"All I Have to Do Is Dream" by Andy Gibb and Victoria Principal

Song#:  0715
Date:  08/15/1981
Debut:  81
Peak:  51
Weeks:  8
Genre:  Pop



Pop Bits:  By this time, Gibb's contract with RSO was finished, but he was still working on TV ("Solid Gold") and in the theater. He was also dating actress Victoria Principal who was a hot star at the time playing Pam Ewing on the TV soap "Dallas." Drugs were still a major part of Gibb's life and when Principal told him to choose between her and the drugs, the relationship folded. Before that happened, Gibb overheard Principal singing in the shower one day and thought a duet would be great. He got her in the studio and they recorded this song, which ended up being Gibb's final release and last chart song. Later in the 80s he did seek help for his addiction and began working on a new album. Unfortunately, damage to his system from the drug days caught up with him and contributed to his death in 1988, just 5 days after his 30th birthday.

ReduxReview:  With Principal's whisp of a voice and Gibb wearing down from the drug use and depression, it just makes this single very sad. There is just no joy in it. The production borders on karaoke and everything else is just lifeless. Gibb had great talent but by this time he was in a battle with himself and there was just nothing left to give. Another cautionary tale of how drugs can totally ruin a career. Do yourself a favor and skip this and just listen to his Greatest Hits disc and enjoy the solid work he left behind.

ReduxRating:  2/10

Trivia:  This song was originally made famous by The Everly Brothers who took it to #1 in 1958. It was their second song to reach #1 at pop, country, and R&B. In addition to the Gibb/Principal duet, three other artist reached the chart with their versions including actor Richard Chamberlain (#14, 1963), the duo of Glen Campbell and Bobbie Gentry (#27 1970 and #6 Country), and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (#66, 1975).

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