"The Metro" by Berlin

Song#:  1467
Date:  05/28/1983
Debut:  88
Peak:  58
Weeks:  10
Genre:  Synthpop, New Wave



Pop Bits:  Berlin's controversial single "Sex (I'm a...)" definitely got the band noticed. The song wasn't a major Pop hit (#62), but it did well at Rock (#10) and Dance (#8). This follow-up single did just about as well peaking a few notches higher. Despite not featuring a big chart hit, their album "Pleasure Victim" peaked at #30 and became a big seller reaching platinum status.

ReduxReview:  What surprises me is that this song was not a hit in Europe (actually I don't think it was even released there). It seemed perfect for that market with its Euro-synthpop sound and references to the Metro (subway) and Paris. I think what may have helped the song get on the chart in the US is the video. It was popular on MTV at the time. In some circles, this track is considered a synthpop classic. I don't know if I'd go that far, but I do love this song.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  This song was originally released as a stand-alone single in 1981 on the MAO label. It didn't get a lot of attention, but it did help sell the band to Enigma Records. A slightly remixed version of the song then appeared on the "Pleasure Victim" album, which was first issued by Enigma that same year. Not much happened with the release, but then Geffen Records found it interesting and reissued the LP the next year. "Sex" got promoted as the first single and then this song was released as the follow-up. It got the band on the map and the album would end up being the biggest selling of their career. (It also helped that the album bordered on being an EP with seven songs and that it got priced lower than typical full-length LPs.)

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