[Hits for the Spring Equinox 1987] -- Well, it took us over a month, but we finally see a top three from the Billboard Hot 100 that actually looks and sounds like the 80s. Of course, we're looking at February 1987, so we're much more likely to have music that has what we've come to regard as iconic 80s elements. Also, in the interest of accuracy and full disclosure, the previous week's top three (2/14/1987) was just as representative of 80s music conquering the charts, but I chose instead to feature that great album from XTC. But to see what three tracks dominated the Hot 100 this week in 1987, read and hear more after the break.
Flashback #1: "Take me as I am | Put your hand in mine | Now and forever."
Our first Flashback this week -- "Will You Still Love Me?" -- comes from Chicago 18. Chicago 18 was, strangely enough, the fifteenth studio album by Chicago. They released it on September 29, 1986, and it was the first album without cofounding member Peter Cetera, who had left the band after Chicago 17 (1984) to pursue his fortunes as a solo artist. Jason Scheff was brought in to hit the high notes that were Cetera's hallmark. Scheff's vocals and (producer) David Foster's magic are likely reasons that our first Flashback of the day reached a peak position of #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was in this very week back in 1987 that the tune leaped from #6 to #3. It would also go on to reach #2 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
Flashback #2: "I got a little change in my pocket going ching-a-ling-a-ling."
Somehow keeping one chart position ahead of Chicago, The Georgia Satellites jumped from #5 to #2 with their debut single, "Keep Your Hands to Yourself," off their eponymous debut album. Stephen Thomas Erlewine (senior editor for Allmusic.com) wrote that the song "rocked as hard as an old Chuck Berry song, as well as being almost as clever." That's really all that needs be said, I would think.
Flashback #3: "We've gotta hold on to what we've got. | It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not."
Which brings us to our final Flashback and this weeks #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1987. Bon Jovi was living large with their third studio album, Slippery When Wet (August 1986). It was pretty much an instant commercial success getting Gold, Platinum, and Diamond certifications all over the globe. It also spawned four hit singles which are among the band's most identifiable songs (as well as being concert favorites). Our final Flashback is Slippery When Wet's second single, "Livin' on a Prayer." It was released on October 31, 1986, spent 21 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and reached the #1 position on 2/14/1987. This week was its second of four consecutive weeks in that top position. It also peaked at #1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. And while this song has racked up accolades and sales numbers, it also has received the ire and scorn of nearly every new wave fan on the planet.
Once again, I remind you that the rule of three applies when doing Flashbacks. As I've made my three offerings, that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the archives. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.
And if you are on Twitter, and feel so inclined, please +K my influence in Music on @klout.
I'll see you in seven!
And if you are on Twitter, and feel so inclined, please +K my influence in Music on @klout.
I'll see you in seven!
No comments:
Post a Comment