Daily Boom 90's Nostalgia: Cause & Effect - 'You Think You Know Her'

"Like children
Rarely seen and never heard
Emotion
Bare your soul you'll never learn
But don't ask why
And you won't get lied to
Speak to her softly
It's something you get used to
You think you know her
But you never really lived a life without her"

The 80's might have been the start of the synth-pop boom but the genre of music continued to expand even into the 90's. I vaguely remember a group named Cause & Effect coming along and reminding me of all the reasons why I loved groups like New Order. Cause & Effect had a very similar sound but the vibe was a bit more progressive. "You Think You Know Her" heated up the dance floors in 1990 and while it only climbed to number 38 on Billboard's club charts I always thought that it had a really great sound. This is no doubt kind of a lost hit and I'm curious just how many of you will remember it.

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Shannon- 'Let the Music Play'

"So we started dancing

And love put us into the groove

As soon as we started to move

As soon as we started to move

Love said

Let the music play

He won't get away

Just keep the groove

And then he'll come back to you again

(Let it play)"

I was always a disco kid. My first 45 single was Disco Duck, followed by Chic's "Le Freak" and Regina Ward's "Ring My Bell".  My dad would let me choose the last song that he played on his stereo every night and for years it was disco, until Pat Benatar came along, anyway.  Disco died a pretty fast death but in 1983 along came Shannon to remind us all that dance music was still cool. 

"Let the Music Play" has the coolest syth and drum machine beat and it drives the song all the way through. Decades later, this is considered one of the first freestyle songs ever made. What I know for sure is that when it comes on now, 32-years after first hitting the charts, everyone still gets up to dance. It's legendary.

As for Shannon, well, she's still out there doing her thing. She is still performing those songs that made her a household name and a whole new generation of freestyle fans have embraced her. More often than not Shannon is seen performing in a Freestyle Explosion show that features a whole roster of popular 80's acts like Expose`, The Cover Girls, Nu Shooz and more. 

Check out "Let the Music Play" the video that launched Shannon's career:

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam -'All Cried Out'

"Don't you know the heart will cause an inferno
Romance up in flames, why should I take the blame
You were the one who left me neglected [I'm so sorry]
Apology not accepted, add me to the broken hearts you collected

Ah, I gave you all of me [gave me all of you]
How was I to know you would weaken so easily
Ah, I don't what to do
I'm all cried out [I'm all] over you [I'm cried out too]"

I was a real sucker for a good tear-jerker break up song when I was a teenager and Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam's "All Cried Out" was really one of my favorites. I can't remember if I was actually going through a break up back when it was first playing on the radio every few hours but I know it was my go-to song if I needed to conjure up a few tears. It parked itself in the 8th spot on Billboard's Hot 100 and remains one of Lisa Lisa's best remembered tunes.

While Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam is no more you can still catch lead singer Lisa Velez often popping up on Freestyle Explosion tours across the U.S., performing the catalog of hits that made her so popular all of those years ago.

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 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?

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Robert Palmer - 'I Didn't Mean To Turn You On'

"Now I bring you home

You told me goodnight's not enough for you
I'm sorry, baby
I didn't mean to turn you on
No, I didn't mean to turn you on
You read me wrong
I wasn't trying to lead you on
Not like you think
I didn't mean to turn you on"

I think when most people think of Robert Palmer they almost immediately picture his "Addicted to Love" video, with him looking suave as several cloned women pretend to play instruments behind him. It's a visual that, even 30+ years after the release of his Riptide album, is still etched into pop culture's history. It's classic, timeless, and back then everyone absolutely loved Palmer. While I really liked "Addicted to Love", my favorite song off of the album is actually the single that followed it.

"I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" hit the charts in early 1986 and I loved it immediately. Instead of girls with slicked-back hair, this video featured women that looked like they were runway-ready and the song itself has always felt a bit tongue-in-cheek, especially with Palmer singing it. It fit his image back then and the extended dance mix can still crush a lot of other 12" tracks out there. 

Ironically, Palmer wasn't the only one to record "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On". Cherrelle did it first and Mariah Carey had a version decades later, but it's Palmer's that is the best known of all. 

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Kate Bush - 'Running Up That Hill'

You don't want to hurt me,
But see how deep the bullet lies.
Unaware I'm tearing you asunder.
Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts.

Is there so much hate for the ones we love?
Tell me, we both matter, don't we?
You, it's you and me.
It's you and me won't be unhappy.

I've always been a bit of a Kate Bush fan but I think my appreciation for her has definitely as I've gotten older. Back in 1985 her video for "Running Up That Hill" was in pretty heavy rotation on MTV and it featured Bush doing an interpretive dance to the haunting song. It was quirky and kind of unusual which helped to make the song memorable. Supposedly when it was first released record executives worried about how people would react to it. The original title was "Make A Deal With God" and they flipped it to "Running Up That Hill" to be safe.

