Song#: 0891
Date: 01/30/1982
Debut: 96
Peak: 68
Weeks: 8
Genre: Country
Pop Bits: Sheppard's previous chart entry, "I Loved 'Em Every One," was his best effort at pop reaching #37. His next album, "Finally!" featured this first single that went on to become his ninth #1 country hit. It couldn't make much progress at pop staying in the bottom third of the chart for a couple months.
ReduxReview: While not as interesting as "I Loved 'Em Every One," this is a good country song with some rock-leanings. This style of country was never a favorite, but I can appreciate a well-done tune and I think this is one.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: Early on while trying to get his music career going, Sheppard also was a successful artist promoter at RCA Records. He developed a relationship with Elvis Presley who encouraged Sheppard to drop promotions and go out on the road. To help things along, Presley gave Sheppard a tour bus. It wasn't long before Sheppard's music career kicked in and he was able to ditch promotions for good.
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Thursday, June 19, 2014
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
"Tonight I'm Yours (Don't Hurt Me)" by Rod Stewart
Song#: 0890
Date: 01/23/1982
Debut: 74
Peak: 20
Weeks: 14
Genre: Rock, New Wave
Pop Bits: Once again changing up his sound, Stewart scored a hit with the new wave-oriented "Young Turks" (#5). His follow-up, the title track to the album "Tonight I'm Yours," continued in the same vein of his previous hit and it got him another Top 20 entry - just barely.
ReduxReview: Back then, I liked this song better than "Young Turks." These days they rank about the same for me. They are slight songs done with an early 80s flare. Both are good listens but are not really among Stewart's best. I always thought the tubular bell part on this tune was pretty cool.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Stewart's "Tonight I'm Yours" album contains the song "Never Give Up on a Dream." It was inspired by the story of Canadian athlete Terry Fox who, with a prosthetic leg and recovering from cancer, set out on a cross-Canada run for cancer awareness. Although he was unable to finish his journey (he ran 3,339 miles before having to stop when his cancer returned), he raised millions of dollars, inspired many people, and became an icon in Canada. Stewart had seen a documentary on Fox and with co-writers Bernie Taupin and Jim Creagan wrote the song and dedicated it to Fox.
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Date: 01/23/1982
Debut: 74
Peak: 20
Weeks: 14
Genre: Rock, New Wave
Pop Bits: Once again changing up his sound, Stewart scored a hit with the new wave-oriented "Young Turks" (#5). His follow-up, the title track to the album "Tonight I'm Yours," continued in the same vein of his previous hit and it got him another Top 20 entry - just barely.
ReduxReview: Back then, I liked this song better than "Young Turks." These days they rank about the same for me. They are slight songs done with an early 80s flare. Both are good listens but are not really among Stewart's best. I always thought the tubular bell part on this tune was pretty cool.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: Stewart's "Tonight I'm Yours" album contains the song "Never Give Up on a Dream." It was inspired by the story of Canadian athlete Terry Fox who, with a prosthetic leg and recovering from cancer, set out on a cross-Canada run for cancer awareness. Although he was unable to finish his journey (he ran 3,339 miles before having to stop when his cancer returned), he raised millions of dollars, inspired many people, and became an icon in Canada. Stewart had seen a documentary on Fox and with co-writers Bernie Taupin and Jim Creagan wrote the song and dedicated it to Fox.
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Tuesday, June 17, 2014
"Wanna Be with You" by Earth, Wind & Fire
Grammy Alert!
Song#: 0889 Date: 01/23/1982
Debut: 78
Peak: 51
Weeks: 7
Genre: R&B
Pop Bits: After their successful (and final) return to the pop Top 10 with "Let's Groove" (#3), the group released this second single from their "Raise!" album. It didn't do that well missing out on the pop Top 40 and only getting to #15 at R&B. However, it was strong enough to get them a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.
ReduxReview: It's nice they nabbed a Grammy for this and the performance is very good. But I just don't care for the song. I find it very bland and wouldn't even consider this single-worthy. It seems listeners/buyers agreed as it did not do well, especially coming on the heels of one of their biggest hits. It's expertly done, but just not that great of a song. I think the charging "Lady Sun" from the album could have extended their hit streak.
ReduxRating: 4/10
Trivia: The group was not the sole winner of the Best R&B Performance Grammy. In a rare tie, The Dazz Band also won for their hit "Let It Whip."
