Song#: 0475
Date: 01/31/1981
Debut: 87
Peak: 35
Weeks: 17
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Here is a case where the labels can get it wrong. Canadian group Loverboy sought out a record deal with the major US labels and were turned down each time. So they tried in their home country and Columbia Records Canada picked them up. With some (now) big names attached to the recording, Bruce Fairbairn (producer) and Bob Rock (engineer), the group recorded and released their self-titled debut in Canada. This first single hit the Canadian Top 10 and the album became a best-seller, making them stars. With all this success, Columbia US finally paid attention and came a-knockin' to get the single and album released in the US. Although the single only managed to reach the Top 40, the album was a hit peaking at #13 and would eventually go triple-platinum.
ReduxReview: I didn't initially fall for Loverboy's north-of-the-border charm, good looks, and heavy hooks. For me they were girl-rock, which is to say the ladies loved them more than the guys did. During this time I never heard a guy say, "oh yeah, I dig Loverboy." Maybe it was the group's name or lead singer Mike Reno's headband and mullet. Whatever it was, I wasn't digging it. But later on they grew on me and I can say that I've purchased a few of their tunes for shufflin' on the iTunes. I like the opening on this song quite a bit.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: Loverboy's star status in Canada was set in stone when this single and their album won Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys). That same year, the group ended up winning 6 Juno Awards, which became a record haul for a group in one year.
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