"At This Moment" by Billy & the Beaters

Song#:  0744
Date:  09/19/1981
Debut:  90
Peak:  79
Weeks:  3
Genre:  Pop, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits: You may look at this post and think "hey, wait - wasn't this a big hit?" The answer would be yes, but not right now. Billy Vera and his band released their self-titled live album in 1981 and its first single was the #39 "I Can Take Care of Myself." A Top 40 hit usually calls for a follow-up and this tune from the album was selected. On initial release, it only spent a minor few weeks on the chart, which seemed to be the end of the line for this song. That is until a TV producer heard Vera perform the song and thought it would work in an episode of the hit show Family Ties. The song was used in the show in 1985 and it wasn't long before everyone wanted a copy. A reissue of the single sent it all the way to #1 the following year. But for this moment in chart history, it was just a little blip that disappeared quickly.

ReduxReview:  What a stroke of luck. This song basically died on initial release and could have easily been considered a "lost song" of the 80s. But it is amazing how the placement of a song and exposure to a huge audience can create a hit. It just seemed the song was destined to be heard. Did it deserve the second chance? After all, it was initially ignored. I think perhaps the timing may just not have been right for this style of ballad. With new wave, synthpop, rap, and edgier rock taking over, a smokey bar tune just didn't fit. I'm glad it got another chance as I loved it after its reissue. I wasn't a fan of Family Ties so I just heard the song itself without relation to the show. That in itself kind of tells me it was hit-worthy.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  In addition to his music career, Vera was also an actor. He had a minor career doing spots on TV shows and film. He appeared on the soap "Days of Our Lives" along with other shows like "Baywatch" and "Beverly Hills, 90210." He also sang theme songs to TV shows like "Empty Nest" and "King of Queens."

_________________________________________________________________________________