"Nicole" by Point Blank

Song#:  0648
Date:  06/27/1981
Debut:  88
Peak:  39
Weeks:  14
Genre:  Southern Rock



Pop Bits:  This Texas band got together in 1974 and a couple years later released their debut album for Arista. Bill Ham, who managed ZZ Top, had taken on this group but they couldn't reach the same level of success. However, they were a popular touring act and they managed to get out six LPs before calling it quits in 1983. Before doing that, they achieved their one and only chart entry with this radio hit from their album "American Exce$$."

ReduxReview:  Oddly, I remember this song even though it wasn't a big hit and is not in a genre I frequently like to hear. The beginning almost plays like an older ZZ Top tune, but the chorus moves towards arena rock territory. I think by this time the band was trying to be more commercial and basically succeeded with this song. For a style that I don't usually like, this is a pretty good ditty and one that sort of stuck with me.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Long before guiding ZZ Top to fame, Bill Ham recorded a single for Dot Records in 1960. On the same label as Pat Boone (and a similar sound), the single "Wanderer" didn't go anywhere. A decade later, he would be helping ZZ Top release their debut album.

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