"To Dream the Dream" by Frankie Miller

Song#:  1074
Date:  06/19/1982
Debut:  88
Peak:  62
Weeks:  6
Genre:  Singer/Songwriter



Pop Bits:  Glasgow singer/songwriter Miller was a member of a couple bands in the late 60s that got signed to labels, but would break up before recording a note. Miller then decided to just do it on his own and signed to Chrysalis Records in 1972.On his first solo LP, "Once in a Blue Moon," Miller was backed by famous pub rockers Brinsley Schwarz. It wasn't successful, but it was well reviewed and Chrysalis kept him on for another six albums. His only real chart success was with the 1978 cover tune "Darlin'," which reached the UK Top 10. Although his recordings were only minor successes, Miller remained very popular in the UK. The US market basically ignored him with only 1977's "The Doodle Song" reaching the pop chart (#71). As the 80s began, Miller changed labels and issued an album for Capitol Records title "Standing on the Edge," which was recorded in the US at the famous Muscle Shoals studio. This single became his best and last effort to hit the pop chart. He recorded one more album before moving behind the scenes to make songwriting his main focus.

ReduxReview:  This sounds a little like Rod Stewart singing a Van Morrison tune co-written with Bob Seger. I mean all that in a good way. I love the feel of this song and Miller's ragged voice. He is a terrific songwriter (see below) and this is a good one in his catalog. He was never popular in the US, but if you like this then you should seek out his best-of disc for a listen. He is a quality artist.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  You may not have heard of Miller, but chances are good that you have heard one of his songs. Many of his tunes were covered by major artists like Ray Charles, Rod Stewart, Bob Seger, Clint Black, and even The Osmonds. His song "When I'm Away from You" was included on Kim Carnes' #1 LP "Mistaken Identity" while "Tears" was on Bonnie Tyler's #4 album "Faster Than the Speed of Night." "When I'm Away from You" turned into a #1 country hit for The Bellamy Brothers in 1983.

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