Country crossover surges, Pop is migrating from AM to FM and the charts are a mishmash the year before MTV changes the game. Meanwhile, the Iran hostages are free, Reagan takes office and Americans are choosing confidence and optimism over ’70s malaise, strapping on their Walkmans, hitting the gym and getting “Physical.” And there’s a new spotlight on the dark side of fandom after John Lennon and the President are shot just months apart, Lennon fatally.

#1 Song of the Year   The top song according to our Chartcrush ranking of all Hot100 songs that earned the majority of their chart ranking points in the year

Artists of the Year   The top three artists based on all charted songs during the calendar year

1. Daryl Hall & John Oates
2. REO Speedwagon
3. Sheena Easton

Artist with Most Charting Songs   Artist(s) with the most Hot100 charting songs during the year (song count in parentheses)

• 4-WAY TIE: Neil Diamond/Diana Ross/REO Speedwagon/Don McLean (4)

Average #1 Artist Age   The average of how old artists who scored #1 Hot100 hits during the year were when their songs first reached #1

• 33.1 years

#1 Songs   List of Hot100 #1 songs that earned the majority of their chart ranking points in the year, and (in parentheses), the month the song first hit #1 and the total number of weeks it was #1

1. John Lennon – (Just Like) Starting Over (December ’80, 5 wks)
2. Blondie – The Tide Is High (January, 1 wk)
3. Kool & The Gang – Celebration (February, 2 wks)
4. Dolly Parton – 9 to 5 (February, 2 wks)
5. Eddie Rabbitt – I Love a Rainy Night (February, 2 wks)
6. REO Speedwagon – Keep on Loving You (March, 1 wk)
7. Blondie – Rapture (March, 2 wks)
8. Daryl Hall & John Oates – Kiss on My List (April, 3 wks)
9. Sheena Easton – Morning Train (Nine to Five) (May, 2 wks)
10. Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes (May, 9 wks)
11. Stars on 45 – Medley (June, 1 wk)
12. Air Supply – The One That You Love (July, 1 wk)
13. Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl (August, 2 wks)
14. Diana Ross & Lionel Richie – Endless Love (August, 9 wks)
15. Christopher Cross – Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do) (October, 3 wks)
16. Daryl Hall & John Oates – Private Eyes (November, 2 wks)
17. Olivia Newton-John – Physical (November, 10 wks)