The lyrics were what were in question and eventually Bush explained the song, proving there really was no reason for concern. The gist of "Running Up That Hill" is that relationships are hard and if men and women could make a deal with God to switch places even for a little while the result would be pretty enlightening. That notion still holds true now, more than thirty years later!

90's Nostalgia: Everything But The Girl - 'Missing'

I step off the train

I'm walking down your street again

And past your door, but you don't live there anymore

It's years since you've been there

Now you've disappeared somewhere, like outer space

You've found some better place

And I miss you like the deserts miss the rain.

"Missing". the dance song from 1994 by Everything But The Girl technically classifies as a one-hit-wonder for most people, in spite of the group being around for more than 30 years. This is one of those songs that remains pretty timeless for multiple reasons. First off the sound isn't the least bit dated or obvious and then there are those lyrics, ones that surely resonate with anyone who has ever had a significant other for even an hour.

We all know what it's like after a breakup when all of those familiar haunts no longer have any meaning. Who hasn't done the random drive by just to see, well, what are we actually looking for in those moments? A familiar face? Proof that everything is different now? Closure?

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Shannon- 'Let the Music Play'

"So we started dancing

And love put us into the groove

As soon as we started to move

As soon as we started to move

Love said

Let the music play

He won't get away

Just keep the groove

And then he'll come back to you again

(Let it play)"

I was always a disco kid. My first 45 single was Disco Duck, followed by Chic's "Le Freak" and Regina Ward's "Ring My Bell".  My dad would let me choose the last song that he played on his stereo every night and for years it was disco, until Pat Benatar came along, anyway.  Disco died a pretty fast death but in 1983 along came Shannon to remind us all that dance music was still cool. 

"Let the Music Play" has the coolest syth and drum machine beat and it drives the song all the way through. Decades later, this is considered one of the first freestyle songs ever made. What I know for sure is that when it comes on now, 38-years after first hitting the charts, everyone still gets up to dance. It's legendary.

As for Shannon, well, she's still out there doing her thing. She is still performing those songs that made her a household name and a whole new generation of freestyle fans have embraced her. More often than not Shannon is seen performing in a Freestyle Explosion show that features a whole roster of popular 80's acts like Expose`, The Cover Girls, Nu Shooz and more. 

Check out "Let the Music Play" the video that launched Shannon's career:

Daily Boom 70's Throwback: Evelyn Champagne King- 'Shame'

"Shame, ooh
My mother says you're playing a game
And what you do to me is a
Shame
Ooh, gonna love you just the same
Mama just don't understand
Wrapped in your arms
Is where I want to be
I want to be, want to be
Wrapped in your arms
That's my high, my high
I can't get enough, ooh baby
Enough of that magic touch
Love is in my heart
Tearing the rules apart
So, why should I be ashamed"

I make absolutely no apologies for my to-this-day love of disco. The very first 45's that I bought with my own money were Chic's "Le Freak" and Anita Ward's "Ring My Bell"- and I still love them both. I also love how when a classic disco song comes on now and everyone floods the dance floor. The appeal is still there. Evelyn Champagne King's "Shame" is a perfect example of this phenomenon. It's just a great song with a great beat and when you throw in a bit of a cautionary lyrical tale, well you've struck 40 years worth of musical gold. 

Click play below and I dare you to try and stay still. You can't do it either, can you?

Daily Boom Lost Hit: Information Society- 'Think'

Daily Boom: 90's Nostalgia: Pebbles - 'Giving You The Benefit'

"Baby how could you be hangin' out on a diamond queen
Ain't you missin' me poor little me
When you knew all the time that you could have been
With your homegirl lovin' and a
Kissin' on sweet little me

Don't you know if you want to be a man you
Gotta work real hard
If you want to make me feel like I'm your number one then
Nothin' in the world should make us part
'Cause we can make it work if you
Take it with the hurt from the heart."

Long before Pebbles was linked to the girl group that she created, TLC, she could be found burning up the charts herself. In 1990 she released her second album, Always, which was completely produced by Babyface and then-husband L.A. Reid. The result was some literal New Jack Swing magic. "Giving You the Benefit" was the lead single off of the album and it landed in the top ten on Billboard's Hot 100. 

This song was straight dancefloor fire when it was first released and it's one of those that still gets people moving. This queen had a way of throwing down female anthems that we were all able to sing along to with a nice bit of attitude. Pebbles, the artist hasn't made an album in a while, but Sister Perri can be found on social media promoting all things peaceful and godly.

