"Imagination" by Belouis Some

Song#:  2302
Date:  05/04/1985
Debut:  95
Peak:  88
Weeks:  5
Genre:  Sophisti-Pop, New Wave, Dance



Pop Bits:  British musician Neville Keighley honed his guitar and songwriting skills while still in school. By the early 80s he had started a band and adopted the stage name of Belouis Some. Breaking out on his own, Some signed with the UK label Parlophone in 1983 and began work on his debut album. Working with four producers, Some recorded his first effort titled Some People. The initial single, "Target Practice," was issued in advance of the album, but it failed to make an impression anywhere. As the album got set for release, this second single was issued. The song got a little bit of attention in the UK where it initially peaked at #50. In the US, the tune was a hit in the clubs and it ended up peaking at #4 on the Dance chart. It bled over to the Pop chart, but only for a few short weeks.

ReduxReview:  This swaggering tune is almost like ABC mixed with some Bryan Ferry and topped off with a dab of Billy Idol sneer. I remember seeing his name back in the day (not knowing if it was a person or a group), but I never heard his music. After listening to this, I think I may go back and see what else he has to offer as I like this tune. It has that sophisticated Brit-pop feel that I enjoy and I think the chorus is solid and memorable. It's a shame this didn't do better on the Pop chart.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) Early in '86, this song got a second chance in the UK. Touring and other promotional appearances and deals put a bigger spotlight on Some and it led to this single being reissued in the UK. On its second go-around, the song did much better and made it to #17. It would end up being his biggest hit on home turf.  2) In the age of MTV, videos were nearly an essential promotional tool that helped many artists break through, however they needed to get airtime in order to make a difference. Belouis Some's video for this song was one that didn't necessarily help the artist. The video contained shots of full-frontal nudity and that, of course, didn't sit well with many TV stations. There was a minor swirl of controversy surrounding the video, but most likely since he was a new artist without a major hit, both the controversy and video were just kind of set aside.

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