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

 

Boom Radio: Deep Dives With Patrick Hemming

 

Freestyle Friday Throwback: Shana - 'You Can't Get Away'

 

Happy Freestyle Friday! If you were anywhere near a dance floor in the late '80s, chances are Shana's "You Can't Get Away" found its way into your weekend soundtrack.

There's something about this song that instantly transports me back to the golden age of freestyle music. The beat kicks in, the synths start pulsing, and suddenly it's impossible not to remember the clubs, roller rinks, school dances, and cruising around with friends while the radio blasted our favorite songs.

Shana may not have become a household name like Exposé, Lisa Lisa, or Stevie B, but "You Can't Get Away" remains one of those hidden gems that freestyle fans never forgot. Released in 1988, the song perfectly captured everything that made the genre so addictive. It combined emotional lyrics about trying to escape a love that just won't let go with an irresistible dance beat. That's always been one of freestyle's greatest strengths—it could make you want to dance while simultaneously tugging at your heart.

I always loved how freestyle music embraced big emotions without ever taking itself too seriously. These songs were filled with longing, heartbreak, hope, and determination, all wrapped inside catchy hooks that stayed with you for days. "You Can't Get Away" is a perfect example of that formula working beautifully.

Even today, when I hear the opening notes, I'm immediately reminded of just how vibrant the freestyle scene was. While it may not have received the same mainstream recognition as pop or rock, it created an incredibly loyal fanbase that's still going strong decades later. Just look at the packed Freestyle Explosion concerts happening around the country. Fans continue to show up because these songs aren't just music, they're memories.

That's one of my favorite things about revisiting tracks like this every Freestyle Friday. They remind us of a time when music brought people together on crowded dance floors, when every weekend seemed to have its own soundtrack, and when all you needed was a great beat and a catchy chorus to make the night unforgettable.

So today I'm turning up Shana's "You Can't Get Away" and letting it take me right back to the late '80s. If you're a longtime freestyle fan, I bet you know every word. And if you've never heard it before, give it a listen, you just might discover your next favorite old-school classic.

What's your favorite underrated freestyle song? I'd love to hear which hidden gems still make your playlist.

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

 

There are certain songs that instantly transport you back to a specific time and place. For me, one of those songs is The Doobie Brothers' "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."

90s Nostalgia: Glenn Medeiros - 'All I'm Missing Is You'

 

Taking it back to 1990 with Glenn Medeiros' "All I'm Missing Is You," his smooth duet with Ray Parker Jr. If you were a fan of late-'80s and early-'90s pop, this song was one of those underrated gems that deserved a lot more love. The melody was pure radio gold, and Glenn's unmistakable voice made every ballad feel heartfelt and sincere.

What always fascinated me about Glenn is that he wasn't a typical pop star. Born and raised in Hawaii, he first captured attention as a teenager after winning a local talent competition with "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You." That Hawaiian kid with the big voice went on to become an international sensation, scoring hits around the world and even landing a No. 1 hit with Bobby Brown on "She Ain't Worth It."

But unlike many artists who spend their lives chasing the spotlight, Glenn followed a different path. After his music career slowed down, he pursued his longtime dream of becoming an educator. He earned advanced degrees in education and eventually became a school administrator in Hawaii, later serving as president and head of Honolulu's Saint Louis School.

I love stories like this. Glenn achieved international fame, sold millions of records, toured the world, and then found fulfillment helping students succeed. That's a pretty incredible second act.

So today I'm spinning "All I'm Missing Is You" and remembering a time when heartfelt pop ballads ruled the airwaves. Anyone else have this one on repeat back in the day?

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

 

Can you believe that Stacey Q's "Two of Hearts" is turning 40? Four decades later, that infectious dance-pop anthem still has the power to transport me right back to the mid-'80s.

Released in 1986, "Two of Hearts" became one of those songs that seemed to be everywhere. Whether you heard it blasting from a mall record store, a roller skating rink, the radio, or MTV, it was impossible to escape that catchy chorus. And honestly, why would you want to? The song perfectly captured the colorful, energetic spirit of the decade. Even today, the second those synths kick in, I'm ready to dance.

Stacey Q had such a unique presence. She wasn't trying to be anyone else. With her platinum blonde hair, quirky style, and undeniable charisma, she stood out in a sea of pop stars. While "Two of Hearts" remains her signature hit, she gave us one of the most memorable dance tracks of the era and secured her place in '80s pop culture history.

Of course, my appreciation for Stacey Q goes beyond her music. As a kid, I absolutely loved the short-lived sitcom Double Trouble, which starred twins Liz and Jean Sagal. Stacey Q joined the cast during the show's second season, and I thought she fit right in with the show's fun, offbeat vibe. The series didn't last long, but it remains one of those forgotten '80s gems that still brings back great memories whenever I think about it.

Forty years later, "Two of Hearts" remains a staple at retro dance nights, freestyle events, and '80s-themed playlists. That's the mark of a truly timeless pop song. It may have been born in the neon decade, but its appeal has never faded.

Happy 40th anniversary to "Two of Hearts," a song that continues to make hearts beat just a little faster every time it plays.