"Dead Giveaway" by Shalamar

Song#:  1503
Date:  06/25/1983
Debut:  93
Peak:  22
Weeks:  20
Genre:  R&B, Synthpop



Pop Bits:  In 1982, Shalamar grabbed a gold album with Friends. It was a #1 R&B hit thanks in part to the #8 single "A Night to Remember" (#44 Pop/#15 Dance). For their next LP, The Look, the trio (Jody Watley, Howard Hewitt and Jeffery Daniel) began to incorporate more synthpop, which is apparent on this first single. The song did well at R&B reaching #10 while almost getting into the Pop Top 20. Dance was also receptive where the tune peaked at #18. However, this new direction did not sit well with Watley and that along with other band and label issues led to her departure after the album's release. Daniel followed suit and separately left the trio as well. It would be up to Hewitt to carry on, which he did with two new members.

ReduxReview:  It was a real bummer when this failed to reach the Top 10. I thought this was a cool and catchy tune and it sounded great on the radio. It's still a great song and I love when it comes up on one of my playlists. I especially like the repetitive keyboard lick, the vocals, and the guitar solo. People missed out on this tasty track.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  At the time, the trio was actually more popular on the UK Pop chart than in the US. Their pop/R&B sound hit audiences just right and they were rewarded with four Top 10 hits and two Top 10 albums. This song would end up at #8 and become their final UK Top 10 hit.

_________________________________________________________________________________