It’s time to get back to my favorite decade. For the month of March, I’ll be looking back at some of my favorite jams from the 80s. These songs often came to me via MTV or the radio. NYC-area stations WDRE, WPLJ, WNEW, K-ROCK and Z100 introduced me to everything from irresistible pop confections to under-the-radar post-punk anthems. I would not be who I am today if it weren’t for the 80s. It was the decade when I discovered music can be a truly powerful thing. #31DaysOf80sSongs
I think one of the more fascinating song themes is the topic of dealing with fame. Various artists have dealt with it in their own ways. Keane’s “Everybody’s Changing”. Smashing Pumpkins’ “Bullet With Butterfly Wings”. Rush’s “Limelight”. And, of course, David Bowie’s “Fame”. These are songs written from experience and come from the heart. They’re not sugar-coated by any means. Maybe that’s why I find this particular song topic so fascinating. In 1985, Prince released his own take, which appeared on the Around The World In One Day album. The song is called “Pop Life”, a track that was recorded even before Purple Rain was finished. It happens to be one of my all-time favorite songs from the artist.
“Pop Life” was a bit of a departure for Prince. Prior to Around The World In A Day, he had made quite a name for himself with the melodies he wrote and the instrumental arrangements he crafted. But “Pop Life” wasn’t really known for either of those things. The song relied on its tell-all persona and its simple groove created by a few sparse, but well-placed elements. That opening synthesizer. The slap and pop bass. Wendy and Lisa’s nearly despondent backup vocals. And a couple of unforgettable samples, including one with a restless crowd where someone yells “Throw the bum out!”. “Pop Life” threw the curtain open and showed us Prince’s view into a world he was immersed in and surrounded by. An absolute treasure.
“Is the mailman jerking you 'round? Did he put your million dollar check in someone else's box?”