If you wanted to make a kickin’ dance record in the mid ’80s, you were going to have to follow Prince or one of his acolytes (like the amazing production duo of Jimmy “Jam” Harris and Terry Lewis). George Michael certainly had the Minneapolis sound Prince, Jam, Lewis and others created on his mind when… Read More “Hard Day” by George Michael (1987)
I was an unhappy kid in the spring of 1987. I’m not sure if that unhappiness played into how much I disliked “Happy”, the breakthrough hit for the band Surface, at that time. Maybe it wasn’t so much unhappiness as it was that the song seemed to be on Detroit radio every half hour (and… Read More “Happy” by Surface (1987)
There is an element of religious iconography present in the music of British sophisti-pop group Breathe. Of their five top 40 American hits, one is called “Say A Prayer”, another (the excellent and phenomenally sad “Does She Love That Man”) takes place during the Christmas season, and their debut single is called “Hands To Heaven”.… Read More “Hands To Heaven” by Breathe (1987)
In the mid ‘80s, it became commonplace for songs to get “freshened up” for single release, so that the version played on the radio was similar but not exactly the same as the version you’d hear on the album. “Don’t You Want Me”, the third single from Jody Watley’s Grammy-winning debut album, is one song that benefitted greatly… Read More “Don’t You Want Me? (single remix)” by Jody Watley (1987)
Paul Carrack; you recognize the voice, may not recognize the name. Unless you’re a hardcore music nerd which is probably the only reason you’re reading this entry unless you randomly stumbled upon it. Squeeze’s “Tempted”? That’s him. Ace’s “How Long”? That’s also him. Mike & The Mechanics’ “The Living Years”? Yep, it’s him. I believe… Read More “Don’t Shed A Tear” by Paul Carrack (1987)
“Don’t Disturb This Groove” is so great at creating a mood; a laid back pocket of pure joy. The song’s about when something is so good you don’t want it to end. Mic Murphy is singing about his lady, but he just as easily could be singing about “Don’t Disturb This Groove”, itself. The System were… Read More “Don’t Disturb This Groove” by The System (1987)
Can you imagine the wild shit Michael Jackson encountered in his life? Like, before this dude was 15, he’d had more life craziness than a lot of people live out full lives having to go through. The groupie stories alone could probably fill a book. “Dirty Diana” is a groupie story, and it’s not especially complimentary… Read More “Dirty Diana” by Michael Jackson (1987)
