"Life Goes On" by Andy Taylor

Best known for his role as guitarist in Duran Duran and Power Station, Andy Taylor released a couple of solo albums in the late 80s, "Thunder" and "Dangerous." However, no songs from those albums hit the US charts. Prior to their release, Taylor scored two minor hits in 1986 from film: "Take It Easy" from American Anthem went to #24 and "When The Rain Comes Down" from Miami Vice reached #73. 

"Life Goes On" is a highlight from his 1987 record, "Thunder," that deserved greater attention.

"Metal Guru" by T. Rex

A band as mighty as the dinosaur, T. Rex were pioneers of glam rock. Despite much wider popularity in their native England, the band only enjoyed a single hit in the US when "Bang A Gong (Get It On)" flew to #10 in 1972. The song went on to be inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame. "Bang A Gong" also resurfaced in a big way in 1985 when Robert Palmer, while in the band Power Station, took to it #9.

The band could not leverage this success for another hit. "Telegram Sam" stalled at #67 in 1972 and became their last chart appearance. Frontman Marc Bolan then left to pursue a solo career, but never returned to the US charts.

"Metal Guru" is a well-known song from 1972, although it never saw any chart action in the US. In my opinion, one of T. Rex's finest moments.

"Your Mother Should Have Told You" by Robert Palmer

One thing about a Robert Palmer record: you never know what surprise the next track is going to hold. The English singer and songwriter could be doing a sweet pop song, some jazz, crooning to lounge music, or a balls to the walls rocker.

Palmer's career in the US launched in 1978 when "Every Kind Of People" reached #16 (written by Andy Fraser). He followed this up with another classic, "Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)". Written by Moon Martin, Palmer took this track to #14.

After a lull, Palmer came back in a big way in 1986 with his own tune, "Addicted To Love," which soared to #1 and earned him a Grammy for Rock Male Vocal. He almost hit the top spot twice more with "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On" in 1986 and "Simply Irresistible" in 1988, but both stopped at #2. In addition to his solo work, Palmer also scored hits with the supergroup known as The Power Station.

His last chart appearance was in 1991 when "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)/I Want You" reached #16. Palmer passed away in 2003 from a heart attack at age 54.

"Your Mother Should Have Told You" kicks off his 1990 effort, "Don't Explain." Arguably one of the best rock cuts Palmer ever recorded that didn't chart.