8. ''Every Little Step,'' Bobby Brown

This is the point in the countdown where I give Bobby Brown a higher grade than Natalie Cole, because — here comes the inevitable reference, Flashbackers! — that is my prerogative. I love this song. I love the line ''As a matter of fact/ It blows my mind/ That you would even talk to me.'' I wonder if he used it on Whitney? I wonder if the reason she stayed with him long enough to ruin both of their lives has anything to do with his insistence that every little step, he would be there? Ah, but must we think about those ugly recent times? Here comes the other inevitable reference, Flashbackers: HELL to the no! I want to remember Bobby just as he is in this video: happy, healthy, doing the running man in bike shorts and suspenders, his asymmetrical haircut impervious to being placed under a hat... I want to remember his gleeful ''Hoo!''s and his still-boyish voice. I want to remember summers spent by the pool trying to perfect my version of the rap interlude. I can't explain my affection. All I know is that, once upon a time, New Jack Swing ruled the world, and Bobby Brown was good ta good ta good ta go solo. A-

7. ''This Time I Know It's For Real,'' Donna Summer

That's right, Donna Summer, you hold on to those glory days. You can revive them! You can still get us to twirl in a circle with our arms outstretched on the dance floor! We want to boogie! We want to believe! B

6. ''Wind Beneath My Wings (From Beaches),'' Bette Midler

[Sound of head slamming into desk] B-

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