Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Jody Watley- 'Don't You Want Me'

"I'd like to know more than just your name
Did you come here alone or with someone
If only you would open up
And let me know just where you're comin' from

Are you lookin' for a new love
Or does commitment seem to bring you down
Is that a look of yes or is it no
Please don't tease me, ho...oh..."

Way back in the summer of 1987 Jody Watley's self-titled album was in heavy rotation thanks to a string of catchy singles. "Don't You Want Me" was the third one to be released and it achieved some pretty amazing crossover success. More importantly, it proved that "Looking For A New Love", which had been released several months earlier, was not a fluke. Ms. Watley had arrived, hoop earrings and all.

This song was totally my jam way back then and to a certain degree, it still is thirty years later. "Don't You Want Me" makes you move, which is one of the reasons why Watley lands in the 21st spot on Billboard's Top Dance Artists of All Time list.

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Samantha Fox - 'I Wanna Have Some Fun'

I want to have some fun
Move my body all night long
Working hard every day
So I ain't staying home no way

So technically, it's Freestyle Friday here at Boom and I know that Samantha Fox isn't exactly in that category but she is one hell of a dance artist. She has also taken part in some of those freestyle shows that criss-cross the globe so in my mind, that makes Fox fair game. Close enough, right? Plus, I've always loved her. Fox was the very first woman that I can remember bluntly singing about sex in songs that actually charted well.

"Touch Me" was her breakthrough hit in the U.S. and I think the shock value alone easily made copies fly off of the record store shelves. By the time Fox returned with a follow-up album in 1988 we all knew what she was about. "I Wanna Have Some Fun" became a hit in my senior year of high school and it was one of those club hits that my friends and I listened to in between Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. It was simply a fun track that just so happened to have a double entendre which worked perfectly for Fox's sexed up image. Check out the video below. Were you a Samantha Fox fan?

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: 'Til Tuesday - 'Voices Carry'

"I try so hard not to get upset
Because I know all the trouble I'll get
Oh, he tells me tears are something to hide
And something to fear-eh-eh
And I try so hard to keep it inside
So no one can hear
Hush hush, keep it down now, voices carry"

You guys remember "Voices Carry", right?  The song by 'Til Tuesday barreled up Billboard's charts to number 8 back in 1985 and the video really did help the group to become one of MTV's early favorites. Aimee Mann's vocals about a doomed love affair are haunting and ring true for anyone that has been in a relationship with the wrong person. You feel like you can't do anything right and everything that the other person does is just plain wrong as well. At one point in time Cyndi Lauper was hoping to record "Voices Carry" herself and ya know what, it probably would have been a hit for her too.

Instead, 'Til Tuesday did the honors and it cemented their place in new wave history.  Rather than going with the original video I thought I'd instead post this live performance. Do the math- it's about ten days short of being 30 years old!

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Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Mr. Mister - 'Broken Wings'

Baby, don't understand
Why we can't just hold on to each others' hands
This time might be the last, I fear
Unless I make it all too clear
I need you so, ohh
Take these broken wings
And learn to fly again
Learn to live so free

Mr. Mister's "Broken Wings" isn't exactly a one-hit-wonder, the band did hit the charts with a few other songs in the mid-80's. in fact, "Kyrie" also went to number 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 but "Broken Wings"  was far more successful. It's one of those songs that you recognize as soon as it starts. I think just about everyone has belted out the chorus at least once.

Check out the video below!

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Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Naked Eyes- 'Promises Promises'

"Second time around
I'm still believing words that you said
You said you'd always be here
"In love forever"
Still repeats in my head
You can't finish what you start
If this is love it breaks my heart"

Sometimes there's a particular reason behind the 80's throwback each day and other times, there really is not. Today I can thank Spotify's Discover Weekly for making the choice for me. If you have Spotify then check out your own personalized Discover Weekly. Basically, they curate a special playlist for you each week based on your musical taste and I have to say, I usually love what they put together for me. 

Anyway, Naked Eyes "Promises, Promises" is on my current list and it's a song that I've always loved, It was the second release back in 1983 off of their Burning Bridges album. Ironically, Naked Eyes was actually one of the very first groups to make full use of synthesizers in their music. If you were around in the early 80's then I don't have to explain just how popular the synth sound was and how it really ruled Billboard's Hot 100. 

