7 Songs Like Money for Nothing: 7 Retro Anthems

Hey there, music lovers! Your old pal, DJ TBone, spinning thoughts and tunes for you. If you’ve got a soft spot for ’80s anthems like Dire Straits’ classic, “Money for Nothing,” then this blog’s for you!

I was grooving to those epic guitar riffs and insightful lyrics, and it hit me – why not share a selection of similar tracks that rock just as hard?

There are heaps of gems that capture that same magic and energy. I’m taking on a journey back to those heady days of synth-pop, unforgettable guitar solos, and lyrics that strike right at your heart.

Strap in, let’s rock and roll!

Here are the songs like Money for Nothing that you can check out:

List Of Songs Like Money for Nothing

Songs like Money for Nothing in a list format:

1. “Sultans of Swing” – Dire Straits

From their self-titled debut album, Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing” (1978) is another must-listen under the Vertigo label. Like “Money for Nothing,” this track is driven by Mark Knopfler’s masterful storytelling and evocative guitar work. The song paints a vivid picture of a jazz band playing in a near-empty bar, and its rock-blues crossover sound is a perfect complement to “Money for Nothing”. Notably, the song also features Pick Withers on drums and John Illsley on bass, showcasing the band’s incredible musical range.

2. “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey

Next up is “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey, from the 1981 album “Escape,” released under Columbia Records. This song, known for its powerful chorus and timeless lyrics, captivates listeners just as “Money for Nothing” does. Steve Perry’s distinct vocals, coupled with Neal Schon’s guitar riffs, make this track a classic of its time. Its storyline narrative lyricism is also reminiscent of the Dire Straits hit.

3. “Summer of ’69” – Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” from his 1984 album “Reckless,” under A&M Records, takes us on a nostalgia trip much like “Money for Nothing”. Fueled by Adams’ gritty vocals and driven by a memorable guitar riff, it’s a homage to youthful dreams and simpler times. Also featuring Jim Vallance on percussion, it embodies the energetic spirit and storytelling characteristic of “Money for Nothing”.

4. “Born in the U.S.A” – Bruce Springsteen

Released in 1984 under Columbia Records, “Born in the U.S.A” is the title track of Bruce Springsteen’s mega-successful album. Much like “Money for Nothing,” this song weaves social commentary into its lyrics, masked by its anthemic, catchy tune. Featuring Roy Bittan on piano and Max Weinberg on drums, it’s a song that resonates with the energetic, thoughtful spirit of “Money for Nothing”.

5. “In The Air Tonight” – Phil Collins

“In The Air Tonight,” a single from Phil Collins’ debut solo album “Face Value” (1981), under the Virgin Records label, has the same moody introspection as “Money for Nothing.” Known for its haunting vocals and dramatic drum entrance, this track showcases Collins’ multi-instrumentalist talents. Its simmering intensity and introspective narrative align well with the Dire Straits’ masterpiece.

6. “Tom Sawyer” – Rush

From Rush’s 1981 album “Moving Pictures,” released by Mercury Records, “Tom Sawyer” offers a complex blend of progressive rock and new wave – a fusion that “Money for Nothing” fans can appreciate. Geddy Lee’s vocals, Neil Peart’s drumming, and Alex Lifeson’s guitar work combine to create a musically rich and thought-provoking experience.

7. “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2” – Pink Floyd

Last but not least, “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2” from Pink Floyd’s 1979 album “The Wall,” under Harvest and Columbia Records. This track combines a memorable bassline with potent social commentary, similar to “Money for Nothing”. Roger Waters’ lyrics and David Gilmour’s guitar work form a hauntingly poignant song that leaves a lasting impact, making it an excellent companion to Dire Straits’ hit.

Fun Facts: Tracks Similar to Money for Nothing

1. “Sultans of Swing” – Dire Straits

Interestingly, Dire Straits’ breakthrough hit “Sultans of Swing” was initially rejected by the record companies. Mark Knopfler reportedly wrote the song on a rainy day in a flat in London after observing a down-and-out jazz band playing in the corner of a deserted pub.

2. “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey

” Don’t Stop Believin'” was the most downloaded song originally released in the 20th century. The iconic anthem saw a massive resurgence in popularity following its placement in the series finale of “The Sopranos” and its cover by the cast of “Glee”.

3. “Summer of ’69” – Bryan Adams

Contrary to popular belief, “Summer of ’69” is not just a nostalgic trip back to a simpler time. In various interviews, Bryan Adams has alluded that the ’69 in the title also carries a more adult, double entendre.

4. “Born in the U.S.A” – Bruce Springsteen

Although “Born in the U.S.A” is often mistaken as a patriotic anthem due to its rousing chorus, it’s actually a critique of the U.S. government’s treatment of Vietnam veterans. Springsteen was inspired by his friends’ experiences returning from the Vietnam War.

5. “In The Air Tonight” – Phil Collins

Despite numerous myths surrounding “In The Air Tonight,” Phil Collins has stated that the lyrics were improvised and hold no particular meaning. However, the famous drum break, occurring around the 3:40 mark, is one of the most recognizable in pop music.

6. “Tom Sawyer” – Rush

Neil Peart, Rush’s drummer and primary lyricist, got the inspiration for “Tom Sawyer” from a poem by Pye Dubois, a lyricist for the band Max Webster. Peart modified the poem and added his own ideas to create the lyrics for the song.

7. “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2” – Pink Floyd

“Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2” is notable for its children’s choir. Roger Waters wanted to convey the oppressive school atmosphere, so he decided to include a choir of children from Islington Green School. This decision led to an enduring classic, but the children and their school received no payment until 2004, when their contribution was finally recognized.

And there you have it, folks! Seven classic tracks to feed your “Money for Nothing” hunger.

Keep the speakers blaring and let the power of music transport you back to those golden days. Stay tuned, and keep rocking with TBone!

Thanks for reading.

TBone