Pop

Song of the Day: Hue and Cry’s “Labour of Love” – A Timeless Sophisti-Pop Classic

Posted on by Brights

Scottish duo Hue and Cry released their memorable single “Labour of Love” on 1 June 1987 in the United Kingdom. This song was the second single from their debut album Seduced and Abandoned (1987). The single proved to be a significant hit, reaching a peak chart position of number 6 on the UK Singles Chart. The song also enjoyed renewed attention in 1993 when it was remixed by house producer Joey Negro and re-released, peaking at number 25 in the UK.

While “Labour of Love” gained notable success in the UK, its performance in the US charts was more modest, with no significant chart impact reported. However, the song remains an iconic part of the British sophisti-pop scene of the late 1980s.

What makes “Labour of Love” so enjoyable is its rich blend of thoughtful lyrics and catchy, soulful pop melodies, driven by the smooth vocal interplay between brothers Pat and Greg Kane. The song’s lyrical themes and energetic yet polished sound invite listeners to both reflect and dance, capturing that sophisticated yet heartfelt essence unique to Hue and Cry.

Hue and Cry had several other singles beyond “Labour of Love,” including “I Refuse,” “Strength to Strength,” and “Looking for Linda,” many of which also charted successfully in the UK. The duo built a solid career with a string of albums and singles, earning devoted fans and recognition for their distinctive style.

For those interested, here is the the official music video for “Labour of Love”:

Tasmin Archer’s “In Your Care” – A Heartfelt Classic

Posted on by Brights

Tasmin Archer released her poignant single “In Your Care” on 8 February 1993 in the United Kingdom under EMI Records. The track, the second single from her debut album Great Expectations (1992), reached a peak position of number 16 on the UK Singles Chart. Though it didn’t climb as high as her debut hit “Sleeping Satellite,” it strongly connected with listeners for its emotional depth and important subject matter.

The single was also released in the United States, where it found moderate success, peaking at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100. This US chart performance cemented Archer’s impact beyond the UK and showcased the global resonance of her music.

“In Your Care” is notable for its powerful lyrics addressing the difficult topic of child abuse. Tasmin Archer co-wrote the song with John Beck and John Hughes, and generously donated the royalties from the single to the UK charity Childline. The combination of thoughtful songwriting and Archer’s heartfelt vocal delivery makes it a truly special track that resonates on a deeper emotional level.

This song is particularly meaningful to me because of its sincere, raw portrayal of pain and vulnerability—qualities that elevate it beyond just a pop single. It feels intimate and profound, reminding us of music’s ability to convey real human struggles.

Song Of The Day: Sam Brown – Stop!

Posted on by Brights

Today’s SOTD has something in common with our previous SOTD like Sheriff’s “When I’m With You” English Singer-Songwriter Sam Brown’s “Stop!” found greater success on its re-release.
Initially released in 1988 “Stop!” Is the title track from Brown’s debut studio album. At that time, it managed a respectable if underwhelming number 52 on the UK Singles Chart
However, following its re-release in 1989, the song peaked at number four in the UK becoming Brown’s highest-charting single to date, spending 12 weeks on the chart. Global success followed.
“Stop!” topped the charts in Belgium, Iceland, the Netherlands and Norway, while reaching the top five in Australia, Austria, Finland, France, Ireland and Switzerland.

Chart (1988–1989)Peak position
Australia (ARIA)4
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)3
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)1
Canada Top Singles (RPM)13
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100 Singles)7
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)2
France (SNEP)2
Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 10)1
Ireland (IRMA)4
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)1
Netherlands (Single Top 100)2
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)16
Norway (VG-lista)1
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)11
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)5
UK Singles (OCC)4
US Billboard Hot 10065
US Cash Box Top 10070
West Germany (Official German Charts)7

This delightful slab of Blue-Eyed Soul even managed to make an appearance on the US Billboard Hot 100 where it peaked at No. 65

Sam’s continues to record but she hasn’t been able to match the global chart success of her debut single.

Album of the Day: Kylie Minogue

Posted on by Brights

Kylie Minogue celebrated her 52nd birthday on May 28 and whilst her sales numbers are not where they used to be and her presence on the charts with every new release is not as assured as it once was she is still putting out music that is worth hearing. Today, we look back to her self titled fift studio album which was released in 1994 released on the indie record label DECONSTRUCTION.

This album is generally seen as Kylie’s attempt to forge a new musical direction after her tenure at PWL and her close association with Stock, Aitken and Waterman. I would say that it does that successfully moving away from the bubblegum dance-pop sound featured on previous albums to a more mature sophisticated sound draving a much wider palette of sounds from the dance-pop that Minogue was known for but also acid jazz, ambient, piano house and R&B influences. The sound was still accessible just more polished with left of mainstream pop influences able to shine through.

This approach is best captured by the lead single “Confide in Me”. Released in August 1994 “Confide in Me” was not a typical Kylie single even the length of the song which clocks in at almost six minutes (5:51) was a massive departure. Produced by BROTHERS IN RHYTHM the song isa dizzying combination of pop and trip-hop with a heathy dose of middle eastern instrumentation and it ranks as one of Minogue’s best singles.

The alnum debuted at number three in her native Australia and number four in the United Kingdom and the album eventually was certified Gold.

an attempt to draw a line under her PWL/SAW years KYLIE MINOGUE is a great triumph and thats why its today’s AOTD.

Check out Confide in Me below.



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