1989 Billboard Number One Hits: Every Hot 100 Chart-Topper

The 1989 Billboard Number One Hits list closed the 1980s with hair metal, adult-contemporary ballads, teen pop, dance-pop, pop-rock, movie songs, and the first signs of the slick early-1990s sound. Poison opened the year, Paula Abdul and Milli Vanilli each scored three No. 1 hits, Janet Jackson ruled the fall with Miss You Much, and Phil Collins carried the decade into 1990 with Another Day in Paradise.

This page follows the Billboard Hot 100 issue dates for 1989, shown here as reader-friendly weekly date ranges. Because Billboard chart weeks can cross calendar years, this list begins with Poison’s late-1988 carryover and continues into early 1990 with Phil Collins’ Another Day in Paradise.

The Billboard Hot 100 ranks the most popular songs in the United States using radio airplay and sales. These are official Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 songs, not pop-only, rock-only, airplay-only, R&B-only, adult-contemporary-only, or “that was definitely on every cassette mixtape” rankings.

1989 Billboard Number One Hits by Week

January 1 – January 7, 1989: Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison
January 8 – January 14, 1989: My Prerogative – Bobby Brown
January 15 – January 28, 1989: Two Hearts – Phil Collins
January 29 – February 4, 1989: When I’m with You – Sheriff
February 5 – February 25, 1989: Straight Up – Paula Abdul
February 26 – March 18, 1989: Lost in Your Eyes – Debbie Gibson
March 19 – March 25, 1989: The Living Years – Mike + the Mechanics
March 26 – April 1, 1989: Eternal Flame – The Bangles
April 2 – April 8, 1989: The Look – Roxette
April 9 – April 15, 1989: She Drives Me Crazy – Fine Young Cannibals
April 16 – May 6, 1989: Like a Prayer – Madonna
May 7 – May 13, 1989: I’ll Be There for You – Bon Jovi
May 14 – May 27, 1989: Forever Your Girl – Paula Abdul
May 28 – June 3, 1989: Rock On – Michael Damian
June 4 – June 10, 1989: Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
June 11 – June 17, 1989: I’ll Be Loving You (Forever) – New Kids on the Block
June 18 – June 24, 1989: Satisfied – Richard Marx
June 25 – July 1, 1989: Baby Don’t Forget My Number – Milli Vanilli
July 2 – July 8, 1989: Good Thing – Fine Young Cannibals
July 9 – July 15, 1989: If You Don’t Know Me by Now – Simply Red
July 16 – July 29, 1989: Toy Soldiers – Martika
July 30 – August 5, 1989: Batdance – Prince
August 6 – August 26, 1989: Right Here Waiting – Richard Marx
August 27 – September 2, 1989: Cold Hearted – Paula Abdul
September 3 – September 9, 1989: Hangin’ Tough – New Kids on the Block
September 10 – September 16, 1989: Don’t Wanna Lose You – Gloria Estefan
September 17 – September 30, 1989: Girl I’m Gonna Miss You – Milli Vanilli
October 1 – October 28, 1989: Miss You Much – Janet Jackson
October 29 – November 4, 1989: Listen to Your Heart – Roxette
November 5 – November 18, 1989: When I See You Smile – Bad English
November 19 – December 2, 1989: Blame It on the Rain – Milli Vanilli
December 3 – December 16, 1989: We Didn’t Start the Fire – Billy Joel
December 17, 1989 – January 13, 1990: Another Day in Paradise – Phil Collins

Song-by-Song Notes on the 1989 Billboard No. 1 Hits

Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison

Poison opened the 1989 Billboard Hot 100 calendar with Every Rose Has Its Thorn, a late-1988 carryover that remained at No. 1 for the first chart week of the new year. The acoustic power ballad gave the glam-metal band its only Hot 100 chart-topper.

The song became one of the signature hair-metal ballads of the era. It was soft enough for pop radio, dramatic enough for arena lighters, and thorny enough to keep the title honest.

My Prerogative – Bobby Brown

Bobby Brown reached No. 1 with My Prerogative, one of the defining new jack swing hits of the late 1980s. The song’s confident lyric, sharp groove, and Teddy Riley-style era sound helped Brown step fully out of New Edition’s shadow.

Its one-week run was brief, but its attitude lasted much longer. The song became a personal-brand anthem before that phrase had a LinkedIn account.

Two Hearts – Phil Collins

Phil Collins reached No. 1 with Two Hearts, from the film Buster. The song carried a bright Motown-inspired feel and gave Collins another soundtrack-linked Hot 100 success after his earlier 1980s dominance.

Its two-week run helped make Collins one of the few artists with multiple No. 1 songs tied to the 1989 chart year.

