"A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do)" by Ray Parker, Jr. & Raydio

Top 10 Alert!

Song#:  0520
Date:  03/07/1981
Debut:  86
Peak:  4
Weeks:  27
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  With three gold albums in their pocket, Raydio (now officially called Ray Parker, Jr. & Raydio) released what would be their final LP as a group. "A Woman Needs Love" became their biggest hit album peaking at #13 pop and #1 R&B. The title track also became the group's first and only #1 R&B chart song. The group disbanded after the album and Parker, now confident in his abilities, ventured out on his own solo career.

ReduxReview:  When Parker hit the mark with a song, it had quality written all over it. This is one of those songs. For the Raydio years, this and "Jack and Jill" were their best.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  Another Raydio founder, Jerry Knight, has some minor success on the R&B chart as a solo artist. He did break into the pop Top 10 as a member of the duo Ollie & Jerry. They hit #9 with "Breakin'...There's No Stoppin' Us." He also wrote/produced songs for others including hits like "Crush On You" by The Jets (#3, 1986).

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"Walking on Thin Ice" by Yoko Ono

Song#:  0519
Date:  03/07/1981
Debut:  87
Peak:  58
Weeks:  10
Genre:  Art Rock, Dance



Pop Bits:  On the evening of John Lennon's murder, he and Ono had been in the studio recording this song. Lennon had been finishing up his lead guitar work on the track. After they were done, the couple fatefully went back to the Dakota instead of going out to dinner and Lennon was fatally shot. Ono went into seclusion for a period of time but did complete and release this song and released it as a single. Since it features Lennon's last artistic work the single got attention and it became Ono's first and only pop chart entry.

ReduxReview:  Well, you either like it or you don't. If you are in Ono territory, you are in one odd world. I would probably say that for Yoko Ono, this is probably her most accessible song. She had one other later in the 80s called "Hell in Paradise" which was fairly solid too, but this song may be the peak of her powers. Now obviously, Ono had no intentions of becoming a pop princess, but if you are working in the rock realm and not necessarily full-on avant-garde, there has to be some coherency to it and this song is probably the best she offered to bridge the gap. (Side note: I had a roommate in college that would come in some nights after drinking and yell "walking..on..thin..ice" and then make this hideous screeching sounds. It was pretty funny at the time and about as annoying as most of Ono's work on record...)

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  Ono would go on to record more albums and found success on the US dance chart, especially after 2003 when several of her songs were remixed by different DJs. Known just as ONO for these singles, she topped the dance chart with nine of them. The first one to do so was a remix of "Walking on Thin Ice"

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"I Have the Skill" by Sherbs

Song#:  0518
Date:  03/07/1981
Debut:  88
Peak:  61
Weeks:  7
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  Here is a group that barely made an impression here in the States, but in their homeland of Australia, they were superstars. Originally known as Sherbet, they were the most popular rock group of the 70s in Australia. With eleven Top 10 singles and seven Top 10 albums, the group became the first in Australia to have over a million dollars in record sales. However, international success eluded them and the best they could muster in the US was the #61 "Howzat" in 1976 (#1 in Australia with the same-titled album also hitting #1). It was most likely their peak time being on the cusp if international stardom, but their next album failed to replicate the success and it was a bit downhill from there - even in Australia. They broke-up in 1979, but it was short-lived and the group got back together with a newer sound and a shortened name. Oddly, this did not work in Australia and their new LP, "The Skill," pretty much sank. However, it caught on in the US and reached the album chart, in part thanks to this lead single (which had the same peak as their first single). A follow-up album once again failed to capitalize on any momentum and by 1984 the group called it quits for good.

ReduxReview:  Strange how some artists are huge at home yet just can't cash in internationally. These guys are a quality group but for whatever reason the US audience didn't click into them. This song is good, just probably not a terrific single. It almost has a Genesis-type feel to it. I like the song and the album is a good listen as well as some of their Sherbet songs.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Co-founder and lead singer Daryl Braithwaite had a similar solo career to the group. He did solo work while in Sherbet and then again after the Sherbs broke up. He had several Top 10 hits in Australia including the #1 remake of Rickie Lee Jones' "The Horses" in 1991. But again, US success wasn't happening. He had one minor US chart song with "Higher Than Hope" which reached #47 in 1991.

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"Let Me Go" by The Rings

Song#:  0517
Date:  03/07/1981
Debut:  89
Peak:  75
Weeks:  5
Genre:  Rock, New Wave



Pop Bits:  This Boston band played their first show in 1978 and began to get a loyal following as they played around town. Eventually they caught the ear of MCA Records who ultimately signed them. Their self-titled debut LP was issued and this first single was a local hit. It got a little bit of national attention as well and it spent a few weeks on the chart. Unfortunately, MCA didn't do much to promote the band nationally and even halted their tour. The group was still able to record and release a follow-up called "Rhythm Method," but without much support from the label, it didn't get anywhere. It was a major disappointment for the group and they were certainly disillusioned by the lack of support and the major label music business. They called it quits soon after the second album's release.

