"Operator" by Midnight Star

Song#:  2141
Date:  12/01/1984
Debut:  84
Peak:  18
Weeks:  17
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  After three low-performing albums, this R&B band hit it big with their double-platinum fourth effort No Parking on the Dance Floor. It featured two R&B Top 10's, but the singles would only circulate the bottom of the Pop chart. Despite the lack of Pop support, the songs were popular and the album sold. It set them up well for the follow-up LP, Planetary Invasion. This first single would end up being their biggest overall hit staying at #1 at R&B for five weeks, It would also get to #15 Dance and finally break them through to the Pop Top 20. Despite the hit, sales of the album were on the slow side. It could only manage to go gold. That is still a great achievement, but it was slightly disappointing considering the size of this hit.

ReduxReview:  The band already had a couple of classics to their credit before this tune came along. It was another winner for them that finally broke them through at Pop. With a great groove, 80s effects, and a hot performance, this had to hit. It was their peak moment on the charts and deservedly so. It really should have gone Top 10 at Pop.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  Band member Bo Watson would also lend his songwriting talents to other artists. One of his first major efforts outside of Midnight Star was when he co-wrote "Meeting in the Ladies Room" for Klymaxx. That song would be a #4 R&B hit for the vocal group in 1985. Later on, he would help supply singer Toni Braxton with her first major crossover hit. "Another Sad Love Song" would get to #7 Pop and #2 R&B in 1993.

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