When I’m with You – Sheriff

Sheriff reached No. 1 with When I’m with You, a power ballad originally released earlier in the decade before gaining renewed momentum. The Canadian band had already broken up by the time the song topped the Hot 100.

That makes it one of the stranger late-1980s No. 1 stories: a band no longer active, a song from years earlier, and a chart victory arriving after the party had technically ended.

Straight Up – Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul scored her first Hot 100 No. 1 with Straight Up, a dance-pop single from Forever Your Girl. The song’s crisp production, stylish video, and Abdul’s choreography helped launch one of the biggest pop breakthroughs of 1989.

Its three-week run started a major chart year for Abdul, who would reach No. 1 three times before the year ended.

Lost in Your Eyes – Debbie Gibson

Debbie Gibson reached No. 1 with Lost in Your Eyes, a soft pop ballad from her album Electric Youth. Gibson had already made chart history as a teenage singer-songwriter with Foolish Beat, and this song extended her late-1980s success.

Its three-week run showed that teen pop did not always need to be bright and bouncy. Sometimes it only needed a piano, a ballad, and a lot of mall-radio sincerity.

The Living Years – Mike + the Mechanics

Mike + the Mechanics reached No. 1 with The Living Years, a reflective ballad about regret, communication, and unresolved family relationships. The song’s emotional subject matter helped it stand apart from many of the year’s dance-pop and teen-pop hits.

Its one-week run gave Mike Rutherford’s side project its biggest American pop moment. It was not exactly a party song, unless your party had tissues and unresolved dad conversations.

Eternal Flame – The Bangles

The Bangles earned a Hot 100 No. 1 with Eternal Flame, a dreamy ballad from Everything. Susanna Hoffs’ lead vocal and the song’s gentle arrangement made it one of the group’s most enduring hits.

Its one-week run gave The Bangles another major chart-topper after Walk Like an Egyptian. It was lighter than air, but strong enough to land at No. 1.

The Look – Roxette

Swedish duo Roxette reached No. 1 with The Look, their first American chart-topper. The song’s sharp pop-rock hook and playful vocal phrasing made it a surprise international breakthrough.

Its one-week run opened the door for several more Roxette hits in the United States. The title was simple, but the hook did a lot of staring.

She Drives Me Crazy – Fine Young Cannibals

Fine Young Cannibals topped the Hot 100 with She Drives Me Crazy, a sleek pop-rock and dance-influenced single from The Raw & the Cooked. Roland Gift’s distinctive falsetto gave the song an instantly recognizable sound.

Its one-week run helped establish the band as one of 1989’s major crossover success stories.

Like a Prayer – Madonna

Madonna spent three weeks at No. 1 with Like a Prayer, one of her most famous and debated singles. The song mixed pop, gospel influence, religious imagery, and a video that sparked major public reaction.

Its chart run confirmed Madonna’s ability to turn controversy into attention without losing the song itself. In 1989, she did not just release singles; she created national conversations with choruses attached.

I’ll Be There for You – Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi reached No. 1 with I’ll Be There for You, a power ballad from New Jersey. The song gave the band another Hot 100 chart-topper during its late-1980s peak.

Its one-week run fit perfectly into the era’s appetite for big rock ballads. Big hair, bigger promises.

Forever Your Girl – Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul returned to No. 1 with Forever Your Girl, the title track from her debut album. The song’s sweet pop sound and video-friendly image helped keep her breakout year moving.

Its two-week run was the second of Abdul’s three 1989 No. 1 songs.

Rock On – Michael Damian

Michael Damian reached No. 1 with Rock On, a remake of David Essex’s 1973 hit. Damian’s version gained extra attention through its connection to the film Dream a Little Dream.

Its one-week run became Damian’s biggest pop-chart moment after his soap-opera fame on The Young and the Restless. Soap stars and old glam-rock hooks: 1989 was not boring.

Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler

Bette Midler reached No. 1 with Wind Beneath My Wings, from the film Beaches. The ballad became one of her signature songs and one of the most recognizable movie-linked ballads of the late 1980s.

Its one-week run was modest, but its cultural life was enormous. It became a tribute-song staple, which is a polite way of saying it has made many rooms cry on schedule.

I’ll Be Loving You (Forever) – New Kids on the Block

New Kids on the Block earned their first Hot 100 No. 1 with I’ll Be Loving You (Forever). The ballad helped push the group from teen sensation into full mainstream pop-chart dominance.

Its one-week run was the first of two No. 1 songs for the group in 1989.

Satisfied – Richard Marx

Richard Marx reached No. 1 with Satisfied, a polished pop-rock single from Repeat Offender. The song continued Marx’s strong late-1980s radio run.

