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.

Freestyle Friday Throwback: Exposé - 'Exposed To Love'

 

Happy Freestyle Friday!

If you grew up in the '80s like I did, chances are Exposé was a huge part of your soundtrack. This week, I'm throwing it back to one of my favorite tracks from the group's debut album, Exposure, "Exposed to Love."

Before the song climbed the charts in 1987, Exposé had already started making waves with hits like "Point of No Return" and "Come Go with Me." But there was something about "Exposed to Love" that perfectly captured everything that made the group special. The infectious beat, soaring harmonies, and that unmistakable Miami freestyle sound made it impossible not to turn the volume up.

What I always loved about Exposé was that they weren't just another girl group. Jeanette Jurado, Ann Curless, and Gioia Bruno brought powerful vocals and genuine personality to every song they recorded. Their music was danceable, emotional, and endlessly fun. Whether you were hearing them at a club, on the radio, or blasting from a friend's cassette deck, Exposé always delivered.

Their debut album, Exposure, was a massive success and became one of the defining freestyle albums of the decade. It spawned multiple Top 10 hits and helped bring freestyle music into the mainstream at a time when the genre was exploding in popularity. Even today, songs from that album instantly transport me back to cruising around town, hanging out with friends, and living for the weekend.

One of the best things about Exposé is that they never truly disappeared. While many acts from the freestyle era faded away, Exposé continues to perform and connect with fans who have loved their music for decades. If you've never seen them live, you're in luck. They still appear at Freestyle Explosion shows and other retro concert events across the country, bringing all those classic hits back to life for audiences who know every word.

And honestly? That's the magic of great music. Nearly 40 years later, songs like "Exposed to Love" still make people smile, dance, and remember exactly where they were when they first heard them.

So for this Freestyle Friday, crank up "Exposed to Love," sing along, and celebrate one of the greatest girl groups ever to come out of the freestyle era.

80s Throwback: Skid Row - 'Youth Gone Wild'

 

The first time I saw Skid Row perform live was at a skating rink in the late '80s. Yes, a skating rink. Looking back, it seems like such an unlikely place for a hard-rock band that would soon become one of the biggest names of the hair metal era, but that's part of what makes the memory so special. The place was packed with excited fans, the energy was off the charts, and from the moment the band hit the stage, you could feel that they were destined for bigger things.

And then they launched into "Youth Gone Wild."

What made the song stand out wasn't just the big guitars or the rebellious attitude. Plenty of bands were doing that at the time. Skid Row brought a rawness and authenticity that connected with young fans. The song felt like an anthem for anyone who ever felt misunderstood, underestimated, or ready to break free from expectations. It wasn't polished perfection—it was loud, scrappy, and full of attitude.

Of course, a huge part of that appeal was Sebastian Bach. His voice was absolutely massive, soaring over the band's crunching guitars while still sounding dangerous and unpredictable. He had the charisma of a rock star and the vocal chops to back it up. Watching him command a stage back then, it was impossible to imagine him doing anything else.

Which is why it was so fascinating years later when he took his talents to Broadway. Not every rock singer can make that transition successfully, but Bach proved he had the range and presence to thrive in musical theater before eventually returning to his rock roots. It's a testament to just how talented he really is.

But whenever I think of Sebastian Bach, I still picture that young frontman tearing through "Youth Gone Wild" in front of a crowd that was ready to explode.

More than 35 years later, the song still holds up. It's a perfect snapshot of late-'80s rock, full of energy, rebellion, and youthful confidence. Every time it comes on, I'm right back at that skating rink, surrounded by fellow rock fans, singing along at the top of my lungs and having an absolute blast.

Some songs age. "Youth Gone Wild" remains forever young.

80s Throwback: Spandau Ballet - 'Only When You Leave'

 

There are certain songs that instantly transport me back to being a teenage girl in the 1980s, and Spandau Ballet's "Only When You Leave" is at the top of that list.

Released in 1984, the song felt different from so much of what was on the radio at the time. While American pop was dominated by big hooks and flashy production, "Only When You Leave" had that unmistakable British sophistication. It was emotional without being over-the-top, stylish without trying too hard, and carried a sense of longing that spoke directly to my teenage heart.

Back then, I was completely fascinated by British music. Long before anyone was using the term Britpop, I was obsessed with the incredible wave of bands coming out of the UK. There was something about their sound, their fashion, and even their attitude that seemed far more interesting than anything else. Spandau Ballet was one of those groups that embodied everything I loved about that era.

