5 Great Tracks From Huey Lewis and the News

Huey Lewis and the News were one of the biggest bands of the 1980s, churning out three No. 1 hits, nine more Top-10 tracks, and two other Top-20 songs. The group is so ingrained in American pop culture that a musical featuring their tunes, The Heart of Rock & Roll, played on Broadway earlier this year. They released their most recent album Weather in 2020.

Their eternal charm has stemmed their musical chemistry, blend of retro and modern sounds, and upbeat stage vibes that have endeared them to their fans. The following list of five songs showcases both their happy and serious sides. Huey Lewis and the News have served up relatable tunes whether exploring songs about love, religion, or war.

“Workin’ for a Livin’” from Picture This (1982)

This zippy cut from the group’s second album has more of a ‘60s rock vibe. It was no secret that Huey Lewis and the News love their classic rock, pop, and blues, and this sprightly number with its retro organ sound fits the bill. It’s short and rollicking so the catchy tune doesn’t overstay its welcome and makes it good for repeat listens. Although a minor hit at the time, the song has shown legs. It was used in the 1988 comedy Big starring Tom Hanks; sung by Christine Ebersole as the theme to the short-lived 1992 sitcom Rachel Gunn, RN; and Lewis recorded a country rock version with Garth Brooks in 2007 for the latter’s The Ultimate Hits collection.

“Heart and Soul” from Sports (1983)

One of the group’s earliest hits and their second Top 10, this is a mid-tempo number with plenty of hooks. Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn wrote the song, which was originally recorded by Exile in 1981. Huey and the boys kept the arrangement but gave it a touch more pop flavor than the original (and shortened it by two minutes). The band’s production and Bob Clearmountain’s production also helped it become a Top-10 hit for them.

“Walking on a Thin Line” from Sports (1983)

While they were known for peppy pop-rockers, Huey Lewis and the news also got more serious, notably on this song from their breakthrough third album. Written by André Pessis and Kevin Wells, it was written from the perspective of a Vietnam veteran coping with combat stress, although some have also interpreted it as being about the aftermath of war at home. While the song generally sounds upbeat, the somber lyrics effectively cut against the grain. Although it was a Top-20 single, it’s still a song more people should know about.

“The Power of Love” from Back to the Future soundtrack (1985)

The biggest song in the band’s catalog and their first No. 1 hit, “The Power of Love” certainly encapsulates the effervescent vibes to be found on the group’s bigger pop numbers. Not only did this balloon into a big song from a megahit movie, but Lewis in a meta moment cameoed in the sci-fi classic as the high school administrator who nixed Marty McFly’s raucous group from performing in the Battle of the Bands after they played a rocked-up version of this song. Also of note: The video for “The Power of Love” does not feature any footage from the film, instead offering a cameo from Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) and his time-traveling DeLorean outside of the bar the band is playing.

“Jacob’s Ladder” from Fore! (1986)

This track was written by Bruce and John Hornsby, and it was recorded by Bruce Hornsby and the Range two years after this version came out. Like “Walking on a Thin Line,” it tackles a serious issue; in this case, the crooked preachers and televangelists peddling false hope who littered the cultural landscape of the ‘80s. This song focuses on a man trying to persevere through everyday life while not falling prey to these manipulators. It became Huey Lewis and the News’ third No. 1 hit, although many people might not remember that.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images