Its one-week stay at No. 1 set up an even bigger ballad later in the summer with Right Here Waiting.

Baby Don’t Forget My Number – Milli Vanilli

Milli Vanilli scored their first Hot 100 No. 1 with Baby Don’t Forget My Number. The song’s bright dance-pop production helped make the duo one of 1989’s biggest pop acts.

Its one-week run began a year of major chart success before the later lip-sync scandal reshaped the group’s legacy. The chart success was real, even if the vocals story got very complicated.

Good Thing – Fine Young Cannibals

Fine Young Cannibals returned to No. 1 with Good Thing, a retro-leaning pop-soul single. Its upbeat piano groove and throwback energy gave the band a second Hot 100 chart-topper in the same year.

The song proved that She Drives Me Crazy was not a one-off American success.

If You Don’t Know Me by Now – Simply Red

Simply Red reached No. 1 with If You Don’t Know Me by Now, a cover of the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes soul classic. Mick Hucknall’s vocals and the polished adult pop production brought the song to a new generation of listeners.

Its one-week run continued 1989’s strong appetite for soulful ballads and remakes.

Toy Soldiers – Martika

Martika spent two weeks at No. 1 with Toy Soldiers, a dramatic pop song about addiction and emotional damage among friends. Its children’s choir-style hook made the song unusually haunting for a mainstream pop hit.

The song gave Martika her biggest Hot 100 success and one of the year’s most memorable choruses.

Batdance – Prince

Prince reached No. 1 with Batdance, from his soundtrack album for Tim Burton’s Batman. The song mixed funk, rock, electronic fragments, and dialogue from the film into one of the strangest No. 1 singles of the decade.

Its one-week run was a movie-marketing event as much as a pop single. It was chaotic, weird, and somehow very Prince.

Right Here Waiting – Richard Marx

Richard Marx spent three weeks at No. 1 with Right Here Waiting, one of the most enduring adult-pop ballads of 1989. The song’s piano-driven arrangement and long-distance love lyric made it a major radio staple.

Its run gave Marx his second No. 1 of the year and one of his signature songs.

Cold Hearted – Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul scored her third No. 1 of 1989 with Cold Hearted. The song’s dance-pop production and choreography-heavy video helped reinforce Abdul’s image as one of the year’s top video-era pop performers.

Its one-week run gave Abdul three chart-toppers in one calendar year, tying her with Milli Vanilli for the most No. 1 songs by an act in 1989.

Hangin’ Tough – New Kids on the Block

New Kids on the Block returned to No. 1 with Hangin’ Tough, the title track from their breakthrough album. The song’s chant-style hook and teen-pop swagger made it one of the group’s defining hits.

Its one-week run continued NKOTB’s 1989 takeover, which was loud, coordinated, and extremely well-merchandised.

Don’t Wanna Lose You – Gloria Estefan

Gloria Estefan reached No. 1 with Don’t Wanna Lose You, her first Hot 100 chart-topper credited as a solo artist. The ballad followed her major success with Miami Sound Machine and helped establish her individual pop identity.

Its one-week run gave Estefan a key solo milestone before her emotional 1991 comeback with Coming Out of the Dark.

Girl I’m Gonna Miss You – Milli Vanilli

Milli Vanilli returned to No. 1 with Girl I’m Gonna Miss You, a ballad that showed a softer side of the duo’s pop sound. The song spent two weeks at No. 1.

It was the second of their three Hot 100 chart-toppers in 1989, before the later scandal changed how pop history remembered them.

Miss You Much – Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson spent four weeks at No. 1 with Miss You Much, the lead single from Rhythm Nation 1814. The song’s hard-edged dance-pop production and tightly choreographed video made it one of 1989’s biggest late-year hits.

Its four-week run tied for the longest No. 1 stay connected to the 1989 chart year. Janet did not just return; she marched in formation.

Listen to Your Heart – Roxette

Roxette scored their second 1989 No. 1 with Listen to Your Heart, a dramatic pop-rock ballad. The Swedish duo had already topped the chart with The Look, and this song showed their strength with a very different sound.

Its one-week run helped make Roxette one of the year’s notable international crossover acts.

When I See You Smile – Bad English

Bad English reached No. 1 with When I See You Smile, a Diane Warren-written power ballad. The group featured members with histories in Journey and The Babys, bringing arena-rock pedigree to late-1980s adult-pop radio.

Its two-week run made the song the band’s biggest hit and another example of 1989’s deep love for power ballads.

