"Brite Eyes" by the Robbin Thompson Band

Song#:  0367
Date:  10/18/1980
Debut:  95
Peak:  66
Weeks:  6
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  Thompson made his recording debut with a self-titled album in 1976 that included his American Song Festival-winning composition, "Boy from Boston." The album had some solid names attached like Timothy B. Schmit (The Eagles/Poco), Melissa Manchester, and Waddy Wachtel, but it didn't generate much attention. However, his 1980 album "Two B's Please," credited to the Robbin Thompson Band, garnered a lot of attention in the Southeast and that helped push this single onto the national chart. Although he would record more albums and also win the American Song Festival again in 1984 (with "You're My Obsession"), this would prove to be his only chart appearance.

ReduxReview:  This kind of AOR song is a bit rare on the chart. It's not necessarily a pop radio hit, but there is something about it that draws you in. At 6+ minutes, it's a mini-epic that has a lot of influences showing up throughout. I can't say that it makes a great single, but I like the song. Pretty great guitar solo too.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Thompson made some good connections early on. In 1970, he would be asked to join a band called Steel Mill and he played with them until they disbanded in 1971. Who were Steel Mill? Mainly it was one of Bruce Springsteen's early bands and it included a few future E-Streeters as well.

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