Really good post - one of my favourites. In a hypothetical Journey v Foreigner stakes, I'm afraid Journey would have a slighter edge - if only because Steve Perry's vocals are just that tiny bit more ... earnest than Lou's. Not much, mind you - but in the earnest category, on a very good day Steve wins by a hair. Plus, Journey's got Neal Schon and the Santana/Steve Miller Band alumni connections. But, then, Foreigner does connect to King Crimson. Hmm. Certainly a pause for thought.
Fab first love story, too. I was there with you in all your fingers-touching-on-the-car-hump glory. And damn, but I do sincerely hope you wore at least as cool a shirt as the one in the photo when you went bowling. Because the kid in that photo is rocking that shirt!
I had a serious boyfriend when the Robin Hood movie came out with the Bryan Adam’s song, so that was our jam. I also remember slow dancing to “more than words” with my date at prom for an all boys school.
I love a good ole 80s love ballad. I feel like they don’t write em like they used to.
Thanks, Jen! I still play old Journey every once in a while. "Who's Crying Now" still brings back that young love feeling in me. I prefer to play the '70s stuff from the Infinity and Evolution albums. "Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'" and "Any Way You Want it."
Me and my old coworker Mick used to jokingly but passionately sing Bryan Adams' "Everything I Do I Do For You" to each other at the office. I'm sure Bryan Adams will get an earworm feature before too long.
This is a fantastic piece Steve, thanks for reposting it!
The story about your first heartbreak really resonated with me. I remember getting my heart “broken” at the age of 14 when my girlfriend (of 2-3 weeks maybe?) broke up with me at a party (one of the first real house parties I’d ever been to). The song that defined that evening for me was “Forever” by Kenny Loggins. It left me devastated. The next day I was back home feeling sorry for myself, listening to “I Miss You” by Klymaxx on my record player when my older sister came into my room and asked if I was okay. I broke down in tears, sobbing that “Jill broke up with me last night” and she comforted me and gave me some wisdom derived from being 20 months older than me. Amazing how strong those feelings were at that age. And how those two songs can take me right back there.
Thanks, Mark. I am feeling better. Still a bit phlegmy but more able to put two thoughts together.
Yeah, that young love, man, it can be all-consuming and an emotional rollercoaster. I had to play that Klymaxx song to remember what it was -- and oh, yeah, it came back right away. I thought I only knew "Meeting in the Ladies Room" by them. That's great that you had a supportive big sister to help you through your first breakup.
And lastly, I can't believe this is true, but I don't think I'd ever heard that Kenny Loggins song before!
Great post. I don't know if there are bands that get *rightfully* maligned. I get a lot of bashing for defending Mariah for example who also often gets maligned in those circles. The reason I mention this is because she covered this song (I Want to Know...). I understand her style and diva antics may not be to everyone's taste, but as a singer, she is truly one of a kind (her songwriting skills and overall musicianship are also unique among her peers, something which often goes unmentioned). My point is that sometimes there is no science behind the music that moves us. It can be corny or cheesy, according to some, but if it touches a fibre, if it moves us, then that should be enough. Music is, first and foremost, about the senses. The intellectual sabre-rattling came later.
My first love story is too heavy to talk about. But my first official boyfriend was also a Mariah fan and we basically pretended all her love songs (of which, truth be told, she's got aplenty) were about/for us. We were two gay teenagers hiding in his bedroom, growing up in a very macho and homophobic society. I guess that's also where and why the inspirational gospel tinged anthems, talking about making things happen and having the strength to carry on, found their place.
Anyway, great writing, as always. It can't have been easy as a 14-year-old to stand there in front of strangers and talk so openly about love and feelings, so kudos to you for that!!
Thanks Andres. Yeah, I probably shouldn't have used the word "rightfully" with maligned. Even the latest Dark Side of the Moon Redux by Roger Waters, which is getting plenty of criticism, is hitting all the right spots for many fans. I never got the bashing for Mariah. I do believe female artists suffer this far worse than male performers. If they veer outside of their perceived lane, if their bodies change (heaven forbid), then the vultures come out in hordes.
