Currently Booming: 1983 Wildwood Tram Car Ride (Watch)

80s Throwback: Bruce Springsteen - 'Born In The U.S.A'

Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A. was already generating massive buzz before it even hit record stores, thanks to the success of its lead single, "Dancing in the Dark."

The summer of 1984 was absolutely stacked with chart heavyweights. Both Duran Duran and Prince spent weeks sitting comfortably at No. 1, making it impossible for "Dancing in the Dark" to climb any higher than No. 2. That didn't matter much, though. Springsteen's popularity exploded, and suddenly everyone wanted a piece of The Boss.

The music video became almost as iconic as the song itself. It's famously remembered for launching the career of Courteney Cox, who was pulled onstage to dance with Springsteen during the performance. At the time, she was just another aspiring actress. Not long after, she'd become one of television's biggest stars.

I remember that summer vividly because so much of it was spent sitting outside with a giant ghetto blaster, listening to the radio and waiting for my chance to call in and win an album. Back then, stations gave away records every hour, and getting through on the phone felt like winning the lottery.

A few days after Born in the U.S.A. was released, my friend and I both made it our mission to win a copy. She got through first and became caller number eight, taking home Steve Perry's Street Talk. Naturally, that only made me more determined. An hour later, I finally beat the busy signal, became caller number ten, and won my own copy of Born in the U.S.A.

As exciting as winning the album was, what I remember most is the two of us heading to the radio station together to pick up our prizes. It was such a simple moment, but it's one of those memories that's stayed with me all these years.

Looking back, if MTV hadn't played the "Dancing in the Dark" video every few hours that summer, I'm not sure I ever would have become such a fan of Springsteen's biggest album. Funny how one song—and one lucky phone call—can become such a lasting memory.

Check out the video below and see if it brings back a few memories of your own.

DailyBOOM 4th of July Playlist

90s Nostalgia: Erin Cruise - 'Cold Shower'

The early 1990s were packed with infectious dance music, but every so often, there's a record that slips through the cracks despite having all the right ingredients. One of those forgotten gems is "Cold Shower", released in 1992 by Erin Cruise.

At a time when house music, freestyle, and dance-pop were crossing over into the mainstream, "Cold Shower" fit comfortably into the era's energetic club scene. Its polished production, catchy hooks, and dancefloor-ready beat made it the kind of track DJs could seamlessly mix into a late-night set.

One of the most interesting aspects of the record is the creative team behind it. Erin Cruise collaborated with Bruce Sudano, the acclaimed songwriter, producer, and husband of disco legend Donna Summer. Sudano had already built an impressive career writing hit songs and working with major artists, and his songwriting sensibilities helped shape the polished sound of "Cold Shower."

While the single never became a massive mainstream hit, it found appreciation among dance music fans who were always searching for quality club records beyond the Billboard charts. Listening to it today, the production feels like a time capsule from the early '90s, with driving rhythms, layered synthesizers, and confident vocals that capture the excitement of the era's dance clubs.

Records like "Cold Shower" remind us that dance music history isn't made up only of platinum-selling artists. Countless talented performers released memorable singles that energized clubs and built loyal followings, even if they didn't achieve widespread commercial success. Erin Cruise's contribution deserves another listen from collectors and fans of classic '90s dance music.

More than three decades later, "Cold Shower" stands as an enjoyable reminder of a vibrant period in club music, and Bruce Sudano's involvement adds another fascinating connection to the rich musical legacy surrounding Donna Summer and the artists who worked alongside her.

If you're exploring overlooked dance tracks from the early '90s, Erin Cruise's "Cold Shower" is well worth adding to your playlist. Sometimes the best discoveries are the songs that history nearly forgot.

80s Throwback: Aerosmith - 'Janie's Got A Gun'

Aerosmith's "Janie's Got a Gun" has always told a powerful story.

Released in 1989 from the incredible Pump album, "Janie's Got a Gun" wasn't your typical hard rock anthem. While many bands were singing about parties and girls, Aerosmith tackled the painful subject of child abuse with a song that was both haunting and unforgettable. It was a bold move, and one that paid off, earning the band its first Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

Then there was the video.

Back when MTV still ruled our afternoons, this was one of those videos you couldn't look away from. Directed by a young David Fincher, years before he'd go on to direct films like Seven, Fight Club, and The Social Network, the video played like a short psychological thriller rather than a promotional clip.