"Only When You Leave" opens with one of the most recognizable horn lines of the decade, instantly pulling you in before Tony Hadley's powerful vocals take over. The song tells the story of realizing someone's importance only after they're gone, a feeling that seemed incredibly dramatic and relatable when you're a teenager. Every crush, every friendship, every disappointment somehow felt larger than life when this song played through my bedroom speakers.

Of course, it didn't hurt that the members of Spandau Ballet were incredibly easy on the eyes. Like many teen girls in the 80s, I had my fair share of posters on the wall and spent hours watching music videos on MTV whenever I could. But beyond the good looks was a band with genuine musical talent and a sound that has aged remarkably well.

More than 40 years later, "Only When You Leave" still holds up. Hearing it today brings back memories of cassette tapes, magazine clippings, and afternoons spent dreaming about someday visiting London. It's a reminder of a time when discovering a favorite song felt like uncovering a secret treasure.

Some songs become hits. Others become time machines. For me, "Only When You Leave" will always be both.

90s Nostalgia: Alice In Chains - 'Would?'

Back in 1992, alternative rock was exploding, but even in a sea of incredible new music, Alice In Chains' "Would?" sounded like it came from another planet.

I still remember hearing it on underground and college radio for the first time. The song didn't sound like the glam metal that had dominated the late '80s, and it wasn't quite like the punk-inspired grunge that was beginning to break through either. It was darker, heavier, more haunting. There was something hypnotic about it that immediately grabbed your attention.

The opening bass line from Mike Starr pulled you in before Layne Staley delivered one of the most distinctive vocal performances of the era. His voice carried pain, defiance, vulnerability, and power all at the same time. Then came those incredible harmonies with Jerry Cantrell, creating a sound that was unmistakably Alice In Chains.

"Would?" first appeared on the soundtrack to the film Singles before becoming one of the standout tracks on the band's breakthrough album Dirt. The song was written by Cantrell as a tribute to his friend Andrew Wood, who passed away in 1990, and that emotional weight can be felt throughout every note.

What made "Would?" so special was that it refused to fit neatly into any category. It had metal riffs, alternative rock attitude, and an almost psychedelic atmosphere. The quiet verses and explosive chorus created tension that kept listeners hanging on every word. It was heavy without being over-the-top and emotional without feeling sentimental.

More than three decades later, the song remains one of the defining tracks of the Seattle movement and one of the greatest songs of the 1990s. It still sounds fresh, still sounds powerful, and still gives me chills when that bass line kicks in.

For those of us who discovered it on underground radio in 1992, "Would?" wasn't just another song. It was a signal that rock music was changing, and Alice In Chains were leading the charge into something entirely new.

70s Throwback: Player - 'Baby Come Back'

There are yacht rock songs, and then there are yacht rock songs. Player's "Baby Come Back" firmly falls into the second category.

Released in 1977, "Baby Come Back" is one of those tracks that somehow manages to sound both heartbreakingly sincere and impossibly smooth at the same time. The second those opening notes hit, I'm transported to a world of sunset cruises, mirrored sunglasses, and the kind of soft rock perfection that yacht rock fans live for.

What makes the song so special is its simplicity. It's a guy admitting he made a mistake and wants another chance. That's it. No complicated metaphors. No over-the-top drama. Just pure regret wrapped up in one of the catchiest melodies ever recorded. The chorus is so infectious that even people who swear they don't know the song somehow end up singing along by the second "Baby come back..."

Player consisted of Peter Beckett, J.C. Crowley, John Friesen, and guitarist Ronn Moss, and together they created one of the defining hits of the late '70s. The harmonies are flawless, the production is silky smooth, and the song perfectly captures the laid-back sophistication that would later become synonymous with yacht rock.

Of course, for soap opera fans, Ronn Moss is a familiar face for a completely different reason. Long before social media turned actors into household names, Moss became a daytime television icon as Ridge Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful. He spent an incredible 25 years starring on the CBS soap, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in daytime television history. It's always fun to remind people that before all the fashion shows, love triangles, and Forrester family drama, he was helping create one of the greatest soft rock classics ever recorded.

Part of the magic of "Baby Come Back" is that it has never really gone away. The song continues to pop up in movies, television shows, commercials, and playlists dedicated to the golden age of soft rock. New generations discover it every year, and longtime fans never seem to get tired of hearing it.

Maybe that's because great songs don't age. They simply find new listeners.

For me, "Baby Come Back" remains one of the crown jewels of yacht rock, a perfect blend of smooth vocals, impeccable musicianship, and just enough heartbreak to make you hit repeat. If you're building the ultimate yacht rock playlist, this song isn't optional. It's required listening.

