"Tears" by John Waite

Song#:  2096
Date:  10/20/1984
Debut:  61
Peak:  37
Weeks:  13
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  Former Babys lead singer John Waite scored a multi-format smash hit with "Missing You," the first single from his second solo album No Brakes. The song would hit #1 Pop, #1 Rock, and #7 AC. For a follow-up this track from the LP was chosen. Although it was another solid hit at Rock getting to #7, it didn't do as well at Pop and it fizzled out just inside the Pop Top 40. The more rock-oriented track was ignored by AC.

ReduxReview:  While I loved "Missing You," I wasn't a big fan of the album. Beside that hit, this song was the only other one with real commercial potential and the rest of the tunes were solid, yet unremarkable AOR fodder. This tune is not nearly as memorable as "Missing You," but it has a pretty good hook and it sounds great. It just takes a few listens for it to sink in. The single probably should have done a bit better, but with folks expecting a "Missing You, Pt. 2," this one was bound to disappoint.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  This is a remake of a song originally recorded by Peter Criss (of Kiss) for his 1982 solo album Let Me Rock You. That album was not issued in the US at the time, but was later released in CD form in 1998. The song was written by Vinnie Cusano and Adam Mitchell. Cusano, who went by the stage name of Vinnie Vincent, was a member of Kiss from 1982-84. Mitchell started co-writing songs with various Kiss members during the same period. Although Vincent and Mitchell may have written this song as a possible Kiss track, the band never recorded it. However, it seemed to be a good fit for Criss and it made it on his solo album.

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