"Out Here on My Own" by Irene Cara

Song#:  0295
Date:  08/16/1980
Debut:  89
Peak:  19
Weeks:  23
Genre:  Pop, Soundtrack



Pop Bits:  This third single from the "Fame" soundtrack was the second one performed by Cara. She took the title track to #4 and although this song only managed to sneak in the Top 20, it has become a choir room standard. It is one of the rare piano-vocal-only songs to reach the upper levels of the chart. According to Billboard's Gary Trust, it appears that the only song to hit #1 that was strictly just piano and vocal only is Adele's 2011 #1 hit "Someone Like You." "Out Here" couldn't reach those heights, but it certainly has had longevity.

ReduxReview:  Okay, it would be easier to count the girls in choir who have NOT sung this song than the ones that did. Geezus, it was even done on "Glee" already. It's the sad-girl ballad that just won't go away. And that is okay as it is a good tune. Folks relate to the lyrics and Cara does a great job emoting through it without going overboard. But I'd prefer to stick to this version than to hear any choir geek sobbing through it for the millionth time...

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  This song along with "Fame" set a new first at the Academy Awards. It was the first time two songs from the same film, sung by the same artist, were nominated for Best Original Song. "Fame," of course, ended up winning that year.

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