"Break It to Me Gently" by Juice Newton

Grammy Alert!

Song#:  1152
Date:  08/21/1982
Debut:  74
Peak:  11
Weeks:  17
Genre:  Country Crossover, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  Newton's first single from her "Quiet Lies" LP, "Love's Been a Little Bit Hard on Me," became her fourth straight Top 10 hit reaching #7. This second single just barely missed becoming her fifth peaking at the dreaded #11. However, the song became her third AC #1 and reached #2 on the country chart. This helped the album reach gold level. The song also won Newton a Grammy for Best Country Vocal, Female.

ReduxReview:  If "The Sweetest Thing" was her warm-up, this is where Newton really cut loose. She pretty much sings the crap out of the song and gives Brenda Lee a run for her money (see below). This older, early 60s style of song was not in favor around this time so its a testament to Newton's vocal ability that she sold the song enough to get it bumped up against the Top 10. Although not her biggest hit, it is probably her peak vocal moment, as evidenced by the earned Grammy.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  The song is a remake of a hit by pop/country star Brenda Lee. Her original version reached #4 in 1962. Lee was extremely successful throughout the 60s scoring 47 chart entries, which included two #1's and nine other Top 10's. She was the top-ranked female artist of the 60s placing fourth overall following Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Ray Charles.

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