80's Hit Song Review: "Spirit in the Sky" by Doctor and the Medics (1986)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 69 (No. 1 hit in their native U.K.)

Backstory: This British glam rock and slightly New Wavish band was formed in 1981 by Clive Jackson A.K.A. The Doctor. This cover version of Norman Greenbaum's 1969 classic was their one and only ever U.S. hit. The video got a fair amount of airplay on MTV. Oddly, despite being a huge No. 1 success in their native U.K., it stalled at just No. 69 here in the States (though it also got to as high as No. 27 on the Hot Dance Club Play Charts). They would have a couple more U.K. hit singles, including, "Burn", and oddly enough, a cover of ABBA's, "Waterloo". They still occasionally perform around the U.K. to this day and even released a couple of more unsuccessful albums.

The review: Honestly, I have always loved their version of Greenbaum's classic. Why it stalled so early in the U.S., I'll never know. It's catchy, fun, and very well produced.

Final rating: 9/10