But let's revisit this fantastic song. Oh and another thing, this video is for me, one of the very best of the 90's. Check it out.

Daily Boom Lost Hit: Irene Cara- 'Breakdance'

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Kate Bush - 'Running Up That Hill'

You don't want to hurt me,
But see how deep the bullet lies.
Unaware I'm tearing you asunder.
Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts.

Is there so much hate for the ones we love?
Tell me, we both matter, don't we?
You, it's you and me.
It's you and me won't be unhappy.

I've always been a bit of a Kate Bush fan but I think my appreciation for her has definitely as I've gotten older. Back in 1985 her video for "Running Up That Hill" was in pretty heavy rotation on MTV and it featured Bush doing an interpretive dance to the haunting song. It was quirky and kind of unusual which helped to make the song memorable. Supposedly when it was first released record executives worried about how people would react to it. The original title was "Make A Deal With God" and they flipped it to "Running Up That Hill" to be safe.

The lyrics were what were in question and eventually Bush explained the song, proving there really was no reason for concern. The gist of "Running Up That Hill" is that relationships are hard and if men and women could make a deal with God to switch places even for a little while the result would be pretty enlightening. That notion still holds true now, more than thirty years later!

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Pointer Sisters - 'I'm So Excited'

"We shouldn't even think about tomorrow
Sweet memories will last a long, long time
We'll have a good time baby don't you worry
And if we're still playin' around
Boy that's just fine
Let's get excited
We just can't hide it
No, no, no
I'm about to lose control and I think I like it"

I think that the 80's was truly a decade that celebrated girl groups. Think about it- The Bangles, The Go-Go's, Expose, Sweet Sensation, The Cover Girls... the list is endless. Perhaps one of the most popular came in the early part of the decade. I'm talking about The Pointer Sisters, of course. They got there start way back in 1969 and actually were successful COUNTRY artists before switching things up.

By the late 70's the ladies had jumped onto the disco bandwagon. Dance mixes seemed like a much better fit and throughout the mid-80's The Pointer Sisters enjoyed great success. "I'm So Excited" was really a breakout hit for them. It was first released in 1982 and did well, landing at number 30 on Billboard's Hot 100. It was rereleased in 1984 and became a top ten hit with loads of radio and video play. 

"I'm So Excited" seems like a great way to kick off the week so let's do it. Check out the  video below.

Currently Booming: Studio 54 | Behind The Scenes Documentary

Daily Boom Lost Hit: Digital Underground - 'Kiss You Back'

Daily Boom 80's Throwback: Kate Bush - 'Running Up That Hill'

You don't want to hurt me,
But see how deep the bullet lies.
Unaware I'm tearing you asunder.
Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts.

Is there so much hate for the ones we love?
Tell me, we both matter, don't we?
You, it's you and me.
It's you and me won't be unhappy.

I've always been a bit of a Kate Bush fan but I think my appreciation for her has definitely as I've gotten older. Back in 1985 her video for "Running Up That Hill" was in pretty heavy rotation on MTV and it featured Bush doing an interpretive dance to the haunting song. It was quirky and kind of unusual which helped to make the song memorable. Supposedly when it was first released record executives worried about how people would react to it. The original title was "Make A Deal With God" and they flipped it to "Running Up That Hill" to be safe.

The lyrics were what were in question and eventually Bush explained the song, proving there really was no reason for concern. The gist of "Running Up That Hill" is that relationships are hard and if men and women could make a deal with God to switch places even for a little while the result would be pretty enlightening. That notion still holds true now, more than thirty years later!

Daily Boom 90's Nostalgia: Londonbeat- 'I've Been Thinking About You'

We must have been stone crazy when we thought we were just friends

'Cause I miss you, baby, and I've got those feelings again.

I guess I'm all confused about you.

I feel so in love, oh, baby, what can I do?

I've been thinking about you, I've been thinking about you.

I've been thinking about you, I've been thinking about you.

Shi-pow-pow!

Do you guys want to feel really old? Remember Londonbeat's one-hit-wonder "I've Been Thinking About You"? Sure you do and if you're blanking on the song click play below and you're likely to remember it after just a few notes. Anyway, "I've Been Thinking About You" hit number one on Billboard's charts 30 years ago.

Thirty years ago.

This song was huge and it really does stand the test of time doesn't it? Most 90's dance songs are either obvious house hits or else they have a new jack swing vibe. Londonbeat could have released this just last month exactly as is and it would still get a lot of radio play. It's just a great dance track, one that is a perfect way to start your Tuesday morning!

Daily Boom Lost Hit: Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam - 'Let The Beat Hit 'Em'