BONNIE TYLER - TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART

Publicació: 11 de febrer de 1983 (Regne Unit), 12 de juny de 1983 (EUA)

Llistes: EUA: #1 (4 setmanes) Regne Unit: #1 (2 setmanes)

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" és el single principal del cinquè àlbum d'estudi de Bonnie Tyler, "Faster Than the Speed of Night". Va ser escrit i produït per Jim Steinman i enregistrat el 1982, llançat com a senzill per CBS/Columbia el 1983. La cançó es va convertir en el major èxit de la carrera de Tyler, arribant al número u a la llista UK Singles Chart i esdevenint el cinquè single més venut el 1983 al Regne Unit. Als Estats Units, el single va passar quatre setmanes al capdavant de les llistes i va ser la sisena cançó de l'any per Billboard el 1983. A més, va ser nominada al Premi Grammy a la Millor Actuació Vocal Pop Femenina.

Jim Steinman rarament donava explicacions explícites sobre les seves lletres, però va suggerir que "Total Eclipse of the Heart" va ser influïda per la pel·lícula de vampirs de 1922 "Nosferatu", una adaptació de la història de Dràcula. Aquest context aclareix els temes de l'amor, la foscor i el desig presents a la cançó. Les emocions de la cantant fluctuen entre la solitud, els nervis i la por, mentre anhela el seu amant i contempla unir-se a ell en una unió potencialment eterna. Quan finalment arriba, és com un eclipsi total del cor, simbolitzant l'inici d'un viatge atemporal junts.

Bonnie Tyler va quedar profundament impressionada per la interpretació de Meat Loaf de "Bat Out Of Hell" al programa de música de la BBC The Old Grey Whistle Test. Quan va signar amb Sony, va expressar el seu desig de treballar amb el compositor darrere dels èxits de Meat Loaf. Resulta que Jim Steinman, el cervell darrere les cançons de Meat Loaf, havia escrit "Total Eclipse of the Heart". Tot i que Meat Loaf inicialment va sentir que la cançó hauria de ser seva, Tyler va aclarir que Steinman havia començat a escriure-la per a ell, però finalment l'havia acabat per a ella. La pista també va comptar amb contribucions de músics notables, incloent-hi el bateria Max Weinberg i el teclista Roy Bittan de la banda E Street Band de Bruce Springsteen, així com el guitarrista Rick Derringer, conegut pel seu treball amb The McCoys.

El vídeo musical amb temàtica gòtica va ser conceptualitzat per Jim Steinman i va inspirar-se en la pel·lícula "Future World", una seqüela del thriller futurista "Westworld". Gravat a l'asil Holloway, el vídeo mostra Bonnie Tyler vestida totalment de blanc. Dirigit per Russell Mulcahy, conegut pel seu treball en vídeos d'Elton John, Billy Joel i Fleetwood Mac, el vídeo inclou una escena on un noi jove amb el pit nu llança una colom a la càmera, una idea proposada per Steinman. Aquesta escena va portar a una reacció exagerada de Tyler, ja que la va percebre com a inapropiada. Mulcahy va aclarir posteriorment que no hi havia cap intenció perversa darrere de la presa.

Quan "Total Eclipse of the Heart" va arribar al número u als Estats Units, Bonnie Tyler va aconseguir una fita significativa al ser la primera artista gal·lesa en encapçalar les llistes allà, superant fins i tot el seu compatriota Tom Jones, que mai no havia aconseguit fer-ho.

BONNIE TYLER - TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART

Released: February 11, 1983 (UK), June 12, 1983 (US)

Charted:  US: #1 (4 weeks)   UK: #1 (2 weeks)

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" is the lead single from Bonnie Tyler's fifth studio album, "Faster Than the Speed of Night". It was written and produced by Jim Steinman and recorded in 1982, released as a single by CBS/Columbia in 1983. The song became Tyler's biggest career hit, topping the UK Singles Chart and becoming the fifth-best-selling single in 1983 in the United Kingdom. In the United States, the single spent four weeks at the top of the charts and was Billboard's number-six song of the year for 1983. Additionally, the song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Jim Steinman rarely provided explicit explanations for his lyrics, but he did suggest that "Total Eclipse of the Heart" was influenced by the 1922 vampire film “Nosferatu”, an adaptation of the Dracula story. This context sheds light on the themes of love, darkness, and longing in the song. The singer's emotions fluctuate between loneliness, nervousness, and fear, as she yearns for her lover and contemplates joining him in a potentially eternal union. When he finally arrives, it's akin to a total eclipse of the heart, symbolizing the beginning of a timeless journey together.

