Song#: 2400
Date: 07/27/1985
Debut: 90
Peak: 73
Weeks: 4
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: Following the disappointing performance of this band's debut single, "Ways to Be Wicked," this track off of their self-titled first album was selected as the follow-up. They were still hoping for a breakthrough, but it just wasn't going to happen. The song basically replicated the results of their first single and fell off the chart after a few weeks. The band was called "the next big thing" by many industry folks and critics, but with their debut album peaking at a low #56, that prediction didn't come to fruition. Luckily their label, Geffen, believed in the band and gave them a chance to record a second album.
ReduxReview: Okay, so even though I loved "Ways to Be Wicked," I could kind of understand why it wasn't a hit with its big alt-country/rock sound. But this one? C'mon. That guitar lick kicks things off and the tune immediately moves into a catchy, memorable verse. Then it heads towards the soaring chorus with the backup singers followed later by a great guitar solo section. It has a bit of a Motown-ish feel mixed with some Springsteen rock (thanks in part to co-writer Steven Van Zandt) and I find the song very exciting. This single should have made Lone Justice stars, yet it fizzled out quickly. The tune is hooky as hell, sounds awesome, and features the vocals of the brilliant Maria McKee. What a shame this one fell through the cracks.
ReduxRating: 9/10
Trivia: The band's bass player, Marvin Etzioni, co-wrote several of the songs on the band's debut album. Later on in 1992, he would co-wrote a song that would make it to #11 on the AC chart. Etzioni was working with Andrew and David Williams, collectively know as the Williams Brothers, on material for their second album for Warner Bros. Etzioni and David Williams would end up collaborating on a song titled "Can't Cry Hard Enough." The ballad would not only make it on the album, but would be issued as a single. The song would just miss out on the AC Top 10 while getting to #42 at Pop. It got quite a bit of airplay and other artists took notice and covered the song including Victoria Williams (not related to David and Andy, but they often worked with her), Judy Collins, the popular UK band Smokie, and singer/songwriter Judy Miller. The song has also been used in TV shows such as Beverly Hills, 90210.
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I should've mentioned this a LONG time ago, but a book you need to buy: "The 80's Music Compendium" by Dave Kinzer. It came out in the fall of 2015. He even has a YouTube channel. So check it out! ;)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Thanks for the tip. I also like "Flashbacks to Happiness" by Randolph Michaels. Lots of info on the more obscure charting folks from the 80s and early 90s.
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