This Weekend: Freshman Hits

Topeka High School upperclassmen hold signs welcoming the new freshman class on their first day of school on Aug. 12, 2025.

We all remember being the freshman in school. The ‘frosh,’ the newbie, the rookie.

Well, if you’re a musician, you also have a freshman year. It’s the first time you heard your first hit song on the radio!

This week on Retro Pop Reunion, Joe Cortese has some great FRESHMAN HITS. They’re the breakout songs – the first hit songs – for artists before anybody knew who they were!

Plus, listen for these tidbits:

How Bryan Adams was influenced by a Journey song for HIS first hit!
Prince gave the Bangles their first hit!
And, we’ll celebrate The Breakfast Club movie back in theaters starting this weekend!

So whether you were the brain, the jock, the basket case, the princess, or the delinquent in your freshman year, join us this weekend for RETRO POP REUNION!