Love your abbreviated first love story! It is true that music is often the glue, the refuge for us when the world is harsh and cruel, as well as to connect us to others, to speak for us when we can't find the right words.
Thank you, Steve! It's always tricky with art because, while there are objective factors at play, in most cases it is ultimately a question of what inspires and moves you, which may be different from one person to the next. Or some things may have moved you as a child but not anymore or vice versa.
What you say about female artists is spot on. They are already at a disadvantage, unfairly so. While I would like to think that times are changing, and some things improving, there's still a long way to go.
Loved how beautifully you expressed this thing about music being the glue and refuge. Thanks a lot, Steve, and I always appreciate reading you!
I will defend to death Journey and Foreigner. The songs are well crafted and catchy and that's not a small thing. And like you, many people have their songs in the soundtrack of their lives. Thanks for sharing your memories.
Thanks, MK! I also will defend (maybe not to the death) Journey and Foreigner. I saw Journey a few times in concert in the 80s and had the great fortune of getting to see Pat Benatar in concert in 1982 and sat next to Jonathan Cain from Journey. I happened to be sitting with Rick Springfield and his girlfriend....long story, which will be part of a future post!
I am a HUGE Benatar fan and have never seen her in concert. Never had the money when she hit town. I did get to see Springfield 5 or 6 years ago and was really impressed with how he interacted with the audience. I look forward to the stories!
Impressive! I assume you mean Separate Ways, as Separate Lives is a Phil Collins/Marilyn Martin ballad (written by Stephen Bishop). It is worthy as an audition piece, but probably not as effective as Separate Ways. I'm sure you've seen the video of a family recreating the music video shot for shot at their house? It came out during the pandemic. Here's the link if you haven't.
I did mean Separate Ways! (Typed it as I was waiting to cross the street. That'll teach me.) I also do like Separate Lives but don't think I've sung that one since the 80s. I certainly was all up in my feels when it first came out.
And I hadn't seen the video! It was very cute. Thanks.
I may have to do SOTD back to back on those two songs.
Thanks for re-upping this one- great teenage love story, could almost hear the earworm while reading...made me think...oh, yeah, this is what this music is about.
Thanks for reading. The original idea behind this substack was to examine life (mine, the larger world) through the earworms that appear to me constantly. Rod Stewart once said, "Every picture tells a story don't it?" He could have said "song" instead of "picture." That's what I hope to explore here.
It's funny how a song will unexpectedly resonate with you. I was in high school in Southern Indiana in the early 70s and one week we had a substitute freshman English teacher. She asked each of us to bring in a song that had a positive message and which hopefully inspired us. We had to sit at the front of the class and explain why we chose it before we played it. Because I was an insane kid, I chose Michael Jackson's "Ben." I explained that I found the song inspirational because it showed how even the loneliest person could have their life turned around by one good friend. And that every person - no matter how freaky other people thought they might be - deserved some happiness.
Looking back, it was a bit too much of a look into my psyche at maybe age 16. Most of the class was stunned & just stared me. I remember this one girl (who had a crush on) just staring at me with such a sad look and she was wiping away tears. That moment was broken when some chucklehead at the back of the room yelled out "so you're trying to tell us you like boys?" to a round of laughs.
Spoiler: I didn't. But it was a magnificent job of completely misunderstanding the point of something.
“Ben” was the perfect song to choose! It still makes me cry when I hear it. And the movie it is from is also heartbreaking. You should have been in Southern California-- you would’ve gotten a standing ovation with that pick.
Came out if the restaurant and yelled at me,” What did you say?”
I repeated,” Why don’t you go home and listen to your Foreigner records.”
The ran to me and I held my ground. The short ferret face said I like Foreigner and pushed me then kicked the bag of Chinese food from my hand. I reached down to pick it up, and he sucker punched me. They then ran off.
