The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles & Albums stated that the year had a very dated appearance, because of a number of songs reaching No.
1 which had been recorded years previously, such as the "Theme from M*A*S*H*" and Don McLean's cover of Roy Orbison's "Crying".
The Ska and Mod revivals reached their peak this year, with strong chart showings by The Jam, The Specials and Madness.
Kate Bush became the first British female artist to have a No.1 album, and The Police finished the year as the top selling act.
"Brass in Pocket" by The Pretenders became the first number 1 single of the 80s (not counting "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd" which was a holdover from 1979).