The year 1987. For many, it conjures up a kaleidoscope of images: big hair, vibrant fashion, and a soundtrack that pulsed with a unique energy. But beyond the surface, it was a year where music charts, particularly in the UK, were solidifying their modern form, and cinematic journeys were capturing the public's imagination.
When we talk about the 'top' of 1987, it's easy to think of the songs that dominated the airwaves. The UK's official music charts, a long-standing barometer of popular taste, had by this year settled into a rhythm that feels familiar even today. The New Musical Express (NME) had been charting music since 1952, initially based on sales from a handful of record stores. Over the decades, it evolved, with the BBC and Record Retailer collaborating on a Top 50 in 1969, expanding to a Top 75 by 1978. But 1987 was a significant year for the chart's structure. It was in this year that the weekly cycle of sales closing on Saturday and the chart being released on Sunday became the established norm. This meant that the songs topping the charts that year were a direct reflection of what people were buying and listening to in real-time, week after week.
While the singles chart was a dynamic beast, the album chart had its own journey. Starting as a modest Top 5 in Record Mirror in 1956, it eventually became the official UK Albums Chart in 1960, gradually expanding its reach from Top 10 to Top 20, and then to Top 30 by 1966. By 1987, the album chart was a well-established fixture, showcasing the broader artistic statements that resonated with the public.
Beyond the charts, 1987 also gifted us with memorable cinematic experiences. Take, for instance, the enduring charm of Planes, Trains and Automobiles. This John Hughes classic, released in 1987, wasn't just a comedy; it was a masterclass in character-driven storytelling. The film, which garnered a respectable 7.6 rating on IMDb from hundreds of thousands of users, perfectly captured the chaotic journey of an advertising man trying to get home for Thanksgiving, with an unforgettable, lovable salesman as his unlikely companion. The chemistry between the leads, the relatable frustrations of travel, and the underlying warmth of human connection made it a film that resonated deeply and continues to be a holiday staple. It’s a testament to how a well-crafted story, even with its comedic mishaps, can become a touchstone for a particular year.
Looking back at 1987, it’s a year that reminds us of the power of music to define moments and the magic of cinema to capture the human spirit. The charts provided the pulse, and films like Planes, Trains and Automobiles offered the narrative, weaving together the cultural tapestry of a truly memorable time.