The one punch cut my eyebrow, bashed my nose( you can see the damage to this day). Blood was pouring down my face. Just then the tall guy started running down the sidewalk toward me. He said Are you all right? I said through the blood to fuck off, and he did. I went home and wondered what to do. I had moved out if my parents home a few months before. So I called the cops. They showed up and asked me to describe the three guys. I said they were wearing jeans and jean jackets. I could have been describing anyone.
By then so had stopped the bleeding and they said I should be ok.
Later I lost a tooth and can’t breathe great from that side of my nose. I too have reconsidered Foreigner. A great song is a great song.
Wow! What a crazy story! It’s like I got my own special “Not About Music” essay! I thought the workers at the Chinese restaurant were going to come to your aid and beat those dudes up. Or at least offer to make you more food. Moral of the story? Never badmouth Foreigner. Cause in the immortal words of Rob Halford, “You’re going to get what’s coming.”
Steve-10/10 on this one. I have different Foreigner story. It was 1979 and I had gone to see an early punk show. At the show it started getting violent as some bikers tried to join the party, mistaken the acting out of punk violence as the real deal, they saw an opportunity to get into a real dustup.
I left the show and before I went to bed, I walked a block to a Chinese restaurant and ordered some late night takeout. There were a couple Quebecois at the jukebox. I don’t remember what the were playing.
All of a sudden three guys walked into the restaurant. A short kid with a ferret face, a tall guy and a third guy so non-descriptive that I can barely remember anything about him. At first they started hassling the French Canadians, then the Chinese workers at the restaurant. I was called up to pick up my order. As I was leaving the restaurant, I couldn’t help indulging my punk roots. I turned to the three of them and said,” Why don’t you just go home and listen to your Foreigner records!”
I slammed the door behind me and started walking back home. Two the guys then c
Really good post - one of my favourites. In a hypothetical Journey v Foreigner stakes, I'm afraid Journey would have a slighter edge - if only because Steve Perry's vocals are just that tiny bit more ... earnest than Lou's. Not much, mind you - but in the earnest category, on a very good day Steve wins by a hair. Plus, Journey's got Neal Schon and the Santana/Steve Miller Band alumni connections. But, then, Foreigner does connect to King Crimson. Hmm. Certainly a pause for thought.
Fab first love story, too. I was there with you in all your fingers-touching-on-the-car-hump glory. And damn, but I do sincerely hope you wore at least as cool a shirt as the one in the photo when you went bowling. Because the kid in that photo is rocking that shirt!
I love Journey, even today.
I had a serious boyfriend when the Robin Hood movie came out with the Bryan Adam’s song, so that was our jam. I also remember slow dancing to “more than words” with my date at prom for an all boys school.
I love a good ole 80s love ballad. I feel like they don’t write em like they used to.
Thanks, Jen! I still play old Journey every once in a while. "Who's Crying Now" still brings back that young love feeling in me. I prefer to play the '70s stuff from the Infinity and Evolution albums. "Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'" and "Any Way You Want it."
Me and my old coworker Mick used to jokingly but passionately sing Bryan Adams' "Everything I Do I Do For You" to each other at the office. I'm sure Bryan Adams will get an earworm feature before too long.
This is a fantastic piece Steve, thanks for reposting it!
The story about your first heartbreak really resonated with me. I remember getting my heart “broken” at the age of 14 when my girlfriend (of 2-3 weeks maybe?) broke up with me at a party (one of the first real house parties I’d ever been to). The song that defined that evening for me was “Forever” by Kenny Loggins. It left me devastated. The next day I was back home feeling sorry for myself, listening to “I Miss You” by Klymaxx on my record player when my older sister came into my room and asked if I was okay. I broke down in tears, sobbing that “Jill broke up with me last night” and she comforted me and gave me some wisdom derived from being 20 months older than me. Amazing how strong those feelings were at that age. And how those two songs can take me right back there.
Hope you’re feeling better soon.