Currently Booming Podcast: My Rock & Roll Heaven (Aired 7-21-19)

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Lisa Stansfield - 'All Around the World'

"I don't know where my baby is

but I'll find him somewhere somehow

I've gotta let him know how much I care

I'll never give up looking for my baby

Been around the world and I I I

I can't find my baby

I don't know when I don't know why

why he's gone away

and I don't know where he can be

my baby but I'm gonna find him."

I always wondered why Lisa Stansfield didn't become a bigger star in the states. When she broke out in the late '80s her voice was something different. She wasn't a pop princess like Debbie Gibson or Tiffany or... instead she had an older, more grown sound. She fused pop, soul and a touch of jazz with some pretty perfect balance. What that meant for her biggest hit, "All Around the World" was that it found a comfortable spot on numerous Billboard charts. It just kind of fit wherever you put it and on numerous occassions, the song fit at number one.

You can still find Stansfield performing to this day and I have to believe that smaller venues are really her favorites. Her music can just envelope an audience in theaters and clubs. Check out the video for "All Around the World" below. Do you remember it?

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Daily Boom Lost Hit: Garbage - '#1 Crush'

Daily Boom 90's Nostalgia: George Michael - 'Fastlove'

I won't bore you with the details, baby
I don't even wannna waste your time
Let's just say that maybe
You could help to ease my mind
Baby, I ain't Mr. Right
But if you're looking for fast love
If that's love in your eyes, it's more than enough
Had some bad love
Some fast love, is all that I've got on my mind

There's something really refreshing about a person that just owns their stuff and says exactly what they mean, isn't there? You don't have to agree with or even like the message, but to have the nerve to do it is really something. So back in April of 1996 when George Michael finally put his real cards on the table I was impressed.

Of course I'm talking about "Fastlove" one of the best tracks off of Michael's Older album. Rather than wishing for love or trying to mend a broken heart, he knows exactly what he wants- a no strings attached fling. What's interesting is the way that people really embraced this song in spite of it being about a one night stand. Michael is smooth, risque and kind of at his best on this dance song, probably because of the authenticity.

What are your thoughts on 90's George Michael? Do you prefer this sexier variation or do you rather him from his days fronting Wham?

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Daily Boom 90's Nostalgia: Jade - 'Don't Walk Away'

"I've got all this love, waiting just for you
I just gotta know that your love is true
Can't keep running boy in and out my life
Wanna be your girl, not 'cause the mood is right"

A good part of the 90's were about soul, New Jack Swing and slowjamz for me. In between the Indie alternative music domination you had its' polar opposite- R&B. Many groups came and went and one of my favorites was Jade. They arrived on the scene in 1991, had a break out hit in 1992 which paved the way for their debut album, Jade To The Max.

"Don't Walk Away" was one of the leading singles from it and it also went on to be one of the hottest dance songs of 1993. What followed was a string of singles over the next few years that did well on Billboard's charts. The group eventually disbanded by the late 90's but reunited in recent years to play a gig here and there. "Don't Walk Away" will always be my favorite, check it out below!

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Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Bon Jovi - 'Born To Be My Baby'

"Close the door, leave the cold outside

I don't need nothing when I'm by your side

We got something that'll never die

Our dreams, our pride

My heart beats like a drum (all night)

Flesh to flesh, one to one (and it's alright)

And I'll never let go cause

There's something I know deep inside

You were born to be my baby

And baby, I was made to be your man."

Do you have a favorite Bon Jovi song? I mean, is it possible to even pick just one? During their early rise to fame the band put out a handful of albums that ultimately dominated the airwaves throughout the 80's. While it's hard to pick, and songs like "Living on a Prayer" and "Runaway" definitely make my final cut of possibilities, I think that "Born to be My Baby" tops my list. The low-budget video has also been a favorite of mine. Forget about the arena-rock crowd, glam makeup and pyro that most rock videos showcased by the end of the decade, Bon Jovi took a simple approach. Just the band working in the studio, putting together their song. Instead of flipping a switch and performing for the cameras, the cameras capture them naturally interacting and guess what? It really works. Check out "Born to be My Baby" below.

