1980 in British music McLean's cover of Roy Orbison's "Crying". The Ska and Mod revivals reached their peak this year, with strong chart showings by The Jam, The Specials and Madness. 1970s favourites ABBA and Blondie both had their last years as chart heavyweights, clocking up 5 No.1 singles between them. David Bowie scored his second No.1 this year, while the death of John Lennon at the end of the year gave him his first chart topper (and would dominate the early months of 1981). Kate Bush became the first British female artist to have a No.1 album, and The Police finished the year
I Turn to You (Melanie C song) Turn to You", Melanie C achieved her tenth number-one UK single as a songwriter, equalling the record set by former bandmate Geri Halliwell. In addition, it made her the first woman to top the UK charts as part of a quintet, quartet, duo and as a solo artist. With "Holler", the Spice Girls' final UK number one, Melanie C became the first female songwriter to write at least 11 UK number-one singles. Melanie C held this record alone until Madonna achieved her eleventh number one with "Hung Up" in 2005, and then lost it when Madonna achieved her twelfth number