"Poison Arrow" by ABC

Song#:  1327
Date:  01/29/1983
Debut:  72
Peak:  25
Weeks:  15
Genre:  New Wave, Dance



Pop Bits:  ABC hit the US Top 20 with their single "The Look of Love" (#18) from their album "The Lexicon of Love." This second single seemed like it would match that result, but it fell short by a few positions. The one-two punch of the singles sent the album to #24. It would later be certified gold. The song would also nick the dance chart at #39. In the UK, this song was actually released before "The Look of Love" and it was their first Top 10 there reaching #6. "Love" would then become their biggest hit peaking at #4.

ReduxReview:  Although it's not quite as good as "Look of Love," it was another quality single from ABC. I'm still amazed that both of these songs failed to reach the Top 10. Perhaps pop radio and listeners weren't quite ready for their sophisticated pop. Whatever it was, I guess it didn't matter. Both songs had long legs that kept them going a lot further than many other larger hits of the decade.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia: In 1983, the band starred in a short film written and directed by Julian Temple called "Mantrap." The 50s-influenced spy caper used music from the band's "Lexicon of Love" album and also included a lounge version of "Poison Arrow" titled "Theme from Mantrap." The film's plot revolved around ABC lead singer Martin Fry being asked to join the band for a European tour. What Fry doesn't know is that they have plans to replace him with a look-alike in order to sneak the spy behind the iron curtain. In addition to the band, the film starred actress Lisa Vanderpump. She would later become much more famous as a cast member of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." She would also compete on the show "Dancing with the Stars."

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