Thanks, Mark. I am feeling better. Still a bit phlegmy but more able to put two thoughts together.
Yeah, that young love, man, it can be all-consuming and an emotional rollercoaster. I had to play that Klymaxx song to remember what it was -- and oh, yeah, it came back right away. I thought I only knew "Meeting in the Ladies Room" by them. That's great that you had a supportive big sister to help you through your first breakup.
And lastly, I can't believe this is true, but I don't think I'd ever heard that Kenny Loggins song before!
Great post. I don't know if there are bands that get *rightfully* maligned. I get a lot of bashing for defending Mariah for example who also often gets maligned in those circles. The reason I mention this is because she covered this song (I Want to Know...). I understand her style and diva antics may not be to everyone's taste, but as a singer, she is truly one of a kind (her songwriting skills and overall musicianship are also unique among her peers, something which often goes unmentioned). My point is that sometimes there is no science behind the music that moves us. It can be corny or cheesy, according to some, but if it touches a fibre, if it moves us, then that should be enough. Music is, first and foremost, about the senses. The intellectual sabre-rattling came later.
My first love story is too heavy to talk about. But my first official boyfriend was also a Mariah fan and we basically pretended all her love songs (of which, truth be told, she's got aplenty) were about/for us. We were two gay teenagers hiding in his bedroom, growing up in a very macho and homophobic society. I guess that's also where and why the inspirational gospel tinged anthems, talking about making things happen and having the strength to carry on, found their place.
Anyway, great writing, as always. It can't have been easy as a 14-year-old to stand there in front of strangers and talk so openly about love and feelings, so kudos to you for that!!
Thanks Andres. Yeah, I probably shouldn't have used the word "rightfully" with maligned. Even the latest Dark Side of the Moon Redux by Roger Waters, which is getting plenty of criticism, is hitting all the right spots for many fans. I never got the bashing for Mariah. I do believe female artists suffer this far worse than male performers. If they veer outside of their perceived lane, if their bodies change (heaven forbid), then the vultures come out in hordes.
Love your abbreviated first love story! It is true that music is often the glue, the refuge for us when the world is harsh and cruel, as well as to connect us to others, to speak for us when we can't find the right words.
Always appreciate your comments!
Thank you, Steve! It's always tricky with art because, while there are objective factors at play, in most cases it is ultimately a question of what inspires and moves you, which may be different from one person to the next. Or some things may have moved you as a child but not anymore or vice versa.
What you say about female artists is spot on. They are already at a disadvantage, unfairly so. While I would like to think that times are changing, and some things improving, there's still a long way to go.
Loved how beautifully you expressed this thing about music being the glue and refuge. Thanks a lot, Steve, and I always appreciate reading you!
I will defend to death Journey and Foreigner. The songs are well crafted and catchy and that's not a small thing. And like you, many people have their songs in the soundtrack of their lives. Thanks for sharing your memories.
Thanks, MK! I also will defend (maybe not to the death) Journey and Foreigner. I saw Journey a few times in concert in the 80s and had the great fortune of getting to see Pat Benatar in concert in 1982 and sat next to Jonathan Cain from Journey. I happened to be sitting with Rick Springfield and his girlfriend....long story, which will be part of a future post!
I am a HUGE Benatar fan and have never seen her in concert. Never had the money when she hit town. I did get to see Springfield 5 or 6 years ago and was really impressed with how he interacted with the audience. I look forward to the stories!
Separate Lives (Worlds Apart) has been in my repertoire forever. I auditioned for Rock of Ages with it.
Impressive! I assume you mean Separate Ways, as Separate Lives is a Phil Collins/Marilyn Martin ballad (written by Stephen Bishop). It is worthy as an audition piece, but probably not as effective as Separate Ways. I'm sure you've seen the video of a family recreating the music video shot for shot at their house? It came out during the pandemic. Here's the link if you haven't.
https://youtu.be/0zvhvdj4QyM?si=jBEnIUPvsWlvLSiK
I did mean Separate Ways! (Typed it as I was waiting to cross the street. That'll teach me.) I also do like Separate Lives but don't think I've sung that one since the 80s. I certainly was all up in my feels when it first came out.