Blame It on the Rain – Milli Vanilli

Milli Vanilli reached No. 1 for the third time in 1989 with Blame It on the Rain. The song’s polished pop production and memorable hook helped finish their enormous chart year.

Its two-week run gave the duo three No. 1 songs during 1989, tying Paula Abdul for the most chart-toppers of the year. Later events made the story infamous, but at the time, the hits were raining steadily.

We Didn’t Start the Fire – Billy Joel

Billy Joel reached No. 1 with We Didn’t Start the Fire, a rapid-fire list song built around historical and cultural references from the mid-20th century through the late 1980s. The song became one of his most recognizable late-career hits.

Its two-week run made history-class pop briefly unavoidable. It also proved that a song could sound like a cram session and still top the Hot 100.

Another Day in Paradise – Phil Collins

Phil Collins closed the 1989 Billboard Hot 100 year with Another Day in Paradise, which carried into January 1990. The song addressed homelessness and social indifference, giving Collins a serious adult-pop hit at the turn of the decade.

Its four total No. 1 weeks were split between 1989 and 1990. It was the final No. 1 of the 1980s issue-date calendar and the first No. 1 readers meet when they move into 1990.

About Look Away by Chicago

Look Away by Chicago was Billboard’s year-end Hot 100 song of 1989, but it did not reach No. 1 during the 1989 Billboard issue-date year. It topped the Hot 100 in late 1988, then performed strongly enough across the full chart year to finish as Billboard’s top single of 1989.

That makes Look Away an important sidenote for this page. It is a classic example of the difference between weekly No. 1 history and year-end chart performance, which is exactly the kind of chart detail that keeps pop-history people cheerfully overexplaining things at parties.

Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Stories of 1989

Look Away Was the Year-End No. 1 Without Topping the 1989 Weekly Chart

Chicago’s Look Away was Billboard’s year-end Hot 100 song of 1989, but its weekly No. 1 run happened in late 1988. That makes it one of the more interesting year-end chart footnotes of the decade.

Paula Abdul and Milli Vanilli Each Scored Three No. 1 Hits

Paula Abdul reached No. 1 with Straight Up, Forever Your Girl, and Cold Hearted. Milli Vanilli matched that total with Baby Don’t Forget My Number, Girl I’m Gonna Miss You, and Blame It on the Rain.

Janet Jackson Launched the Rhythm Nation 1814 Era

Miss You Much spent four weeks at No. 1 and introduced Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 era. The album would continue producing major hits into 1990 and 1991.

Soundtracks Had a Strong Year

Two Hearts came from Buster, Wind Beneath My Wings was tied to Beaches, Rock On appeared in Dream a Little Dream, and Batdance came from Prince’s Batman soundtrack project. Movie tie-ins had serious Hot 100 power.

The 1980s Ended With Adult Pop and Social Commentary

Phil Collins’ Another Day in Paradise closed the 1989 chart year and carried into 1990. Its serious subject matter gave the final Hot 100 No. 1 of the decade a more reflective tone than many of the brighter pop hits before it.

1989 Billboard Number One Hits Trivia

Look Away by Chicago was Billboard’s year-end Hot 100 song of 1989, even though it reached No. 1 in late 1988.
Paula Abdul and Milli Vanilli each had three No. 1 hits during the 1989 Billboard issue-date year.
Miss You Much by Janet Jackson spent four weeks at No. 1, the longest uninterrupted 1989-only run.
Another Day in Paradise by Phil Collins spent four total weeks at No. 1 across 1989 and 1990.
When I’m with You reached No. 1 after Sheriff had already broken up.
The Living Years gave Mike + the Mechanics their only Hot 100 No. 1.
Wind Beneath My Wings became closely tied to the film Beaches.
Batdance came from Prince’s Batman soundtrack project.
We Didn’t Start the Fire listed dozens of historical and pop-culture references in rapid-fire form.
Another Day in Paradise closed the 1989 Billboard chart year and carried into 1990.

Why the 1989 Billboard Number One Hits Matter

The 1989 Billboard Number One Hits list showed the final full year of the 1980s as a crowded pop crossroads. Hair metal, teen pop, adult-contemporary ballads, dance-pop, pop-rock, soundtrack singles, and R&B all reached No. 1.

The year also introduced several acts that would shape the early 1990s, including Paula Abdul, Roxette, New Kids on the Block, and Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation era. At the same time, established stars like Madonna, Prince, Phil Collins, Billy Joel, and Bon Jovi kept the late-1980s superstar machine running.

For chart fans, 1989 was a busy sendoff for the decade. It had big hair, big ballads, big dance hooks, big soundtrack moments, and one year-end No. 1 that technically belonged to the previous year. The Hot 100 has always enjoyed a little chart mischief.