_JPG.jpg)
In 1975 alone, today's :Great Song of the '70s was released by 4 different artists, and 2 of them were able to chart with it.
Not only is that a testament to the song itself, but also to the artists who released it. Even those who DIDN'T chart were well-known hitmakers in their own right.
First up were Yvonne Elliman and Kim Carnes, but unfortunately, they were the "odd women out," as their versions of "Somewhere in the Night" went nowhere.
The duo of Batdorf & Rodney were up next, and they garnered some moderate success with it, reaching #24 on the Adult Contemporary Chart.
But then came Helen Reddy who easily topped the others by riding her version to #2 on the Adult Contemporary Charts in both the US and Canada.
Skip to 1979, when Barry Manilow released a cover version, with help from Paul Shaffer on piano. Barry virtually matched Helen's numbers on the Adult Contemporary Charts (#4 & #3 in the US and Canada, respectively). In the end, however, Barry's version did the best of all, reaching #9 on the Hot 100, where Helen had peaked at #19.
But all numbers aside, "Somewhere in the Night" is best known as an intimate, yet powerful, love song. It's somewhat sappy, but on the other hand, for many romantically-inclined people, it feels real. That's why so many artists recorded it, and why it charted the way it did.
"Somewhere in the Night:" A "Great Song of the '70s!"
Batdorf & Rodney: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYZh-o1dgFg
Tomorrow: Saving the best for last! THURSDAY: Great Songs of the '80s!
Comments