Song#: 3179
Date: 07/04/1987
Debut: 95
Peak: 76
Weeks: 5
Genre: Blues-Rock, Soul
Pop Bits: The blues-rock band from Texas scored an unexpected hit in '86 with the #10 "Tuff Enuff" (#4 Rock). The associated Dave Edmunds-produced album of the same name would reach #13 and go platinum. For a follow-up, the band went back into the studio with Edmunds and came out with their sixth studio LP Hot Number. This first single was released and it did well at Rock reaching #8. It then crossed over to Pop, but it really couldn't get a leg up and stumbled around the bottom quarter of the chart for a few weeks. Without a bigger hit to support it, the album stopped at #49.
ReduxReview: This was a good rockin' soul song written by band leader Kim Wilson. The chorus is reminiscent of the 1966 #1 R&B/#21 Pop hit "Hold On, I'm Comin'" by Sam & Dave. Edmund's production was spot-on as was the arrangement. I think the reason it didn't do so well at Pop was due to it being a retro soul-styled song. "Tuff Enuff" had more of a rock edge along the lines of ZZ Top and a catchier chorus. It just played better to a more mainstream audience. However, this is still a solid tune from the band and it should have done a bit better.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: With their profile raised thanks to "Tuff Enuff" going Top 10, the band had more opportunities come their way. One was the chance to appear in a movie. They were tapped to provide a song for the Paul Schrader music/drama flick Light of Day that starred Michael J. Fox and Joan Jett. The band then wrote "Twist It Off" for the soundtrack and then performed it in the movie. The song then appeared on the soundtrack album. It wasn't issued out as a single. The title track song written by Bruce Springsteen and recorded by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts would become a Top 40 entry at #33 (#13 Rock).
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