Top Ten Albums – Week of September 27, 1980

A Snapshot in Time

On September 27, 1980, the U.S. was still reeling from the Mount St. Helens eruption earlier that year while Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign was picking up momentum.

Just as America debated politics and lived through big moments, these were the albums spinning on turntables across the nation.

CNN Launches:
The world's first 24-hour television news network, CNN, began broadcasting.
NORAD experienced false warnings of a Soviet nuclear attack, a glitch that inspired the 1983 film WarGames

Iraq invaded Iran on September 22, starting a war that would last for years.

Unabomber Activity:

A bomb attributed to the "Unabomber" injured the president of United Airlines in Illinois

Actors' Strike Ends:
67-day strike by film and television actors concluded, allowing TV production to resume.

This Week’s Top Ten Albums in America

1. Emotional Rescue – The Rolling Stones

2. Just One Night – Eric Clapton

3. Glass Houses – Billy Joel

4. The Empire Strikes Back – Movie Soundtrack

5. Empty Glass – Pete Townshend

6. Let’s Get Serious – Jermaine Jackson

7. Heroes – Commodores

8. Urban Cowboy – Movie Soundtrack

9. Hold Out – Jackson Browne

10. McCartney II – Paul McCartney

Album of the Week Spotlight

  Christopher Cross - Christopher Cross

Album of the Week Spotlight – Christopher Cross

When Christopher Cross released his self-titled debut album on December 27, 1979, almost nobody knew his name. By spring 1980, that had all changed.

At Camelot Music, I remember first hearing the promo LP in January, 1980. The songwriting was crisp, the production polished.

Unlike many promo albums that employees resisted playing, this one caught on quickly—even staff who preferred sticking to other selections I had open to play like Billy Joel-Glass Houses or Jackson Browne- Hold Out. In Stead they would put Christopher Cross on so customers noticed.

Behind the sound was producer Michael Omartian, whose background looked like this,  Before 1980, Michael Omartian was a successful session keyboardist for artists like Steely Dan and Loggins & Messina.

He was also a solo artist with albums like White Horse (1974) and Adam Again (1977), and a member of the 70s disco-funk band Rhythm Heritage, known for their hit "Theme from S.W.A.T.". 

He also began his production career during this time, notably producing the hit single "Undercover Angel" for Alan O'Day in 1977 

His wife, Stormie, had sung backup for Glen Campbell, Ray Charles, and Neil Diamond. The Omartians’ fingerprints on Christopher Cross helped give the album both polish and staying power.

The results spoke for themselves: Christopher Cross stayed in the top ten from May through late September 1980.

It produced timeless hits like Sailing and Ride Like the Wind, songs that embodied the early yacht rock sound and still resonate with listeners today.

My Connection

At Camelot Music, I wanted to introduce customers to albums they hadn’t heard yet—not just the usual top sellers. Christopher Cross made that job easy.

Shoppers would stop mid-browse, asking, “Who is this?” That kind of organic excitement is rare.

Watching an unknown artist go from complete obscurity to chart-topping star in less than a year was thrilling from the sales floor.

Trivia Corner

• Grammy Sweep: In 1981, Christopher Cross became the first artist ever to win all four “big” Grammys—Album, Record, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist.

• Unexpected Influence: Michael McDonald (of Doobie Brothers fame) sang backup on Ride Like the Wind, giving the track its unforgettable harmonies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What made Christopher Cross’s debut album so popular?
A: Its mix of smooth pop songwriting, lush production, and radio-friendly ballads like Sailing struck a chord with listeners seeking something new after disco faded.

Q: Was Christopher Cross considered a one-hit wonder album?
A: Not at all. While Cross’s peak fame came early, the album delivered multiple hit singles and reshaped early ’80s pop.

Q: Did Camelot Music stores often promote debut albums like this?
A: Usually, stores leaned on established chart-toppers. Christopher Cross was unusual because it captured both employees’ and customers’ attention almost immediately.

Q: How long did the album stay in the Top Ten?
A: From May through late September 1980, proving its lasting appeal across much of the year.