"Back to School Again" by The Four Tops

Song#:  1023
Date:  05/15/1982
Debut:  87
Peak:  71
Weeks:  7
Genre:  Pop, Soundtrack



Pop Bits:  The Four Tops' comeback hit, "When She Was My Girl" (#11 pop/#1 R&B), reignited interest in the vocal group and provided new opportunities. One such opportunity was the chance to sing the opening number for a musical. The highly anticipated sequel "Grease 2" began with this number and The Four Tops were selected to perform the song for the soundtrack. Considering that the original film version of "Grease"  and its soundtrack were major hits, this seemed like a golden opportunity. That is, until the film actually came out. The musical landed with a giant thud and this lead off single from the soundtrack followed suit. What seemed like a sure thing quickly turned sour for the group. In addition, their label at the time, Casablanca, was folding leaving them stranded. They would return to their home label Motown, but their hit making days were pretty much over.

ReduxReview:  Well, this "Grease" was not the word. I'm sure you've heard. How the Tops got saddled with this turd is truly a mystery. First, it's not even close to being something in their genre and second, there are no group harmonies. I'm sure it seemed like a great opportunity at the time but it was all a big mess. The movie was awful and the songs were just as bad. This legendary group deserved far better.

ReduxRating:  2/10

Trivia:  "Grease 2" was the first of three planned sequels after the huge success of the first film. Plans for a TV series were in the works as well. Once this bomb landed, it blew apart everything including the future films and TV series, along with some acting careers. The one person who survived the catastrophe? Lead actress Michelle Pfeiffer. In her first starring role, she ended up being the only bright spot in the film. Six years later in 1988, she would receive her first Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actress in "Dangerous Liaisons." Two more Oscar nod for Best Actress would follow for "The Fabulous Baker Boys" (1989) and "Love Field" (1992).

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