"Dirty Looks" by Juice Newton

Song#:  1677
Date:  11/05/1983
Debut:  95
Peak:  90
Weeks:  3
Genre:  Pop, Rock



Pop Bits:  It took a few years for her to break through, but Newton finally did it in a pretty big way with two platinum albums that featured four Top 10 hits. When she followed those two albums up with Dirty Looks, things were not going as well. The LP's first single, "Tell Her No," faded quickly after a disappointing #27 showing (#14 AC). To make matters worse, this next title-track single was barely a blip on the chart disappearing after a short three weeks. The non-hits certainly didn't help the album, which topped out at a less-than-stellar #52. It was the beginning of a rocky period for Newton.

ReduxReview:  If "Tell Her No" didn't fully turn off her country fans, this one most likely did. This synth-rock tune, written by Dave Robbins and Van Stephenson (they would later form the country band Blackhawk), was certainly interesting, but I just don't think it fit Newton's style at all. She sings it convincingly, but an edgier rock tune really didn't suit her well. Parts of it almost sound like she is trying to infringe on Pat Benatar territory. It's all very odd. I like the song, but it wasn't a good fit for Newton and it didn't make for a good single.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  Her move towards a more rock-oriented sound with Dirty Looks certainly left her country fans in the dust. Although the album would be able to eke out a #22 showing on the Country chart, the only single to get on the chart was the bluesy ballad "Stranger At My Door." The song would only manage a #45 peak while missing all other charts. The crossover hits she enjoyed on her previous two albums seemed to not be present on the new album. However, another track on the album would be a hit for another artist. "Twenty Years Ago" would be recorded by Kenny Rogers in 1987 and released as a single. It would reach #2 on the Country chart.

_________________________________________________________________________________