80's Hit Song Review: "What If (I Said I Love You)" by Unipop (1982)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 71 (Released in very late '82, didn't peak until in early '83)

Backstory:Italian-American singer and pianist Manny Loiacano grew up in the New York during the 50's and 60's, and in his early 20's until late 20's he performed in many shows around New York under the name of Rick Daniels. He was even popular enough to make a couple of appearances on the Tonight Show. After marrying his wife, Phyllis, who was a teacher at the time, both of them moved down to Atlanta and began to write and perform their own music. It was there when they got the attention of Bertie Higgins, best known for his No. 8 1982 hit, "Key Largo." It also attracted the attention of Kat Family Records, Higgins's short lived record label. With help from Higgins's main record producer, Sonny Limbo, they recorded their first and only ever album, Unilove. This first single was a minor success, but other singles sadly failed to chart and their Unipop days were over. Loiacano and his wife resumed life in Atlanta and started a family, who all enjoy good music, pianos, and Italian cuisine. Manny and his wife now own Roswell Piano Tuning By Ear, which is still up and running to this day. You should check out their website, and in fact, Loiacano even had a few famous people and musicians drop by there!

The review: Some people may think that I'm overrating this song, but I have personally always absolutely LOVED this 50's doo-wop style throwback song. But what definitely makes it unique is the multi-tracking slightly high pitched vocal style. With saxophones and a sweet piano, this tune is a winner in my book! But what's sad is the fact that only THREE full uploads of this song to this day even exist on YouTube! Such a great little nostalgic sounding tune.

Final rating: 10/10