vibe resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 86: David Byrne - Dirty Old Town - Rei Momo (1989)
  A Latin-infused cover from Rei Momo, its world music flair fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 87: The Creatures - Standing There - Boomerang (1989)
  The Creatures, a side project of Siouxsie Sioux and Budgie from Siouxsie and The Banshees, created this moody, percussion-driven track with a gothic edge, from Boomerang. It showcases Siouxsie’s experimental side. KROQ aired it for its connection to Siouxsie and its dark energy.
• Rank 88: Simple Minds - Take a Step Back - Street Fighting Years (1989)
  An atmospheric rock track from Street Fighting Years, its anthemic feel earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 89: Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers - Who Will Be There - One Bright Day (1989)
  A soulful reggae track from One Bright Day, its spiritual vibe resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 90: The Proclaimers - I'm On My Way - Sunshine on Leith (1988)
  An upbeat folk-pop track from Sunshine on Leith, its infectious energy kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 91: Eurythmics - Revival - We Too Are One (1989)
  A funky pop track from We Too Are One, its lively beat fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 92: Robyn Hitchcock and The Egyptians - Madonna of the Wasps - Queen Elvis (1989)
  A whimsical alt-rock track from Queen Elvis, its surreal lyrics earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 93: Peter Murphy - A Strange Kind of Love (version one) - Deep (1989)
  A haunting gothic track from Deep (released 1990, single 1989), its atmospheric sound was a KROQ staple.
• Rank 94: Lou Reed - Dirty Blvd. - New York (1989)
  A gritty rock track from New York, its social commentary resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 95: The Wonder Stuff - Don't Let Me Down, Gently - Hup (1989)
  An energetic alt-rock track from Hup, its cheeky vibe fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 96: Fine Young Cannibals - Don't Look Back - The Raw & The Cooked (1989)
  A soulful pop track from The Raw & The Cooked, its smooth groove earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 97: Public Image Ltd. - Warrior - 9 (1989)
  A fierce post-punk track from 9, its aggressive energy resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 98: New Order - Run 2 - Technique (1989)
  A driving synth-rock track from Technique, its upbeat energy was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 99: Elvis Costello - ...This Town... - Spike (1989)
  A sharp pop-rock track from Spike, its clever lyrics fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 100: Tears for Fears - Year of the Knife - The Seeds of Love (1989)
  A dramatic rock track from The Seeds of Love, its intense energy earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 101: Squeeze - If It's Love - Frank (1989)
  A melodic pop track from Frank, its upbeat vibe resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 102: King Swamp - Is This Love? - King Swamp (1989)
  King Swamp, a British rock band, delivered this bluesy, atmospheric track with a haunting melody, from their self-titled debut album. It blends classic rock with a modern edge. KROQ aired it for its moody, underground sound.
• Rank 103: Tin Machine - Under the God - Tin Machine (1989)
  A raw rock track from David Bowie’s side project, its gritty energy fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 104: The Stone Roses - She Bangs the Drums - The Stone Roses (1989)
  An upbeat alt-rock track from their debut album, its jangly vibe was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 105: Concrete Blonde - Happy Birthday - Free (1989)
  A dark alt-rock track from Free, its emotional intensity resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 106: Flesh for Lulu - Plastic Fantastic - Plastic Fantastic (1989)
  A gothic rock track from Plastic Fantastic, its dramatic flair earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 106.7: Beastie Boys - Hey Ladies - Paul’s Boutique (1989)
  A funky hip-hop track from Paul’s Boutique, its playful vibe was a fitting end to KROQ’s countdown.