Actress Kristin Dattilo portrayed Janie with heartbreaking vulnerability, while Lesley Ann Warren played her mother and Nicholas Guest portrayed her abusive father. Instead of spelling everything out, Fincher used unsettling imagery, shadows, flashbacks, and symbolic scenes to reveal the abuse Janie had suffered. The tension builds throughout the video until her act of revenge leaves viewers questioning justice, trauma, and survival. Even today, it's still one of the most powerful music videos of the MTV era.

Musically, the song is just as impressive. Joe Perry's guitar work is razor-sharp, Steven Tyler delivers one of the best vocal performances of his career, and the band's use of dynamics, from eerie quiet moments to explosive choruses, creates an atmosphere that's impossible to ignore.

Looking back, "Janie's Got a Gun" was years ahead of its time. It opened conversations about abuse that many people weren't ready to have in 1989. Years later, Steven Tyler would launch Janie's Fund, a charity that helps girls who have experienced abuse and neglect, proving the song's message wasn't just for the charts; it became a mission.

Thirty-plus years later, the song remains one of Aerosmith's most daring achievements. It's uncomfortable. It's emotional. It's brilliantly performed. And every time I catch that opening riff, I'm instantly transported back to sitting in front of MTV, completely mesmerized by one of the most cinematic music videos ever made.

70s Throwback: The Doobie Brothers - 'What A Fool Believes'

Certain songs instantly transport you back to a specific time and place. For me, one of those songs is Michael McDonald's "What a Fool Believes." The moment those opening notes hit, I'm right back in grade school, hearing my dad's stereo fill the house with what we now lovingly call yacht rock.

Back then, we didn't have a name for it. It was simply the music our parents played. The smooth melodies, polished production, and incredible musicianship were everywhere. While my friends were listening to whatever was topping the pop charts, I was soaking up the sounds of Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, and the Doobie Brothers.

Released in 1979 by The Doobie Brothers, "What a Fool Believes" became one of the band's biggest hits and helped define an entire era of soft rock. Written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, the song is deceptively upbeat for a tune that's actually about heartbreak, regret, and self-delusion. McDonald's soulful voice gives every line an emotional weight that still resonates decades later.

Of course, Michael McDonald would go on to become one of the most recognizable voices in music. You can identify him within seconds on a record. That distinctive blue-eyed soul sound made him a star not only with The Doobie Brothers but also as a solo artist and collaborator on countless hits throughout the 1980s.

One thing younger fans may not know is that Michael even made a memorable appearance on the sitcom Mad About You. In a hilarious recurring gag, he was revealed to be the lead singer of the fictional band that performed the show's theme song, "The Final Frontier." It was a fun bit that showed he had a great sense of humor about his fame and instantly made me like him even more.

Today, yacht rock has experienced a massive resurgence. What was once considered "dad music" is now celebrated by multiple generations who appreciate its craftsmanship and timeless appeal. And honestly, I get it. These songs were built to last.

Whenever I hear "What a Fool Believes," I think about those childhood afternoons when my dad would put on a record and let the music play. I didn't realize it then, but those songs were becoming part of the soundtrack of my life. Decades later, they still sound just as good.

Maybe that's the real magic of yacht rock. It isn't just music; it's memories. And few songs capture that feeling better than "What a Fool Believes."

80s Throwback: Michael Jackson - 'Human Nature'

 

Some songs instantly make you want to dance, then there are songs that make you want to sing at the top of your lungs, and then there are songs like Human Nature by Michael Jackson. This one just floats.

Released in 1983 on the legendary Thriller album, Human Nature has always felt different from the rest of Michael's biggest hits. While Beat It packed a rock punch and Billie Jean gave us one of the most unforgettable bass lines in pop history, Human Nature slowed everything down into a silky, late-night groove that somehow still sounds as fresh today as it did more than four decades ago.

If someone asked me to define the phrase "smooth groove," this might honestly be the first song I'd play.

Everything about it is effortless. That shimmering keyboard intro. Steve Lukather's delicate guitar work. Michael's impossibly soft vocals as he asks, "Why, why... tell 'em that it's human nature." It's the kind of song that never feels like it's trying too hard. It simply exists in its own perfect space.

