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