"Yesterday Once More/Nothing Remains the Same" by The Spinners

Song#:  0494
Date:  02/14/1981
Debut:  85
Peak:  52
Weeks:  8
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  The Spinners' previous two hits were medleys that combined a remake with a new tune. They hit the Top 10 with "Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl" (#2, gold) and "Cupid/I've Loved You For a Long Time" (#4). So why not try it again? This first single from their "Labor of Love" album followed the same formula by revisiting "Yesterday Once More" (originally a hit for The Carpenters, #2, 1973) and combining it with the new original "Nothing Remains the Same." Unfortunately, the magic didn't strike a third time and the song failed to even reach the top half of the chart (and only #32 R&B). 

ReduxReview:  Although it jams along quite well, I just don't think The Carpenters' chestnut really works here. It is not as enticing as the previous two remakes - especially "Working My Way Back to You." And the secondary song really derails the song as it is pretty unmemorable. The formula just didn't work this time.

ReduxRating:  4/10

Trivia:  The second song of each medley was written by Michael Zager, who also produced the songs. Zager himself had a couple of minor chart singles including the #36 "Let's All Chant" in 1978. (Which, if you have not heard, or don't think you have, you should - I completely forgot all about this song! It's a great disco tune.)

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