One of the coolest things about Human Nature is that it wasn't originally written specifically for Michael. Songwriter Steve Porcaro of Toto came up with the music, and lyricist John Bettis added the now-iconic words. Quincy Jones immediately recognized something special, and the result became one of the emotional centerpieces of Thriller.

Unlike many of Michael's biggest singles, Human Nature doesn't rely on huge hooks or explosive choruses. Instead, it pulls you in with atmosphere. It's dreamy, reflective, and somehow both relaxing and mesmerizing at the same time. Whether you're driving with the windows down after sunset or just unwinding at home, it fits the moment perfectly.

The song has also become one of the most sampled and covered tracks in modern music. Artists across R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and pop have borrowed pieces of it because that melody is simply timeless. Great music never really ages, and Human Nature is proof of that.

Even after all these years, I still find myself turning the volume up whenever those opening notes come on. It's one of those rare songs that instantly changes the mood in the best possible way.

Michael Jackson had countless classics, but if we're talking about the ultimate smooth groove? Human Nature deserves to be right at the top of the conversation.

90's Nostalgia: Garbage - 'Only Happy When It Rains'

I'm only happy when it rains 
I feel good when things are going wrong 
I only listen to the sad, sad songs 
I'm only happy when it rains 

I only smile in the dark 
My only comfort is the night gone black 
I didn't accidentally tell you that 
I'm only happy when it rains 

If you've been reading DailyBOOM for any real length of time, then you already know that I absolutely love Garbage. I'll worship at the feet of Shirley Manson and praise the talent of the rest of the band each and every chance that I get. Finally getting to see them was absolutely everything that I had hoped for and more. It's always risky when you wait years to see a band that you love for the first time. Especially more than 20 years. You run the risk of voices fading, vocal range diminishing, and fingers just not playing the way that they once did.

Not the case with Garbage. I can't imagine them ever sounding better than they currently do. And Shirley has certainly gotten better with some good years under her belt. The performance anxiety she once had has been traded in for a sense of authority and control as she stalks the stage.  There have been so many great tracks over the years, but since it is currently pouring, I'm going to make a fairly obvious choice.

Is "Only Happy When It Rains" their best song? Maybe. Is it their best song played live? Definitely maybe. It has always created or (embraced an already existing) mood. It described the 90's angst perfectly, which is, I'm sure, why it became such a huge breakout (and breakthrough) hit for Garbage. I also think it has one of the best videos of the entire decade to accompany it.  Check it out below! Fabulous still, isn't it?

2000s Throwback; Simply Red -'Sunrise'

Wandering through life, will love come home to you?

And the love you want forever, will they be true to you?

Will we sleep and sometimes love until the moon shines

Maybe the next time I'll be yours and maybe you'll be mine?

One of my favorite Simply Red songs has always been "Sunrise." Released in 2003, it somehow manages to feel both modern and timeless. Built around a gorgeous sample of Hall & Oates' classic "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)," the song effortlessly blends soul, pop, and jazz into something unmistakably Simply Red.

Mick Hucknall's voice has perhaps been one of the most recognizable in music. Warm, smooth, and full of emotion, he never had to oversing to make an impact. "Sunrise" is one of those songs that feels like a lazy Sunday morning with the windows open, coffee in hand, and nowhere you absolutely have to be.

I've always had a soft spot for British music. Long before Britpop exploded with Oasis, Blur, Pulp, and Suede, I was already obsessed with artists coming out of the UK. There was always a certain sophistication and style that felt different from what was happening on American radio. Even though Simply Red isn't technically Britpop, they absolutely fit into that long tradition of incredible British artists who consistently delivered memorable songs.

"Sunrise" became a worldwide hit and reminded everyone that Simply Red still had plenty left in the tank decades after first breaking onto the scene. It's one of those tracks that never sounds dated whenever it pops up on a playlist.

Maybe that's why I keep coming back to it. Great songs simply find their way back into your life. "Sunrise" does exactly that.

What's your favorite Simply Red song? Are you a "Holding Back the Years" fan, "If You Don't Know Me By Now," or does "Sunrise" top your list too?

90s Nostalgia: Soul For Real - 'Candy Rain'

 

Some songs wrap you up in a memory the second you hear the opening notes. For me, "Candy Rain" by Soul for Real is one of those songs.