Bonnie Tyler was deeply impressed by Meat Loaf's performance of "Bat Out Of Hell" on the BBC music series The Old Grey Whistle Test. When she signed with Sony, she expressed her desire to work with the songwriter behind Meat Loaf's hits. As it turned out, Jim Steinman, the mastermind behind Meat Loaf's songs, had written "Total Eclipse of the Heart." Although Meat Loaf initially felt the song should have been his, Tyler clarified that Steinman had started writing it for him but ultimately completed it for her. The track also featured contributions from notable musicians, including drummer Max Weinberg and keyboardist Roy Bittan from Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, as well as guitarist Rick Derringer, known for his work with The McCoys.

The gothic-themed music video for "Total Eclipse of the Heart" was conceptualized by Jim Steinman and drew inspiration from the film “Future World”, a sequel to the futuristic thriller “Westworld”. Filmed at Holloway Asylum, the video features Bonnie Tyler dressed entirely in white. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, known for his work on videos for Elton John, Billy Joel, and Fleetwood Mac, the video includes a scene where a shirtless young boy throws a dove into the camera, an idea proposed by Steinman. This scene led to Tyler's outburst, as she perceived it as inappropriate. Mulcahy later clarified that there was no perverse intention behind the shot.

When "Total Eclipse of the Heart" reached the number one spot in America, Bonnie Tyler achieved a significant milestone as the first Welsh artist to top the chart there, surpassing even her fellow countryman Tom Jones, who had never achieved that feat.

 

CHEAP TRICK - THE FLAME

Released: April 5, 1988

Charted:  US: #1 (2 weeks)  UK: #77 

"The Flame" is a power ballad released in 1988 by the American rock band Cheap Trick. It served as the lead single from their tenth album, "Lap of Luxury." The song, written by songwriters Bob Mitchell and Nick Graham, achieved considerable success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1988. This accomplishment marked Cheap Trick's only number one hit. Additionally, "The Flame" topped the charts in Australia and Canada.

"The Flame" is a departure from Cheap Trick's typical sound, showcasing a tender ballad style uncommon in their repertoire. Unlike many of their hits, this song was not written or co-written by their guitarist Rick Nielsen. In "The Flame," the singer expresses enduring love and commitment to a girl, symbolized by the eternal flame that represents his unwavering affection. 

Despite the band's initial reservations, they recorded "The Flame" with hopes of achieving commercial success. During the recording session, tensions ran high as some members expressed dislike for the song. Bun E. Carlos recalled the session, noting that Kim Bullard laid down a keyboard track accompanied by a drum machine, prompting mixed reactions from the band. Legend has it that after listening to the demo tape once, Rick Nielsen supposedly crushed the cassette under his boot, symbolically rejecting the song and its deviation from the Cheap Trick sound. Nielsen and Tom Peterson walked out of the room, expressing their disapproval, leaving Bun E. Carlos and Robin Zander to complete the recording of drums and vocals. Eventually, Nielsen and Peterson returned to contribute their parts to the song.

Directed by James Yukich, known for his work with Genesis and Phil Collins, the music video for "The Flame" marked Cheap Trick's debut in heavy rotation on MTV, thanks to the band's charismatic members and photogenic appeal. The video primarily features shots of the band performing the song on a soundstage. 

 

POISON - EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORN 

Released: October 12, 1988

Charted:  US: #1 (3 weeks)   UK: #13 

"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" is Poison's signature song, released in October 1988 as the third single from their album "Open Up and Say... Ahh!". It became the band's only number-one hit in the US, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 on December 24, 1988, where it remained for three weeks. Additionally, it charted at number 11 on the Mainstream Rock chart and peaked at number 13 in the UK.