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Winger - 'Madalaine'

"Madalaine
This is love too tough to tame
Madalaine
Beware of the girl
Beware of the pain
Running scared
Through the dark of the day
The story never dies
But the names keep changin'
And the face fade
Take you dead or alive"

I think I was first introduced to Winger during an episode of Headbanger's Ball. I was in 11th grade and worked as a closer at a fast food place several nights a week. By the time I rolled in the door, it was midnight or later. Prime viewing time for hair metal videos. In an era of pretty men, Kip Winger may have just been the prettiest.

Seriously. 

His hotness factor was off the charts with those piercing eyes and that hair that I was actually jealous of. His ballet moves were easily ignored or downplayed because he just looked so amazing while doing them. 

The rest of the band was pretty freakin fantastic too. While their lyrics were fairly predictably, the guitar riffs and arrangements were better than most of their hair metal rivals. They toured with Bon Jovi, The Scorpions and many more- before the end of the 80's. 

"Madalaine" was the first single off of Winger's self-titled debut album and it was a great introduction to the band. It was current but felt different from what every other band was doing. They caught my eye and my ear and they've now had it for thirty years.

"Madalaine" was also the very first song in the tracklist on that album and it made you want to keep listening. Check out the video below. 

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Daily Boom 80's Throwback: After 7 - 'Heat Of The Moment'

"There comes a time in every man's life

You're gonna do wrong

I made a mistake girl..Just let me..

Just let me explain

I can't believe it

Although I did it

I've never been that kinda man

I must admit it

I wasn't with it

But you were the best I've ever had"

I haven't heard After 7's "Heat Of The Moment" in years and when I finally did, I was sure it was Bobby Brown. I mean, doesn't it sound like "Every Little Step"?? Except that I like it better than that song that Brown did for one of the Ghostbuster sequels. It was released near the end of 1989 when New Jack Swing was really catching on thanks in great part to Babyface and L.A. Reid's writing and production. They put out some of the best tracks of the era, including this one.

After 7, comprised of Melvin and Kevon Edmonds and Keith Mitchell, first got together in 1987 and found success right out of the gate. Their self-titled debut album spun a few R&B number 1's ("Ready Or Not" and "Can't Stop") that also did very well on Billboard's Hot 100. "Heat Of The Moment" remains my favorite though & I think it's a great kick start to your new week, so here ya go! Check out the video below!

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Tina Turner- 'Private Dancer'

"Well the men come in these places

and the men are all the same

You don't look at their faces

and you don't ask their names

You don't think of them as human

You don't think of them at all

You keep your mind on the money

keeping your eyes on the wall

I'm your private dancer

a dancer for money

do what you want me to do

I'm your private dancer

a dancer for money

and any old music will do."

I fell in love with Tina Turner's music back in 1984 when she released Private Dancer. I knew nothing of her career years earlier with Ike and I knew nothing of her struggle to establish herself as a solo artist. I only knew that when the video for "What's Love Got To Do With It" started I was completely sucked in. I remember at that time my dad would buy singles' and add them to a mixtape, then I'd get to keep the 45. At the time my dad, like every other DJ on the radio was mesmerized by Tina's fishnets on the cover. I just thought she reeked of coolness.

By the time the title track, "Private Dancer" was released I was already a fan. At first, I thought that the song was a bit boring but it quickly grew on me. Now many moons later I love it AND all three of the videos that have been released for it. The one below is my very favorite. Shot during a concert at Wembley Arena, it shows just how popular Tina really was in her heyday. It's also a subtle version of a song that's kind of timeless, don't you think?

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Stacey Q -'Two Of Hearts'

"People get jealous 'cause we always stay together, yeah, baby.

 I guess they really want a love like yours and mine.

 Together, forever. I never thought that I could ever be this happy, yeah, baby.

My prayers were answered or you came in the nick of time."

Stacey Q burned up radio request lines in the summer of 1986 with her one hit wonder "Two Of Hearts". I remember the catchy hook, "I need you" being stuck in not just my head, but also my father's! It landed in Billboard's top three and also ended up being one of the biggest songs of the year. It still is one of those tunes that makes it pretty impossible to stay still and I think just about everyone has heard it at least once.

