Summer of ’83 Deep Cuts | Forgotten Gems from the Albums That Defined a Season

Everyone remembers the hits.

The songs that dominated MTV. The tracks that lived on the radio all summer. The singles that became part of the permanent soundtrack of the 1980s.

But sometimes the best songs were hiding one or two tracks deeper on the album.

This week on the Stuck in the ’80s podcast, Steve and Brad jump into their musical time machine and return to the summer of 1983, exploring some of the forgotten gems tucked away on albums released during one of the most exciting periods in pop-music history.

The summer of '83 was packed with artists who would help define the decade. Some were already established stars. Others were just beginning to break through. Together, they created a remarkable collection of albums that continue influencing listeners 40 years later.

The gang revisits deep cuts and overlooked favorites from Paul Young, whose soulful voice would soon make him one of the decade's most recognizable performers. They also dig into the catalog of Men at Work, whose massive success often overshadowed some truly excellent album tracks.

Along the way, the conversation highlights music from Kajagoogoo, Jackson Browne, The Fixx and Stevie Nicks, all of whom released albums containing songs that deserved far more attention than they received at the time.

One of the joys of revisiting these records decades later is discovering how well many of the non-singles hold up. Freed from the constant exposure that often accompanies major hits, these tracks can feel fresh even to longtime fans.

The episode also serves as a reminder of an era when buying an album meant committing to an entire artistic statement. Before playlists and streaming services, listeners often discovered their favorite songs by simply flipping the record over and letting it play.

Like many Stuck in the ’80s music episodes, the discussion becomes a celebration of exploration and rediscovery. Sometimes the most rewarding musical experiences come from revisiting familiar albums and finding something you missed the first time around.

Whether you're a lifelong collector or simply looking for a few forgotten songs to add to your playlist, this episode offers plenty of reasons to dive back into the summer of 1983.

If you love album cuts, hidden gems and rediscovering the music beyond the hits, this episode belongs in your playlist.

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.

And don't forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X music fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade's biggest artists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.