Released in late 1994 and exploding throughout 1995, "Candy Rain" became one of the defining slow jams of the decade. It climbed all the way to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 while spending three weeks at the top of the R&B chart, proving that sometimes a sweet love song is all you need to capture everyone's attention. Produced by the legendary Heavy D, the song helped launch Soul for Real into R&B stardom almost overnight.

What made the song so special was its innocence. Before R&B became increasingly polished and edgy in the late '90s, "Candy Rain" felt like young love bottled into four-and-a-half minutes. The Dalyrimple brothers, Jason, Brian, Andre, and Christopher, were incredibly young when they recorded it, and that youthful sincerity shines through every harmony.

The chorus is unforgettable. Even decades later, it's nearly impossible not to sing along when you hear, "My love, do you ever dream of candy-coated raindrops?" It was catchy without feeling forced, romantic without being cheesy, and smooth enough to become an instant staple on radio stations across the country.

Like so many mid-'90s R&B hits, "Candy Rain" perfectly blended silky harmonies with hip-hop-influenced production. Heavy D's touch gave the track a groove that kept it from becoming just another ballad. It was the kind of song you'd hear at school dances, summer cookouts, family reunions, and cruising around with friends after getting your driver's license.

One thing I always loved about the '90s was how many incredible R&B groups were competing for our attention. Boyz II Men, Jodeci, Shai, All-4-One, Silk, and Soul for Real each had their own unique sound, but "Candy Rain" carved out its own lane. It was softer, sweeter, and refreshingly genuine.

While Soul for Real never quite matched the massive success of their debut, songs like "Every Little Thing I Do" kept them on the charts, and "Candy Rain" has become a true R&B classic that still finds new audiences through streaming, throwback playlists, and social media nostalgia. Fans on Reddit still call it one of the defining slow jams of the decade, with many saying it's never left their playlists.

More than 30 years later, "Candy Rain" still feels like comfort food for the ears. It reminds us of a time when slow dances mattered, harmonies ruled the radio, and falling in love sounded just a little sweeter.

80s Throwback: Stage Dolls - 'Love Cries'

 

Some songs don't become massive hits, but somehow they still become your hits. Every time they come on, you're instantly transported back to a moment in time. For me, "Love Cries" by Stage Dolls is one of those forgotten gems that deserved so much more attention than it got.

Hailing from Trondheim, Norway, Stage Dolls blended melodic hard rock with huge pop hooks long before it became commonplace. Fronted by singer and guitarist Torstein Flakne, the band had all the ingredients for American success, big choruses, polished production, soaring guitars, and enough emotion to fill an arena. While they enjoyed tremendous success in their home country, they only flirted with mainstream fame in the United States when "Love Cries" cracked the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989. It peaked at No. 46, but it always felt like it should have climbed much higher.

From the opening notes, "Love Cries" has that unmistakable late-'80s magic. It's a power ballad without being over-the-top, driven by a melody that sticks with you long after the song ends. Flakne's vocals strike the perfect balance between vulnerability and power, telling the story of heartbreak in a way that still feels genuine decades later.

What I love most is that the song never sounds dated. Sure, you can hear the glossy production that defined the era, but that's part of its charm. It fits right alongside songs from bands like Giant, Bad English, and White Lion, those melodic rock groups that knew how to write songs with both muscle and heart.

The funny thing about lost hits is that they often find a second life. Thanks to streaming and devoted fans of melodic rock, "Love Cries" has quietly become a cult favorite. Every time I stumble across it on a playlist, I'm reminded how many incredible songs slipped through the cracks because they weren't attached to the biggest names in rock. Fans on Reddit's hair metal community still regularly praise it as an overlooked classic, with many saying it was one of the best songs of the era.

If you've never heard "Love Cries," or if it's been years since you last did, do yourself a favor and give it another spin. It's a reminder that not every great song becomes a household name. Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones hiding just outside the spotlight.

That's what makes rediscovering music so much fun. Every once in a while, you uncover a "lost hit" that makes you wonder, How wasn't this absolutely everywhere? For me, Stage Dolls' "Love Cries" will always be one of those songs.

Boom Radio: The Summer of 1986 Playlist

 

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