“Nothing But a Heartache” (The Flirtations)

Nothing But a Heartache, the Flirtations

Today’s long lost classic soul song of the day is “Nothing But a Heartache” by the Flirtations. Released in 1969, it only made it to #34 on the Billboard Hot 100. It should have been higher. “Nothing But a Heartache” was written by British songwriters Wayne Bickerton and Tony Waddington. Bickerton was a fairly successful producer for acts like Petula…

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“With This Ring” (The Platters)

With This Ring, the Platters

Your forgotten classic oldie of the day is “With This Ring” by the Platters. This single was released in February of 1967 and went to #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #12 on Billboard’s R&B chart. The song was written by Richard “Popcorn” Wylie, Luther Dixon, and Tony Hester. Together and separately, they were responsible for such hits as…

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“Straight Up” (Paula Abdul)

Straight Up, Paula Abdul

Our final classic mid-80s song of the day this week is “Straight Up” by Paula Abdul. This single was released in late November 1988 and peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Dance Singles charts early the next year. Sales were helped by a ton of music video play on MTV. “Straight Up” was written and produced by…

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“I Can’t Wait” (Nu Shooz)

I Can't Wait, Nu Shooz

Today’s classic mid-80s song of the day is “I Can’t Wait” by Nu Shooz. This dance floor classic debuted in February 1986 (sort of; we’ll get into details in a moment) and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on the Hot Black Singles chart (even though nobody in the group was black), and #1 on the Hot…

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“Heart and Soul” (T’Pau)

Bridge of Spies, T'Pau

Today’s classic mid-80s song of the day is a personal favorite of mine, “Heart and Soul” by the group called T’Pau. This was the group’s first single and track one on side one of their debut album, Bridge of Spies. “Heart and Soul” released in February of 1987 in the UK and went absolutely nowhere. Undeterred, the label released the…

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“Luka” (Suzanne Vega)

Luka, Suzanne Vega

Today’s classic mid-80s song of the day is “Luka” by Suzanne Vega. “Luka” was the second single from Ms. Vega’s 1987 album, Solitude Standing, and became her biggest hit. It peaked at #3 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts, and #4 on the Cash Box Top 100. “Luka” is a serious song about a serious subject,…

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