Bret Michaels, the lead singer of Poison, wrote "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" as a response to a heartbreak he experienced with his girlfriend, Tracy Lewis. While on tour in Dallas, Texas, Michaels called Lewis at her Los Angeles apartment and heard a man's voice in the background, signaling infidelity. Distraught, Michaels took his acoustic guitar to a Laundromat the next day and penned the song right there. Michaels recalled the experience in a Rolling Stone interview, reminiscing about the yellow legal pad he used to write the song, filled with numerous verses that he later condensed.

Bret Michaels often finds inspiration for his songs during his lowest moments, and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" is a prime example. Reflecting on the song's genesis during an appearance on CMT Crossroads with Chris Janson, Michaels shared how his heartbreak over a failed relationship with an exotic dancer fueled the song's creation. In a VH1 Behind The Music special, Michaels delved into the metaphorical significance of the rose and thorn in the song, explaining that the rose symbolized his burgeoning career while the thorn represented the toll it took on his relationship with his girlfriend, Tracy.

The music video directed by Marty Callner, captures the poignant narrative of the song. It begins with a melancholic scene of Bret Michaels in bed with a woman, both appearing discontent. Michaels then retreats to play his acoustic guitar, interspersed with footage from the band's tour. Throughout the video, the same woman is depicted driving a Thunderbird in the rain, listening to the song on the car's radio. Filmed at the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and an adjacent empty warehouse, the video concludes with Michaels strumming the final chords of the song and walking away.

 KISS - BETH

Released: August 1976

Charted:  US: #7 

"Beth" is a song by Kiss released on their 1976 album “Destroyer”. The song stands out in the band's repertoire as a departure from their typical hard rock sound, showcasing drummer Peter Criss's emotive vocals and a more melodic, ballad-like style. Produced by Bob Ezrin and co-written with Stan Penridge, the song's heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners, propelling it to become Kiss's biggest commercial hit in the United States. Despite being initially released as the B-side, "Beth" gained significant popularity, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Gold Record certification from the RIAA. Its success was further underscored by winning the 1977 People's Choice Award for "Favorite Song."

"Beck," the precursor to "Beth," originated during Peter Criss's tenure with the band Chelsea, where he collaborated with guitarist Stan Penridge. Inspired by the constant interruptions from guitarist Mike Brand's wife, whose name was Becky, during band practices, Criss and Penridge crafted a humorous song called "Beck." The lyrics humorously addressed Becky's inquiries about when her husband would return home. After the dissolution of Chelsea, Peter Criss and Stan Penridge revisited the song when Criss joined Kiss in 1973. With the guidance of producer Bob Ezrin, they revamped the song, infusing it with a more sentimental tone and altering some of the lyrics. This early composition laid the groundwork for what would later evolve into the heartfelt ballad "Beth" by Kiss.

"Beth" emerged as an unexpected hit for Kiss, garnering more attention than its predecessors, "Shout It Out Loud" and "Flaming Youth." Originally released as the B-side to "Detroit Rock City," the ballad gained traction on radio stations, prompting the record company to promote it further. After about six weeks, the sides of the single were flipped, with "Beth" becoming the A-side. 

Unlike many Kiss tracks, Criss was the sole performer on this song, accompanied by Dick Wagner on acoustic guitar and an orchestra. Wagner, known for his work with Lou Reed and Alice Cooper, contributed to the recording but was not credited on the album. Live performances of "Beth" posed a challenge for Kiss, as they often required an orchestra. In the absence of live orchestration, Criss would perform the song with a recorded backing track.

The song "Beth" has been a point of contention between Peter Criss and Kiss frontman Paul Stanley. Despite being the co-writer and singer of Kiss's biggest hit, Criss's contribution to the song has been disputed by Stanley. According to Stanley, Stan Penridge wrote most of "Beth," with Criss contributing very little. This disagreement is just one aspect of the deeper rift between Criss and Stanley, which was evident when Kiss was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Stanley and Gene Simmons opted not to reunite with the original lineup and declined to perform at the ceremony, further highlighting the strained relationship within the band.

 

JOURNEY - OPEN ARMS

Released: January 8, 1982

Charted:  US: #2 

"Open Arms" is a power ballad by Journey, co-written by Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain. Released as a single from both the “Heavy Metal” soundtrack and their album "Escape" in 1981, the song resonates with its heartfelt lyrics aimed at rekindling a fading romance. It remains one of the band's most iconic hits, peaking at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1982, where it stayed for an impressive six weeks.

