Close But No Cigar: The Final Chapter | The Last Great No. 2 Hits of the ’80s

Every great series eventually reaches its finale.

And this week, one of the longest-running and most beloved music features in Stuck in the ’80s history takes its final bow.

Steve welcomes back Chuck Coverly and B-Rad for the concluding chapter of Close But No Cigar, our ongoing celebration of songs that climbed all the way to No. 2 on the charts but never managed to claim the top spot.

For years, this series has reminded us that chart success isn't always measured by a No. 1 ranking. Some of the most memorable songs of the MTV era spent their entire careers staring up at the summit from one spot below.

This final installment focuses on the closing years of the decade and features music from artists such as Tears for Fears, New Kids on the Block, The Cure and several other chart giants whose songs somehow fell just short of reaching No. 1.

As always, the fun comes from revisiting the mysteries of chart history. What song kept these tracks from reaching the top? Did the better record actually lose? And how many of these so-called runner-up songs ultimately became more beloved than the hits that blocked them?

Along the way, Steve, Chuck and Brad reflect on the remarkable diversity of late-'80s music. By the end of the decade, radio playlists had become a fascinating mix of new wave, pop, rock, alternative music and teen-pop sensations, all competing for chart dominance.

The episode also serves as a fitting farewell to a series that consistently uncovered hidden stories behind familiar songs. Time and again, Close But No Cigar proved that chart position alone doesn't determine a record's legacy. Many of these No. 2 songs remain staples of classic hits radio while some of the No. 1 songs that defeated them have largely faded from memory.

Like many Stuck in the ’80s music-history episodes, the conversation blends nostalgia, chart trivia and passionate debate. But this time there's also a touch of bittersweet reflection as the gang says goodbye to a feature that has produced countless great discoveries over the years.

The result feels a little like saying goodbye to the decade itself — a gentle landing after a long and entertaining journey through some of the greatest music ever recorded.

If you've followed Close But No Cigar from the beginning, this episode serves as a satisfying finale. And if you're new to the series, it's a perfect reminder that sometimes second place can still produce first-rate music.

The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.

One of the things we love most about hosting trivia aboard The 80s Cruise is discovering just how deep everyone's music knowledge runs. Somebody always remembers the forgotten hit, the obscure B-side or the song that peaked at No. 2 back in 1989. If episodes like this are your jam, you'll find your people onboard. Use promo code STUCK when booking for up to $250 in onboard credit and join us for a week of music, memories and wonderfully nerdy '80s conversations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.