Song#: 2318
Date: 05/11/1985
Debut: 65
Peak: 15
Weeks: 16
Genre: Pop, Synthpop
Pop Bits: Carnes' eighth album, Cafe Racers, didn't perform well. Although it featured the #9 AC track "I Pretend," the only song to crack the Pop Top 40 was the #40 "Invisible Hands." The lack of single support made the album her worst performing since 1979. She really needed a hit and one came courtesy of this track from her next album Barking at Airplanes. The tune became her first to reach the Pop Top 20 since her 1981 #1 signature hit "Bette Davis Eyes." It also got to #24 at Dance. The single helped sell some albums and it got to #48, which was her second best showing following her #1 LP Mistaken Identity. Unfortunately, this song ended up being her last to reach the Pop Top 40.
ReduxReview: Being a big Carnes fan, I was so excited when I found out she had a new album coming out. I believe I ran out and got this single as soon as it was released heard it for the first time via the 45. I really wasn't sure what to make of it. The song was catchy, but lyrics and melody sounded like something from a child's nursery song. I liked it, but was confused as to why this was a single. I thought for sure it would tank. I didn't think this sing-song ditty would catch on. Call me surprised when it crept up and nearly made a bid for the Top 10! I think it may have been more popular in certain markets because I never heard it on the radio where I resided at the time. Once the album came out I bought it and thought it was excellent. It was the first one Carnes produced (with Bill Cuomo) and it's a consistently enjoyable disc with some solid writing. It should have done a lot better especially since this kooky song caught on.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: Not long before writing this post, singer David Cassidy died. He was a huge star back in the days of his TV show The Partridge Family and in addition to recording albums under The Partridge Family name, Cassidy also set out on a solo career, which included tours. Back in 1971 when Cassidy first started to tour, a producer friend of Carnes' got hired as Cassidy's musical director. He contacted Carnes and her and her husband Dave Ellingson to do background vocals for Cassidy's show in addition to performing as an opening act. They accepted the job and started to work with Cassidy. A friendship developed between the three and there were many times Cassidy would stay at Carnes/Ellingson's house. While there, the trio would occasionally write songs together. Four of those songs ended up on two of Cassidy's solo albums. By 1974, Carnes was pregnant and signed to A&M Records. With her personal life and solo career taking over her time, Carnes along with Ellingson had to quit touring with Cassidy.
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