"The Clapping Song" by Pia Zadora

Song#:  1273
Date:  12/11/1982
Debut:  90
Peak:  36
Weeks:  15
Genre:  Pop, Novelty



Pop Bits:  While Zadora's acting career was not winning over critics or fans, her music was getting some good attention with her debut album spawning the #45 single "I'm in Love Again." This next single did even better and grabbed Zadora her first and only Top 40 entry. The song was not on her debut album, but recorded for the soundtrack to her critically reviled film "The Lonely Lady." The song would eventually appear on her next solo album, 1984's "Let's Dance Tonight."

ReduxReview:  I really hate to admit this, but I don't mind this song. Obviously the original is better (see below) but I do like that this was put into a Bo Diddley-ish beat that reminded me of "I Want Candy." A song like this could have easily been taken over the top, but it is saved by a nice arrangement. It's nothing great, but considering the singer and the song, not bad.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) Zadora's 1984 single "Rock It Out" failed to reach the chart, but it did get her a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female.  2) This is a remake of the 1965 hit by Shirley Ellis. Her original reached #8 and served as a follow-up to her novelty smash hit "The Name Game" (#3, 1964). Although considered an original song written by Lincoln Chase, "The Clapping Song" does include a section of lyrics that were first heard in the 1939 song "Little Rubber Dolly," which was recorded by the Light Crust Doughboys.

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