"Some People" by Belouis Some

Song#:  2410
Date:  08/03/1985
Debut:  89
Peak:  67
Weeks:  6
Genre:  New Wave, Dance, Synthpop



Pop Bits:  The UK singer/songwriter's debut LP Some People started off with the #4 Dance hit "Imagination." Unfortunately, it didn't make much of an impact on the Pop chart peaking at a low #88. This follow-up title-track song would once again light up the Dance chart (#8) and also once again fail to really catch on at Pop. It would be his last single to reach the Pop chart. Some released a self-titled follow-up album in 1987 that generated two more Dance hits including the #6 "Animal Magic," but neither song could make the Pop chart. A third and final album would appear in 1993, but it disappeared quickly as did Some's recording career.

ReduxReview:  His song "Imagination" was a nice slice of Brit sophisti-pop that I enjoyed. This one leans more towards synthpop. While I prefer the sound and feel of "Imagination," this is a pretty good track as well. Some had pretty much everything going for him - he was a solid songwriter, the productions were good, he looked like a star, and his videos were interesting. Why his career never fully took off is unknown. It's a shame as he had a lot to offer. If you like either of his charting singles, seek out his Some People album. It's a bit of a lost gem.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) While Some's video for "Imagination" sparked controversy due to its use of nudity, there ended up being a more commercial appeal with the video for "Some People" - quite literally. Swatch watches were taking the market by storm and they began pairing up with music acts for promotional purposes, especially with the new MTV generation of fans. Having been a sponsor on some of Some's tour stops, Swatch got further involved with the artist when he went to film the video for "Some People." In addition to the regular video being filmed, Swatch paid for an extra version that included some alterations, which included extras wearing Swatch watches. The Swatch version of the video would be played in their stores and a 30-second spot was created for use on TV. Some was one of several artists that Swatch used in their campaigns at the time. The Thompson Twins and The Fat Boys were others that got involved.  2) If folks don't remember Belouis Some from his charting songs, they may remember a song of his that was in the 1986 film Pretty in Pink. Some contributed the song "Round, Round" to the film's soundtrack. That album would be a gold seller thanks mainly to the #4 Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark hit "If You Leave."

_________________________________________________________________________________