Jonathan Cain's melody for "Open Arms" initially faced skepticism from some members of Journey, with Neal Schon and Cain himself unsure about its potential. Cain had originally presented the melody to John Waite of the Babys, but it was rejected as "too syrupy." When Cain played it for Steve Perry, the reaction was immediate – Perry loved it and wanted to pursue it. Despite initial reservations from the band, "Open Arms" became a single and catapulted Journey to new heights of success. It not only became their highest-charting single but also played a significant role in popularizing the power ballad genre. 

Steve Perry expressed deep emotions while producing “Live in Houston 1981: The Escape Tour”, particularly when listening to the band perform "Open Arms." Reflecting on the performance from 24 years prior, Perry revealed that he struggled to contain his emotions during certain moments of the song. Specifically, he mentioned the line "wanting you near," which he envisioned as a soaring, heartfelt expression. Whenever this line played, Perry found himself overcome with pride for the song, needing to keep his head down and swallow the lump in his throat. 

In the VH1's Behind the Music episode featuring Journey, Steve Perry reminisced about the challenging recording sessions for "Open Arms." Perry recalled tension in the studio, with Neal Schon taunting him and Jonathan Cain during the process. When the band performed the song live for the first time during their Escape Tour in 1981, the audience's overwhelming response stunned Schon. After two encores, Schon admitted, "Man, that song really kicked ass!" Perry, feeling incensed by Schon's change of heart, later admitted to wanting to confront him, reflecting the complex dynamics within the band during that time.

HEART - ALONE

Released: May 15, 1987

Charted:  US: #1 (3 weeks)  UK: #3 

"Alone" is a song originally composed by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, who recorded it under the name i-Ten. Heart covered the song on their 1987 album Bad Animals, and their version achieved widespread success, reaching number one in both the US and Canada. Heart's rendition of the song is characterized by its powerful ballad style, featuring a piano-driven introduction and a subdued vocal delivery by Ann Wilson, leading into a synth-driven hard rock chorus. Tom Kelly, one of the song's coauthors and an experienced session singer, provided the high harmony vocals on the recording.

In "Alone," Heart lead singer Ann Wilson expresses her intense emotions for a guy, contemplating how to reveal her feelings to him. Alone in her dark room, she grapples with the daunting prospect of sharing her secret. The lyrics convey her internal struggle as she ponders how to convey her desire to be alone with him.

Billy Steinberg shared the backstory of "Alone," revealing that it was written before some of his other hits but released later. Alongside Tom Kelly, he formed the duo i-Ten and recorded an album under that name. Despite the album's lackluster reception, "Alone" stood out as a notable track. Steinberg expressed dissatisfaction with the recording process, which colored his perception of the album. 

Steinberg recounted how "Alone" resurfaced when Tom Kelly suggested it to Heart for a power ballad. Initially hesitant due to past experiences, Steinberg revised the chorus lyrics and melody, breathing new life into the song. Ron Nevison, Heart's producer at the time, embraced the revamped version, leading to its inclusion on their album. Steinberg and Kelly then met the Wilson sisters during the recording process, with Kelly providing high harmony vocals on the track.

Directed by Marty Callner, known for his work with Aerosmith and Bon Jovi, the music video for "Alone" predominantly features performance footage, interspersed with a subplot featuring Ann Wilson on a balcony wearing a black veil. The video played a significant role in Heart's resurgence, receiving airplay on both MTV and VH1, the latter of which launched in 1985.

"Alone" enjoyed significant chart success, spending three weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in July 1987. It ranked No. 2 on the Billboard Year-End Top Pop Singles of 1987. Notably, it became Heart's most successful single in the United Kingdom, reaching No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart in June. Remarkably, it remains the band's only song to peak inside the UK Top 5. Internationally, the song was a global hit, reaching No. 1 in Canada and the top five in Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland. It also achieved top ten positions in Australia, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as landing in the top twenty in West Germany. An unplugged rendition of the song was later featured on Heart's 1995 album “The Road Home”.