Peanuts In My Pocket

I first wrote and posted this essay on Facebook during the Covid-19 lockdown. For this blog post, I’ve revised and expanded it, adding more context. Since retiring, I’ve started a new project aimed at identifying my favorite song from each year of my life. I’ll share more about that project in an upcoming post. For now, 1978 holds particular significance because the song I ultimately chose as the best for that year isn’t mentioned in the essays below. My pick, “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, deserves recognition for one simple reason: it’s nearly a perfect song.

Disclaimer: I was 17 in 1978, and my musical taste was still developing.

I wrote four essay covering the music 1978:

• 1978 Part I – Dust in the Wind
• 1978 Part II – Peak Disco Arrives
• 1978 Part III – The Best Song of the Year
• 1978 Part IV – Lynyrd Skynyrd Memories

1978 Part III – The Best Song of the Year

During the Covid-19 lockdown, I’ve found myself with more time to explore and write about music. Yesterday, I dedicated several hours to revisiting the albums mentioned below while trying to answer a specific question: What was the best song of the year that did not make the Billboard Top 100 in 1978? A few outstanding contenders emerged from my listening session.

The Contenders

“Is This Love?” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
This track from Kaya stands as a strong contender for the best song of 1978. Widely regarded as one of Marley’s greatest songs, it often ranks in his top three. While my personal favorite remains “Redemption Song,” “Is This Love?” comes in a close second. For those interested, there’s a fantastic cover of this song by the Hawaiian reggae band, Three Plus. It’s worth a listen, and while you’re at it, check out their track “Honey Baby.”

“If you get down and you quarrel everyday, you’re saying prayers to the devil, I say. Why not help one another on the way? Make it much easier.” – Bob Marley

“Jocko Homo” by DEVO
Although it rarely gets airplay today, this song was groundbreaking at the time. I recall listening to Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! in my room, knowing full well my parents would be less than thrilled if it blared through the house. Even today, the song holds a unique place in my memory and occasionally makes it onto my commute playlist. I’m not sure my wife shares my enthusiasm, though.

“We always said Devo was like a mirror. If you look in and smile, you see something you like. If you look in and it makes you uncomfortable, it’s your own mind that’s making you uncomfortable.” – Mark Mothersbaugh

“Just What I Needed” by The Cars**
This song was a staple on my stereo back in 1978, and I still enjoy it immensely. The recent passing of Ric Ocasek in 2019 brought renewed attention to The Cars, but my fondness for this song goes far beyond nostalgia. Benjamin Orr’s vocals make it timeless and worthy of consideration.

“I think the Cars were just something unusual and different that the record companies hadn’t seen before. I always thought of us as a pop band that wrote rock songs.” – Rick Ocasek

“Guns on the Roof” by The Clash
This track is one of many gems from Give ‘Em Enough Rope. While I know friends who might argue for other songs from the album, “Guns on the Roof” has always stood out for me, even if it doesn’t enjoy widespread popularity. I still stand by my choice.

“The future is unwritten.” – Joe Strummer

“Surrender” by Cheap Trick
Perhaps the ultimate karaoke rock anthem, “Surrender” is an enduring classic. I’ve seen it covered by countless bands from the ’70s and ’80s and sang it myself in karaoke bars during trips to China, making it tied to some cherished memories. It’s definitely a contender.

“Our music is basically two parts rock and roll, and one part mischief.” – Rick Nielsen

“I Don’t Mind” by the Buzzcocks
Although I love this song, it doesn’t quite pass my ultimate test for song of the year: If I play it for friends and they don’t recognize it or the band, it’s hard to crown it the best. Nonetheless, it remains a personal favorite.

“I always saw punk rock as an art form. Total freedom of expression. You can be who you want to be.” – Pete Shelley

“Follow You Follow Me” by Genesis
A standout track that I still enjoy, “Follow You Follow Me” is exactly the kind of song that should have made more lists but fell victim to the dominance of disco and mainstream pop. It remains a solid contender.

“This album was a bit of a breakthrough in that it was the first time we put more emphasis on the shorter, more compact songs, and it was the first big hit single we had with ‘Follow You Follow Me’.” – Phil Collins

“Pump it Up” by Elvis Costello
This song absolutely rocks and earns its place on the list. I’ve replayed This Year’s Model numerous times over the past week, and it never fails to impress. Costello’s brilliance shines through on this track.

“It was the sound of us not making concessions.” – Elvis Costello

“Public Image” by Public Image Ltd.
Although this song has been in my rotation for years, it doesn’t resonate as well in social settings. The album is fascinating, but it doesn’t quite make the final cut for best song of the year.

“I don’t want people to be comfortable with what we do. I don’t like easy listening. If you want easy listening, you’re in the wrong place.” – John Lydon (Johnny Rotten)

The Winner

“Is This Love?” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
After considering all the contenders, “Is This Love?” stands out as my choice for the best song of 1978. It surpasses “Shadow Dancing” and holds up as a culturally significant and beautiful piece of music.

Resources

• My Spotify Playlist of the Top 100 Songs for 1978
• My Spotify Playlist supporting 1978 Part III