Song of the Day: Alan Thicke, “Thicke of the Night,” from Thicke of the Night (Atlantic, 1984)

Robin Thicke may be the pop superstar of the family, but as far as I'm concerned it's all about this obscure gem from his father, Growing Pains' own Alan Thicke. Released as a 7" single in 1984 ("Grandma" being the listenable but lacking B-side), "Thicke of the Night" was the theme song for Alan Thicke's failed late-night talk show of the same name (he also co-wrote and sung the Diff'rent Strokes theme).

An impeccable pop rock song with a vibe similar to "Ride Like the Wind" or other early Christopher Cross classics, the chorus here is nothing short of perfection. Catchy yet totally badass. I love it. And—as with every rock-tinged tune from the '80s—of course there's a rippin' guitar solo, too.

Sorry, Robin, #1 singles be damned: you'll never top your old man!