80's Hit Song Review: "Dancing in the Shadows" by After the Fire (1983)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 85

Backstory: This British progressive rock and New Wave band was formed in London in 1974. It wouldn't be until 5 years later in 1979 that they had their first hit single in the U.K., "One Rule For You" (No. 40). But in late '82, they had their first (and only) big U.S. hit single, a cover of Austrian singer Falco's, "Der Kommissar" (No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100). This following single, funny enough, was actually the b-side to "Der Kommissar", but according to some sources, Epic Records actually wanted to release a slightly re-edited version as their next single. Unfortunately, it only got to as high as No. 85, making it their last and only other Hot 100 chart entry. They split up that same year, but reformed in 2004 and kept performing live concerts around Europe until in 2013.

The review: Well, it sure looks like Epic Records (or the band themselves, more than likely) were VERY desperate for a second hit, so they were just lazy and decided to release the b-side for "Der Kommissar" as the next single in a slightly re-edited version. And I've got to say, this song (including the original version) is pretty gosh darn lousy. It lacks any real hook, and just sounds like a bad attempt at a David Bowie style tune. That being said, it's not absolutely terrible, just rather bleh and uninteresting.

Final rating: 4/10

80's Hit Song Review: "World Shut Your Mouth" by Julian Cope (1987)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 84

Backstory: Cope was a member of The Teardrop Explodes who had some success in their native U.K. until Cope went on his own solo career sometime around 1984. This single was his first and only song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts where it was only a minor hit, but it did make it as high as No. 22 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Charts and as high as No. 19 on the U.K. Singles Chart. Cope would go on to release much more music and singles after this, and still performs to this very day. Cope has also been interested in antiquarianism and cultural commentating.

The review: Oh man, is this song a BLAST! The cool bangin' guitars, Cope's solid vocal work, and nice drums, guitars solos, and occasional keyboard make this tune a huge winner in my book! Should've been a much bigger Hot 100 hit, dunno why it stalled rather low.

Final rating: 9/10

80's Hit Song Review: "My Girl (Gone, Gone, Gone)" by Chilliwack (1981)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 22

Backstory: This Canadian rock group from Vancouver was formed in 1970 and actually had a couple of minor blip hits on the Hot 100 before finally making it big in 1981. This following single was their biggest U.S. hit single and made it as high as No. 3 on the Canadian Singles Chart. They would have two other decent sized hits in the States before disbanding in 1988, although they later reformed in 1997 and still perform regularly in Canada to this very day.

The Review: This is a really great and catchy rock/ power pop tune with many great hooks and melodies. It's really well recorded and highly fun and catchy as well. Love this one!

Final rating: 9/10

80's Hit Song Review: "Walking Into Sunshine" by Central Line (1981)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 84

Backstory: This London based R&B group got signed to Mercury Records in 1981 and soon released their self titled debut album during the same year. Their only ever Hot 100 entry would be this tune, which stalled rather low on the actual Hot 100, but got to as high as No. 14 on the R&B Charts and as high as No. 5 on the Hot Dance Club Play Charts. It also got to as high as No. 42 in their native U.K. They would release two more albums, but due to the lack of success, they disbanded in 1984.

The Review: I've always really liked this catchy, positive, and upbeat sounding R&B tune with nice keyboards and vocals. Definitely a good tune for a hot summer day. Not sure why it stalled so low on the actual Hot 100 as it definitely deserved to be a much bigger hit.

Final rating: 8/10

80's Hit Song Review: "Blue Kiss" by Jane Wiedlin (1985)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 77

Backstory: Wiedlin broke up from the Go-Go's to go onto a solo career in '85 after the release of their Talk Show album. This was the one and only single released off of her debut self-titled solo album. It was only a minor success on the actual Hot 100, but made it as high as No. 30 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play charts. It was also a minor hit in Canada, peaking as high as No. 62 there. Wiedlin would release some more solo albums over the years, including 1988's Fur, which included the No. 9 single, "Rush Hour", which became her biggest hit single. Wiedlin still performs to this day by herself, and with The Go-Go's. Wiedlin resides in the Los Angeles area.

The review: This is a great, cutesy, sweet and nice sounding New Wave/ pop tune with a nice melody and great vocal work from Wiedlin. Love this one! Should've been a MUCH bigger hit.

Final rating: 9/10