'Sex And The City' Premiered 28 Years Ago Today

 

Twenty-eight years ago today, Sex and the City premiered and changed television forever.

Back in 1998, I was firmly Team Carrie Bradshaw. As a writer navigating life, love, friendships, and career ambitions, Carrie felt like the character who understood me. Her endless observations, complicated relationships, and habit of turning life's chaos into stories felt very familiar.

But something funny happens as the years go by.

While I still see a little Carrie in myself, I've discovered pieces of all four women along the way.

I've come to appreciate Charlotte's deep love of family, tradition, and believing that happy endings are worth pursuing. I've definitely embraced Miranda's sharp wit, sarcasm, and ability to tell it like it is—even when people don't necessarily want to hear it. And Samantha? The older I get, the more I admire her unapologetic freedom. She lived life on her own terms, refused to let others define her, and never felt the need to explain herself.

Maybe that's one of the reasons Sex and the City has endured for nearly three decades. At different stages of life, we find ourselves relating to different characters. What felt relatable at 25 isn't always what resonates at 50.

The older I get, the more I realize that the goal isn't to be Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, or Samantha. It's to embrace the parts of ourselves that connect with each of them.

And honestly, that's a pretty fabulous lesson.

Who did you identify with when the show first aired, and has that changed over the years?

80s Throwback: Nayobe- 'Please Don't Go'

Friday has always felt exciting, right? It’s the beginning of the weekend. Back when we were kids, Friday meant freedom, cartoons, the mall, hanging out with friends, staying outside until the streetlights came on. Friday was the start of the party.

So to me, there’s nothing more perfect than Freestyle Friday here at DailyBOOM.

Back in the 1980s, Latin freestyle exploded out of New York City and spread through places like Miami and Philadelphia before catching fire across the country. But honestly, the East Coast will always feel like the true home of freestyle music.

One of the very first songs to really break through was Please Don't Go by Nayobe in 1984. It’s considered one of the songs that introduced Latin freestyle to a wider audience.

To me, Nayobe was the ultimate boardwalk artist. If you grew up on the East Coast and spent summers “down the shore” at the Jersey Shore, you know exactly what I mean. Music blasted from every little shop along the boardwalk, and in the summer of 1984, “Please Don’t Go” was everywhere. The beat, the energy, the feeling, it instantly made you want to dance.

So for this Freestyle Friday, we’re throwing it back to Nayobe. And if you don’t remember this one, turn it up loud, because you’re probably about to love it.

Daily Boom Lost Hit: Talk Talk- 'Living In Another World'

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: The System- 'Don't Disturb This Groove'

Pay attention, are you listening? You're my favorite girl
Excuse me for the moment, I'm in another world
On a mountain, by a fountain, flowers blooming everywhere
With Venus and cupid, the picture's very clear

It's strange how I can hear a song and easily remember the time of year that it first became popular. The summer of 1987 was loaded with great music and there was one little song that seemed to follow me everywhere that I went. The System's "Don't Disturb This Groove" eventually became know as the official song of that summer but that was after it followed me to the Jersey Shore, to Six Flags and it played in the background no matter what store I shopped in at the time. I affiliate "Don't Disturb This Groove" with car windows rolled down and sunshine. And maybe a bit of Sun In and my big boom box as well. 

I love when songs are kind of timeless in that you really can't tell by listening what era that are from. This is one of those so check it out below!

Daily Boom 90's Nostalgia: Lisa Fisher- 'How Can I Ease the Pain'

All alone, on my knees I pray

For the strength to stay away

In and out, out and in you go

I feel your fire

Then I lose my self control

How can I ease the pain

When I know your coming back again

And how can I ease the pain in my heart

I have to admit, I had completely forgotten about Lisa Fisher's "How Can I Ease The Pain" until MTV Classic played it's stunning video the other day. Whatever I was doing at the time, I stopped to watch every second of it. This is easily one of the very best ballads of the '90s. When it was released back in 1991 Fisher kind of skyrocketed to success. She was the IT girl and was expected to follow "How Can I Ease The Pain" with years of equally gut-wrenching ballads. Her Grammy win for the track only reinforced that notion.

So where has Fisher been for the last 25 years? The answer is everywhere. She has toured, dueted, and provided backing vocals for Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan... you get the idea. She also does tour on her own and sounds even better live. Few songs from the '90s connect with heartbreak quite like "How Can I Ease The Pain".