70's Hit Song Review: "Future Shock" by Hello People (1974)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 71 (although released in '74, didn't peak until in January of '75)

Backstory: Before Kiss existed, this unique rock group consisting of all members who wore mime makeup was formed in the late 60's. Other songs by them include 1969's "Anthem" and "As I Went Down to Jerusalem". This song, their only ever Hot 100 chart entry, was from their album The Handsome Devils which was produced by Todd Rundgren, who as a matter of fact, used the Hello People as a backup band on tours in concert. The album cover is something you DEFINITELY need to see for yourself, looking like Pennywise screaming with a black afro. LOL

Review: This is a pretty unique and slightly ahead of it's time psychedelic rock style song with solid and unique male vocals and lyrics. Sound effects like an electronic wiggly wire are used towards the end of the song on the album version. It's a bummer that they hardly had any success at all. The video above was made by me. (of course I own the album, LOL) Should've been a Top 40 hit.

Final rating:8/10

And as always, don't forget to comment down your opinion on this tune below.

80's Hit Song Review: "Rain in May" by Max Werner (1981)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 74

Backstory: Dutch musician and singer Max Werner was a member of the group Kayak who had a couple of minor modest hits here in the States. In 1981, he split from the rest of the group to go onto a solo career, while the rest of the band reformed as Diesel and released "Sausalito Summernight" (No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100) during the same year. This minor hit, released on the now defunct Radio Records, was Werner's only ever U.S. hit. The song, however, was a pretty huge hit in other Europeans countries.

Review: This is a great and slightly different New Wave/ art rock style tune in the same stylings of Phil Collins, Marillion, and Peter Gabriel. In fact, Werner even SOUNDS like Gabriel. I wouldn't peg it for a Top 10 hit, but it should've done much better, at least getting a Top 40 showing.

Final rating:8/10

And don't forget to comment down your opinion on it below.

80's Hit Song Review: "Minimum Love" by Mac McAnally (1983)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 41

Review: Soft rock and country musician and singer songwriter McAnally had his 2nd and final Hot 100 chart entry with this forgotten tune that barely missed making the Top 40. I love this tune. It's soft and relaxing and has a great chorus and slow soft rock sound to it.

Final Rating:9/10

And as always, don't forget to comment down your opinion on it below.

The Brilliant Hipster White Teenage Actor, Wyatt Oleff

Like a cross between Beck and Michael Cera, 15 year old actor Wyatt Oleff, a Chicago native is completely unique and cool. He has the coolness and good looks of Beck, with the geekiness of Michael Cera (or Sam Weir from Freaks and Geeks.)

Watch the video above to check out how this star of the hit 2017 horror remake, IT, is a completely brilliant yet handsome and charming young dork. In fact, Finn Wolfhard, Jaeden Lieberher, and the rest of the IT cast are cool people. And little 9 year old Jackson Robert Scott is absolutely adorable.

And Joe Blevins,you'll be glad to know about this teen, hopefully.

80's Hit Song Review: "Maybe This Day" by Kissing the Pink (1983)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 87

Backstory: The London based experimental and highly unique New Wave group Kissing the Pink released their debut album, Naked, in 1983 which included their first U.S. hit, this tune called "Maybe This Day". Despite being much more successful in their native U.K. than in the U.S., this song wasn't a big hit in the U.K. either, peaking at just No. 83. They would later release some more albums, such as 1986's Certain Things Are Likely.

Review: Oh man, do I absolutely LOVE this song! The slightly dark tones, electronic, moody synths, and guitars and saxophone solo towards the end which all come together are completely brilliant. This song sounds like it belongs in an episode of Stranger Things or Twin Peaks or in a bizarre science fiction, horror, or romantic comedy movie. I'm REALLY surprised that no music video was ever made for this brilliant New Wave masterpiece. I own the album and the video above was filmed by me and posted on my channel. The lead singer's voice is also smooth and slightly attractive in that 80's sort of way. Yet another overlooked 80's minor hit. (Side note: This song includes the minor line: "Over the Garden Wall..." Did Cartoon Network get inspired by that in a way? LOL)

Final Rating:10/10

And don't forget to comment down your opinion on it below.

80's Hit Song Review: "Don't Do Me" by Randy Bell (1984)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 90

Backstory: Denver, Colorado native Randy Bell was born in 1959 or 1960 (he was 24 in 1984) and started writing songs in his parents' basement as a teenager. After moving out he won a talent show music contest and wrote this song which was his one and ONLY ever single. No album and no follow ups. Nowadays, Bell still lives in Denver and is a real estate agent.

The Review: This song is cheesy in all of the right ways. An over the top fake European accent that doesn't go too far, New Wave style synths, and awesome guitars make this tune yet another overlooked minor Hot 100 blip from the 80's. (Side note: Doesn't Bell look like a rejected Cobra Kai member on the single cover? LOL)

Final Rating:8/10

And as always, don't forget to comment down your opinion on this tune.

80's Hit Song Review: "You Don't Want Me Anymore" by Steel Breeze (1982)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 16

Review: This is a solid power pop/pop rock tune that despite being a Top 20 hit, is now somewhat forgotten. Catchy keyboards, solid male vocals, and a fun beat make this fine and decent listen.

Final Rating:8/10

And as always, don't forget to comment down your opinion on it.