Top 10 Alert!
Song#: 2357 Date: 06/08/1985
Debut: 68
Peak: 3
Weeks: 20
Genre: Pop, Soft Rock
Pop Bits: This Canadian singer/songwriter scored an indelible and enduring classic 80s hit with 1984's "Sunglasses at Night" (#7). After a second Top 20 entry from his debut LP, Hart returned to the studio to work on a follow-up. As with his first album, Hart wrote all the songs (save for one co-write he did with bassist Russell Boswell), but this time around he dabbled in a new role as co-producer. This single would be issued to introduce the new LP titled Boy in the Box. In Canada, the song would rocket to the top of the chart and remain there for four weeks. When it crossed the border, it also did well on the US Pop chart reaching #3. It also got to # 8 at both AC and Rock. It would end up being Hart's biggest charting hit in the US. Back in Canada, the song would win the Juno for Single of the Year.
ReduxReview: "Sunglasses" may be his legacy song, but this big empowerment track is pretty darn great as well. It's a well-written and produced track with Hart providing an impassioned vocal. Even the synths sound like they are chugging with purpose. With the addition of a melodic sax solo, there was no way this wasn't going to be a hit. Although "Sunglasses" is a pure classic 80s, I'd have to say that this one is actually the better overall song.
ReduxRating: 9/10
Trivia: This song's title along with its message were partially inspired by one of Britain's greatest leaders. Apparently, Hart is an avid admirer of Sir Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister who ushered England through the second world war. In one of Churchill's major addresses to the House of Parliament, known as the "we shall fight on the beaches" speech, he states emphatically that "we shall never surrender" in regards to a potential invasion by the Nazis. That speech was recreated in the 2017 film about Churchill titled Darkest Hour. Gary Oldman's portrayal of Churchill won him the Oscar for Best Actor.
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