Looking at those pictures, whodda thunk Paul Young would have been the hottest UK import in the 80s? But the moment his music touched our shores, the hearts of little New Wave boys and girls went aflutter. The first time I remember hearing his music was with the 1983 release, Come Back And Stay. #22 on the US Billboard Hot 100 from the album No Parlez. I think it is still my favorite of all his songs.
Things really started to break big for him with the 1985 release of Everytime You Go Away. It was #1 on the Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts. It was off The Secret of Association album. The song was written by Daryl Hall of the great duo, Hall and Oates. The stars all aligned, and produced a hit for the perfect combination of great song and strong voice.
I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down reached #13 on the Hot 100. It was also from the The Secret of Association album. The song, written by Earl Randle and recorded in 1974 by Ann Peebles. The song made it to #31 on the Billboard R&B chart, but did not make any noise on the Pop chart. The little-known song was covered by Young, and became a hit.
Young had more hits in the 90s, which I will discuss sometime next week. For more information about Paul Young, check in with his official website here. Listen to his music, as it was most definitely part of the sound of the 80s.
When he came out in 1982/83 he was the hottest thing in the UK before crossing the Atlantic. No Parlez is a great album -Love of the Common People and Wherever I Lay My Hat are good tracks as well. His other 80's stuff was good but a bit poppy! But still is is one of the classic new romantics of the new wave movement.
ReplyDeleteIn my countdown of the Top New Wave acts he was #41!
SteveA, Agreed. It is funny, but I've always thought how hot he was, and then looking at these pictures made me giggle just a bit... But the music was pretty good. The voice was always excellent!
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