And I hadn't seen the video! It was very cute. Thanks.
I may have to do SOTD back to back on those two songs.
Thanks for re-upping this one- great teenage love story, could almost hear the earworm while reading...made me think...oh, yeah, this is what this music is about.
Thanks for reading. The original idea behind this substack was to examine life (mine, the larger world) through the earworms that appear to me constantly. Rod Stewart once said, "Every picture tells a story don't it?" He could have said "song" instead of "picture." That's what I hope to explore here.
It's funny how a song will unexpectedly resonate with you. I was in high school in Southern Indiana in the early 70s and one week we had a substitute freshman English teacher. She asked each of us to bring in a song that had a positive message and which hopefully inspired us. We had to sit at the front of the class and explain why we chose it before we played it. Because I was an insane kid, I chose Michael Jackson's "Ben." I explained that I found the song inspirational because it showed how even the loneliest person could have their life turned around by one good friend. And that every person - no matter how freaky other people thought they might be - deserved some happiness.
Looking back, it was a bit too much of a look into my psyche at maybe age 16. Most of the class was stunned & just stared me. I remember this one girl (who had a crush on) just staring at me with such a sad look and she was wiping away tears. That moment was broken when some chucklehead at the back of the room yelled out "so you're trying to tell us you like boys?" to a round of laughs.
Spoiler: I didn't. But it was a magnificent job of completely misunderstanding the point of something.
“Ben” was the perfect song to choose! It still makes me cry when I hear it. And the movie it is from is also heartbreaking. You should have been in Southern California-- you would’ve gotten a standing ovation with that pick.
Came out if the restaurant and yelled at me,” What did you say?”
I repeated,” Why don’t you go home and listen to your Foreigner records.”
The ran to me and I held my ground. The short ferret face said I like Foreigner and pushed me then kicked the bag of Chinese food from my hand. I reached down to pick it up, and he sucker punched me. They then ran off.
The one punch cut my eyebrow, bashed my nose( you can see the damage to this day). Blood was pouring down my face. Just then the tall guy started running down the sidewalk toward me. He said Are you all right? I said through the blood to fuck off, and he did. I went home and wondered what to do. I had moved out if my parents home a few months before. So I called the cops. They showed up and asked me to describe the three guys. I said they were wearing jeans and jean jackets. I could have been describing anyone.
By then so had stopped the bleeding and they said I should be ok.
Later I lost a tooth and can’t breathe great from that side of my nose. I too have reconsidered Foreigner. A great song is a great song.
Wow! What a crazy story! It’s like I got my own special “Not About Music” essay! I thought the workers at the Chinese restaurant were going to come to your aid and beat those dudes up. Or at least offer to make you more food. Moral of the story? Never badmouth Foreigner. Cause in the immortal words of Rob Halford, “You’re going to get what’s coming.”
Steve-10/10 on this one. I have different Foreigner story. It was 1979 and I had gone to see an early punk show. At the show it started getting violent as some bikers tried to join the party, mistaken the acting out of punk violence as the real deal, they saw an opportunity to get into a real dustup.
I left the show and before I went to bed, I walked a block to a Chinese restaurant and ordered some late night takeout. There were a couple Quebecois at the jukebox. I don’t remember what the were playing.
All of a sudden three guys walked into the restaurant. A short kid with a ferret face, a tall guy and a third guy so non-descriptive that I can barely remember anything about him. At first they started hassling the French Canadians, then the Chinese workers at the restaurant. I was called up to pick up my order. As I was leaving the restaurant, I couldn’t help indulging my punk roots. I turned to the three of them and said,” Why don’t you just go home and listen to your Foreigner records!”
I slammed the door behind me and started walking back home. Two the guys then c