"Walking Into Sunshine" by Central Line

Song#:  0816
Date:  11/14/1981
Debut:  91
Peak:  84
Weeks:  6
Genre:  R&B, Funk, Dance



Pop Bits:  This London-based group got signed to Mercury Records and issued a self-titled debut in 1981. This single became their biggest overall hit reaching #14 at R&B and #5 on the Dance chart. In the UK, the group would go on to have six songs reach the lower ends of the chart (this one hitting #42) with their best effort being a remake of the standard "Nature Boy" that reached #21. They had two more albums after their debut, but the lack of any real major success weighed on the group and they disbanded in 1984.

ReduxReview:  While not outstanding, this is a nice slice of dance/funk. A good chunk of the time these lower-charting R&B/funk tunes are pretty bland, but this one is a slight cut above the norm. It's a nice surprise and it's a shame the single didn't get a bit further on the chart.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Central Line's dance version of "Nature Boy" was certainly different from the original hit ballad by Nat King Cole. His classic take hit #1 in 1948. There were many artists who cover the song over the years with one of the most famous recent versions done by David Bowie for the 2001 film "Moulin Rouge!" In the rock era, only one artist reached the pop chart with the song. Bobby Darin reached #40 in 1961.

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