ReduxReview:  It seems this group was often compared to The Cars, which is sort of valid. However, they were not as new wavy as that group. This seems to be more straight-ahead rock with an influence of new wave and some ska. It's not too bad and it has some good attitude, but nothing awesome. Apparently they were a really hot live band, but those days are long gone.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  When the group was first formed, their original name was The Rings of Saturn. This eventually got shortened prior to their debut album.

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"The Rambler" by Molly Hatchet

Song#:  0516
Date:  03/07/1981
Debut:  92
Peak:  91
Weeks:  3
Genre:  Southern Rock, Hard Rock



Pop Bits:  After the success of their album and song "Flirtin' with Disaster," Molly Hatchet leaned more toward hard rock on their next release "Beatin' the Odds." Initially, the title track was issued as the first single, but it failed to get on the chart. This second single just eked out a minor few weeks on the chart, but the group still had a lot of support and the album went platinum. This album features their new lead singer Jimmy Farrar who replaced original singer Danny Joe Brown after he left due to health and other reasons.

ReduxReview:  For Southern rock, this ain't too bad as it flirts a bit with a more mainstream rock sound. It's okay but not very memorable for a single. If you put this in a line-up with a few other similar rock songs, I'd be hard pressed to identify it or the group.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  In addition to their music, the band was also known for their striking album cover artwork. Most covers displayed a fantasy warrior theme that seemed to reflect the hard rockin' nature of the band. Their first three album covers featured the works of artist Frank Frazetta, known for his fantasy and science fiction art used in comic books, book covers, theatrical posters, and in animated films. Apparently due to a price hike by Frazetta, the band declined to use more of his art and instead used the works of other artists to carry on the theme.

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"I Can't Stand It" by Eric Clapton

Top 10 Alert!

Song#:  0515
Date:  02/28/1981
Debut:  63
Peak:  10
Weeks:  17
Genre:  Blues-Rock



Pop Bits:  Clapton's live album "Just One Night" was another gold seller for him and it peaked at #2 on the album chart. His studio LP follow-up, "Another Ticket," did about as well going gold and reaching #7. The success of the album was bolstered by this first single which returned him to the Top 10.

ReduxReview:  Yes, yes, Clapton is a rock god..blah, blah, blah. I appreciate and recognize his talent and contributions, but it still doesn't mean I have to like his music. Which typically I do not (solo wise). However, he has some songs in his catalog that I can get into. This one is pretty choice. It doesn't bowl me over, but I think it is a solid blues-rock tune. So I guess you could say I can stand it...

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Billboard published a new chart in March of 1981 called the Top Tracks chart which took into account the airplay of songs on rock radio. When the chart debuted, "I Can't Stand It" was at the top becoming the chart's first #1 song. The chart still exists but is now called the Mainstream Rock chart.

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"The Party's Over (Hopelessly in Love)" by Journey

Song#:  0514
Date:  02/28/1981
Debut:  73
Peak:  34
Weeks:  13
Genre:  Arena Rock



Pop Bits:  After their most successful album to date, "Departure" (#8), Journey headed out on tour and along the way recorded performances that were culled for their first live album, "Captured." The double-LP sold very well eventually going double-platinum and peaking at #9 on the album chart. The tracks are all live performances with the exception of the last song, which is the only studio recording included. It was released as the album's first single and did about as well as a Journey single could do at the time and peaked inside the Top 40.

ReduxReview:  Although not one of Journey's most memorable singles, it is still a notch better than some of their other lower-charting singles. However, if you took the lead guitar out of the mix, the first part of the song sound like it could be a theme song to an 80s romantic sitcom. The show could have even been called "Hopelessly in Love" starring Greg Evigan and Valerie Bertinelli.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  This would be original member Gregg Rolie's final album with the group. Keyboardist Jonathan Cain would come on board for Journey's next (and most successful) album.

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"Mister Sandman" by Emmylou Harris

Song#:  0513
Date:  02/28/1981
Debut:  83
Peak:  37
Weeks:  13
Genre:  Country Crossover



Pop Bits:  Here is an artist/songwriter with a distinct voice that has had 27 Top 10 country hits, including 7 #1's and 12 Grammy awards, and yet she has appeared on the pop charts only four times with this single being her only Top 40 showing. With the exception of her debut disc, all her outings beginning with 1975's "Pieces of the Sky" through to her first disc of the 80s, "Evangeline," were gold records and country Top 10's. She would continue to place songs and albums in the country Top 10, but this would be her final pop chart showing and "Evangeline" would be her last gold-selling solo album. This remake of the 1954 #1 hit by The Chordettes would also reach #10 on the country chart.