Every now and then Stacey Q will pop up on a stop of the Freestyle Explosion tour and when she does, "Two Of Hearts" is one of the biggest sing-a-long songs of the night!

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Foreigner - ''That Was Yesterday'

"You were the only one
The only friend that I counted on
How could I watch you walk away
I'd give anything to have you here today
But now I stand alone with my pride
And dream that you're still by my side
But that was yesterday
I had the world in my hands
But it's not the end of my world
Just a slight change of plans"

I pulled out a bunch of old Foreigner records today to revisit their catalog. Yeah, I know that I've always really liked them, which is why I have so much of their stuff on vinyl, but I'm surprised that I don't listen to them more often. Agent Provocateur is the kind of album that easily plays from end to end without a song that just feels like filler.

You know what I mean, don't you? There are usually 2 or 3 songs on an album that aren't as good as the rest of it and it's almost like it's their purpose to bridge the singles. Except here. That's definitely not the case with Foreigner. While I've always insisted that "Urgent" is my favorite song, as I can still hear it blaring out of my transistor radio, "That Was Yesterday" is about as solid as it gets.

It's the grown-up, ice cold version of love gone bad and every once in awhile, everyone can relate to that, right? There's no (expiration) dating "That Was Yesterday" and I really love it. Check the video out below!

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Bon Jovi -' Livin' On A Prayer'

"We've gotta hold on to what we've got.
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not.
We've got each other and that's a lot.
For love we'll give it a shot."

"Livin' On A Prayer" is most definitely Bon Jovi's signature song, isn't it? I mean if you could only hear them perform one song live, wouldn't that be the one? It was the second single off of the band's epic 1986 release, Slippery When Wet. It also was their second number one song in a row. Those are the facts and statistics, which are all secondary to what this song is all about.

Thirty plus years after "Livin' On A Prayer's" release it's not just about Jon Bon's hair and the story of Tommy and Gina. Instead it instantly walks so many of us back in time to when passing exams and dating the right person were the biggest concerns. It takes me back to tenth grade when I lived in my jean jacket with my Walkman shoved in the pocket. Back to when I only thought that my life was complicated.

This song also shows how timeless a great rock anthem can be. Sure Bon Jovi has made a zillion more albums, but nothing compares to the very first time that you heard "Living On A Prayer", right?

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Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Kim Wilde - 'Kids in America'

"Looking out a dirty old window.
Down below the cars in the city go rushing by.
I sit here alone and I wonder why.
Friday night and everyone's moving.
I can feel the heat but it's soothing.
Heading down, I search for the beat in this dirty town.
Down town the young ones are going.
Down town the young ones are growing.
We're the kids in America.
We're the kids in America.
Everybody live for the music-go-round."

Let's kick this week off with an 80's classic that just makes you feel good- at least for a few minutes. Kim Wilde's "Kids In America" was actually first released in the U.K. in 1981 and it took it another year to break through, in America. It was intended to be a feel good anthem and it succeeded almost immediately. The chorus was one that everyone sang back then and I think it's fair to say that if you know it, then to this day you'll find yourself singing along. Check out the video below. I'm pretty positive you'll be singing along too!

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Patrice Rushen - 'Forget Me Nots'

"Those were the times we had
Sharing a joy that we thought would last
Memories of love and affection
Never really was just like a dream
Was it the simple things
That made me so crazy about you
Was it your charm or your passion
It's not hard to believe
I love you and I need you so I...
Sending you forget me nots"

While "Forget Me Nots" was released in 1982, making it a post-disco song, it is often still lumped in with that era of music. It was on Patrice Rushen's seventh studio album and while she had enjoyed a long career before it and has continued to write, sing and work to this day, "Forget Me Nots" is kind of her calling card. It has been one of the most sampled songs over the last few decades and well, why not? The baseline is unmistakable and the rhythm demands movement.

It might be 35 years old but just about every party or night at the club still includes at least one spin of "Forget Me Nots"! 

Currently Booming Podcast: My Rock & Roll Heaven (Aired 6-30-19)