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Monday, June 16, 2014
"If Looks Could Kill" by Player
Song#: 0888
Date: 01/23/1982
Debut: 81
Peak: 48
Weeks: 9
Genre: Soft Rock
Pop Bits: Player's fortunes quickly dwindled after their 1977 #1 debut single "Baby Come Back." They followed up with one more Top 10 single and then it all kind of fell apart. By 1981 they were left with only two original members in the group. They would struggle on to record their fourth and final album of the 80s, "Spies of Life." This first single didn't do much to revive the group, but it did get close to the Top 40. It would be their last single to reach the chart.
ReduxReview: Okay, so think about that title - "If Looks Could Kill." It sounds pretty intense. Obviously someone is really pissed and is projecting something dangerous. Therefore, I'm expecting something a bit rockin', or dark and mysterious, to convey this feeling. But what I got was this mid-tempo MOR tune that kept up Player's soft rock ways. I was expecting a more adventurous direction and that certainly didn't happen. It's not a bad tune. I just think it is may be a matter of not meeting expectations, which always ends up being disappointing.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: When the band originally signed to RSO Records, they did not have a name. Apparently, members were watching a movie on TV and when the credits began to roll it listed the actors as "Players." They dropped the "s" and the band name was born.
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Date: 01/23/1982
Debut: 81
Peak: 48
Weeks: 9
Genre: Soft Rock
Pop Bits: Player's fortunes quickly dwindled after their 1977 #1 debut single "Baby Come Back." They followed up with one more Top 10 single and then it all kind of fell apart. By 1981 they were left with only two original members in the group. They would struggle on to record their fourth and final album of the 80s, "Spies of Life." This first single didn't do much to revive the group, but it did get close to the Top 40. It would be their last single to reach the chart.
ReduxReview: Okay, so think about that title - "If Looks Could Kill." It sounds pretty intense. Obviously someone is really pissed and is projecting something dangerous. Therefore, I'm expecting something a bit rockin', or dark and mysterious, to convey this feeling. But what I got was this mid-tempo MOR tune that kept up Player's soft rock ways. I was expecting a more adventurous direction and that certainly didn't happen. It's not a bad tune. I just think it is may be a matter of not meeting expectations, which always ends up being disappointing.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: When the band originally signed to RSO Records, they did not have a name. Apparently, members were watching a movie on TV and when the credits began to roll it listed the actors as "Players." They dropped the "s" and the band name was born.
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Sunday, June 15, 2014
"Should I Do It" by The Pointer Sisters
Song#: 0887
Date: 01/23/1982
Debut: 82
Peak: 13
Weeks: 16
Genre: Pop
Pop Bits: The Sisters' "Slow Hand" became their biggest hit when it reached #2 and stayed there for three weeks. This follow-up single couldn't quite reach the Top 10, but its #13 showing made it the first time the trio got a pair of Top 20 hits from the same album. In this case the LP "Black & White."
ReduxReview: Although not one of their most famous hits, this girl-group tune is hard to resist. I have to admit than I don't purposely seek this one and I often think - eh, it's not great. But then it starts playing and I can't help bouncing along. It doesn't rank among their best, but it's always a fun listen.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: The success of "Slow Hand" and the LP helped to secure the Sisters a couple of Grammy nominations. They got a nod for Best Pop Vocal for "Slow Hand" and then one for Best R&B Performance Duo or Group for the "Black & White" album.
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Date: 01/23/1982
Debut: 82
Peak: 13
Weeks: 16
Genre: Pop
Pop Bits: The Sisters' "Slow Hand" became their biggest hit when it reached #2 and stayed there for three weeks. This follow-up single couldn't quite reach the Top 10, but its #13 showing made it the first time the trio got a pair of Top 20 hits from the same album. In this case the LP "Black & White."
ReduxReview: Although not one of their most famous hits, this girl-group tune is hard to resist. I have to admit than I don't purposely seek this one and I often think - eh, it's not great. But then it starts playing and I can't help bouncing along. It doesn't rank among their best, but it's always a fun listen.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: The success of "Slow Hand" and the LP helped to secure the Sisters a couple of Grammy nominations. They got a nod for Best Pop Vocal for "Slow Hand" and then one for Best R&B Performance Duo or Group for the "Black & White" album.
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