ReduxReview:  I have been in love with Emmylou's voice forever. There is just something about it that makes me think of a kind, comforting, weary angel. I think it is stunning. And as a background vocalist, none can touch her. She is a great songwriter and a wonderful interpreter as well. And although this song is well-done and fun in a nostalgic way, it is unfortunate that this was her biggest pop chart song. Originally from an abandoned Trio project (see below), it kind of feels like a leftover. I'd say forget this song and listen to a hits disc or some of her later projects like the incredible "Wrecking Ball" from 1995, produced by Daniel Lanois.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  With Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton, Harris formed the group Trio and they had a successful, Grammy-winning self-titled album in 1987. What a lot of folks don't know is that they tried to record a Trio album in the late 70s. But due to their schedules and their different label affiliations, the project just didn't gel. However, there were some recording sessions and a few of these found their way to some other albums. "Mister Sandman" was one of them. The track from the Trio sessions was used on the "Evangeline" album, but when it came to the single, Parton and Ronstadt's labels would not allow them to appear. So Harris replaced their voices with hers and the single version was all her voice while the Trio version remained on the album.

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"Hold On Loosely" by 38 Special

Song#:  0512
Date:  02/28/1981
Debut:  83
Peak:  27
Weeks:  17
Genre:  Arena Rock, Southern Rock



Pop Bits:  The success of their album and single "Rockin' Into the Night" set the stage for their next LP "Wild-Eyed Southern Boys." This lead single got them their first Top 40 hit and it has been a rock radio staple since. The song help the album become the band's first platinum seller.

ReduxReview:  Now this is Southern rock I can get into. But really, this sounds closer to pop/rock and it is a very well-written song. As much as this was played on our local radio, I would have though this to at least be a Top 20 song. Regardless, the tune has certainly outlived its chart performance. And deservedly so.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  Jim Peterik co-wrote this song in addition to others for 38 Special. At the time, Peterik was trying to make inroads with his own band - Survivor. Soon, that group would have a major #1 hit sung and written by Peterik.

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"Hold On" by Badfinger

Song#:  0511
Date:  02/28/1981
Debut:  86
Peak:  56
Weeks:  8
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  This Wales band, originally called The Iveys, had a tumultuous history. Signed to The Beatles' Apple Records (as The Iveys), the group's first album pretty much sank. Then Paul McCartney got involved and wrote/produced the song "Come and Get It." This, along with the name change, sparked interest and the single reached #7 in 1972. Two more albums and Top 10 singles would follow, but soon the band was in trouble. They hired a business manager whose dealings eventually left the band with no money and they were forced to find a new label when Apple fell apart. Their new deal with Warner had its own issues including lawsuits that stopped the promotion of their second album for the label that basically shut down the band. All of this was too much for one band member, Pete Ham, who committed suicide in 1975. The band disintegrated after that but ended up reuniting to release "Airwaves" in 1979. Their follow-up album, "Say No More," featured this chart single. Both would be the last from the group. Unfortunately, group member Tom Evans would also commit suicide in 1983. It certainly was a tough road for this band.

ReduxReview:  I always have to refresh myself when it comes to Badfinger songs.  I see their hit song titles and I think I haven't heard them. Then about 2 seconds into the song it pops right back. They certainly sound very Beatles-like. This particular song I wasn't familiar with, and considering the peak I'm not surprised. Too bad as it's a good tune. They still have that slight Beatles-y feel to them, but not as an imitation. It's almost like a cross of Beatles and Supertramp. I can dig it.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  The unfortunately deceased Pete Ham and Tom Evans co-wrote the song "Without You," first recorded by the band in 1970. Then Harry Nilsson did his version a year later and it became a #1 hit.

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"Lovers After All" by Melissa Manchester and Peabo Bryson

Song#:  0510
Date:  02/28/1981
Debut:  88
Peak:  54
Weeks:  9
Genre:  Pop, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  Manchester's previous self-titled album didn't fully meet expectations with its two main singles barely scraping the Top 40. Her next album, "For the Working Girl," got off to a very rocky start as the first single, "If This Is Love," did not even make the pop chart (although it did reach #19 AC). This second single got a little more attention, but its half-chart peak didn't do much to promote the album and it became her lowest-charting album since her second one in 1974.

ReduxReview:  Manchester co-wrote this song and it is better than the first single, but it still doesn't sound like hit material. This slightly R&B/jazzy SoCal tune is quite nice and romantic with Bryson providing good support, but I just can't imagine the phones lines and the radio station were buzzin' for this.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) Although Peabo Bryson was the featured singer on The Michael Zager Band's #94 entry "Do It with Feeling" in 1975, this duet was Bryson's first full credit pop chart entry. Bryson had been hitting on the R&B chart since 1975 and already had three Top 10 hits. It would take another decade before he finally reached the pop Top 10 on another duet, "Beauty and the Beast" with Celine Dion.  2) Initially, there was talk of a film based on the title track to Manchester's album (co-written with Bernie Taupin). It would be called "Working Girl" and Manchester would have a role in the film. It never came to fruition, but a different film with the same title starring Melanie Griffin did come out in 1988 and it featured an Oscar-winning song by Carly Simon, "Let the River Run."

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