The 80's are the lost generation in my musical knowledge, so I would have bought the VH1 list without questioning it (not that I ever liked VH1). Fortunately in the post-truth era, someone who knows music (and arithmetic) can set them straight.

Vaguely related musing: I wonder how much of our knowledge of music and eras is tinted by false memories due to ignorance and reputation. I'm learning that I shouldn't have ignored the 80's, and your discussion here helps alleviate that problem. Many thanks for keeping track.