1980s, Pop

Starting Over Again (Natalie Cole)

January 11, 2021

First recorded (as “Now We’re Starting Over Again”) by Dionne Warwick (UK #76 1981).
Other hit version by Natalie Cole (MOR #5/CAN #12/UK #56 1990).

From the wiki: “‘Starting Over Again’ was composed by Michael Masser and Gerry Goffin as ‘Now We’re Starting Over Again’, and was first recorded in 1981 by Dionne Warwick to augment the live performance tracks released on her album Hot! Live and Otherwise. Produced by co-writer Masser, and not released in the US as a promotional single, ‘Now We’re Starting Over Again’ did see distribution as a single in other countries and did chart in the UK where it peaked at #76.

“Natalie Cole’s arrangement of ‘Starting Over Again’, also produced by Masser, was released in late 1989 in the UK and early 1990 in the US, the fifth of five promotional singles released from her 1989 album Good to Be Back. Although the single did not chart Hot 100 or R&B, it did peak at #5 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, and also charted in Canada and the UK.”

Pink Cadillac

May 3, 2014

Written and first recorded (as a demo) by Bruce Springsteen (1982)
Released as non-album B-side by Bruce Springsteen (US Rock #27 1984).
Other hit version by Natalie Cole (US #5/R&B #9/UK #5/NZ #4/GER #5/SUI #2 1988).

From the wiki: “Bruce Springsteen originally wrote ‘Pink Cadillac’ as ‘Love Is a Dangerous Thing’ in December 1981 with lyrics distinct from the eventual ‘Pink Cadillac’ and first recorded by Springsteen as a solo acoustic demo in early January 1982 during the sessions for the Nebraska album. The automobile imagery was inspired by Elvis Presley’s 1954 rendition of ‘Baby Let’s Play House’ in which Presley replaced the original lyric ‘You may get religion’ with ‘You may have a pink Cadillac’, a reference to the custom-painted Cadillac which was then Presley’s touring vehicle.

Oye Como Va

July 24, 2013

Written and first recorded by Tito Puente & His Orchestra (1963).
Inspired by “Chanchullo” by Israel “Cachao” Lopez (1937).
Hit version by Santana (US #13/MOR #11/R&B #32/CAN #7/MEX #9/AUS #13/GER #29 1971).
Also recorded by Natalie Cole (2013).

From the wiki: “‘Oye Como Va’ is a song written by Latin Jazz and Mambo musician Tito Puente in 1963. The fact that the phrase ‘Oye como va’ is the title of the song and is sung somewhat separately from the phrase ‘mi ritmo’ makes for its interpretation as ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ However, the first sentence is actually ‘Oye como va mi ritmo,’ meaning ‘Listen to how my rhythm goes.’ Israel ‘Cachao’ López’s 1937 recording, ‘Rareza de Melitón’ (later changed to ‘Chanchullo’), inspired Tito Puente’s signature tune. Puente had previously recorded ‘Chanchullo’ in 1959, for his album Mucho cha cha.

When I Fall in Love

May 5, 2013

First recorded by The Victor Young Orchestra w. Jeri Southern (1952).
Hit versions by Doris Day (US #20 1952), Nat “King” Cole (UK #2 1957), Natalie Cole (US #6/R&B #31 1987), Rick Astley (UK #2 1987), Celine Dion & Clive Griffin (US #23/MOR #6 1993).

From the wiki: “Jeri Southern released the original version in April 1952 with the song’s composer, Victor Young, handling the arranging and conducting duties. The song has become a standard, with many artists recording it, though the first hit version was by Doris Day released in July 1952.”

Tagged: Natalie Cole