"Distant Sun"

"Distant Sun" was released in 1993 by the Australian Rock Group Crowded House. Crowded House have some amazing hits.My Brother had their entire album of songs and I would hear it play from his room all the time.

However I was formerly introduced to "Distant Sun" when I was 15. It was our ( my friend and my) first job we ever had and it was working at a clothing retail store and we were sooo excited. We used to act like idiots , she would be the sales person and I would be the customer and we would practice and reverse the roles because we wanted to be as prepared as possible!Why ? How could we have been excited to work ?. I guess there was this sense of independence mixed with the feeling of something new that we were doing for ourselves and earning an hourly wage( looking back that was extremely stingy pay) but we were respectable spoilt brats(least we thought we were and lets make this clear.. we didn't think we were spoilt or brats for that matter). Well not spoilt relatively speaking compared to some other SAPs ( no not South African Police force , I'm talking about South African Princesses). Well lets call a spade a spade, we were spoilt. This just made it more okay to be that way. So it ended up being a very exciting time (for a limited time ) till our nasty boss started to put up a rosta of times we would be working which ended up changing from every weekend to only being every second week, sometimes we didn't even get to work once in 3 weeks. She was a real cow. You know the type that hold on to their youth , an immaculate woman( I was a bit jealous) I give her credit ( she was a good 10 years our senior) Now she's 40 and I saw her at the gym teaching classes ( well bad news is she's still immaculate- good news is she does look more mature )

Back to work ,I just wanted to sit down to be honest , standing for hours, folding clothes non stop even when they were folded and the shop was empty, we had to pretend we were busy and fold folded clothes..is that normal?Nothing about this was normal .My appetite was only increasing rather steadily, lucky for all the good food in the centre at the time. I managed to satisfy my hunger. However the music they played was pretty good, especially "Distant Sun" , I would always hear it playing , that song and food always kept me going. Despite how bad it all sounds my friend and I managed to keep it altogether , now looking back and hearing this song ..it's all funny, funny memories looking back. However I will never work in a retail clothing store as a salesperson ever again. UNLESS I own the store and I get to pick the music!

Did I mention my brother ended up giving me ( although some might disagree) the Crowded House CD which I misplaced one sunny day. I replaced it later on though, I replaced it and kept it for myself :) well noone noticed I don't think.

Heres the video ....

"A Whole New World" or " Beauty and the Beast"

"A Whole New World" was featured in the soundtrack for the Disney Movie Aladdin in 1992.Performed by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle. The Original version was sung by Brad Kane and Lea Salonga in the actual film and won best song at the 65th Academy Awards. This is truly still such a beautiful tune, and Peabo Bryson has an exceptional tone to his voice , I love this man.

It really takes me back to when I was a chunky 10 year old.Wait a sec, in 1992 I was 12, oh wait I'm getting confused with " Beauty and the Beast " which came out in 1991. Yes now I remember I was 10 going on 11 and I took all my friends for lunch at "Wimpy" - a fastfood/restaurant in Joburg , the food there is amazing and when I went back to SA on holiday I had the best burger and chips ever ,ooh and their milkshakes are so good( not like the dollhouse( another eating place in Joburg)) . You know you get those proper real milk shakes not these thin milk shakes they give you in Australia( no offence). Sorry but they don't have a clue how to make a milk shake, even when they say it's called a thick shake, they can't even make those either. Like seriously, 2 of my friends came over to Sydney and we went to a cafe in the city and they ordered what we all thought was a proper " Milkshake" because of course we are used to the good life and in my opinion the best food in the world. So how could they do that to us? It was injustice, right there in front of our very own eyes was this glass with milk that had a brown tinge to it with a blob of icecream dropped at the top. Like seriously, are you serious? Well I am serious and I take my beverages very seriously. I had to offer my one friend to come over to my place for a nightcap to make up for it. Well not really that's a bit farfetched as she's a big bison ( you know who you are) and she'd eat me out of house and home( or house and hotel).Lucky I didn't know her when I was 10 or 12 cause we would have had to have a meal for the larger ladeh sorted for her plus I would have been even more chunky back then.

Ok so where exactly am I going with this I went off on a tangent. So back in the day after "Wimpy" ( remember that name) we went to see "Beauty and the Beast" after. Actually I'm not sure if it was 10 going on 11 or 11 going on 12 that I went to see "Aladdin" or "Beauty and the Beast". I'm sure it was "Aladdin". Okay lets just say it was Aladdin( which I think it was), that means I was 11 going on 12. Is that too old to go see an animation? Point is one always made me think of the other. I think that the song "Beauty and the Beast" from "Beauty and the Beast" sounds the same as " A Whole New World" I mean they do sound similar not exactly though. Anyway my point is they are brilliant, brilliant songs. So Beauty and the Beast was performed by Miss( Mrs) Celine Dion and again Peabo Bryson .What an unbelievable duet, what an incredible duet. It just gives me shivers. She is exceptional, I always loved Celine Dion and their voices together just make magic! I'll probably post one or thrice of her songs later..

It was so difficult to get the original "Beauty and the Beast" music video but I got what I could , so enjoy both...

"Hazard" and "Twin Peaks"

"Hazard" was performed by Richard Marx in 1991, I always really liked this song and I think Richard Marx had some really good hits in his time.This is just one song that always stood out to me. I always thought this belonged to "Twin Peaks" . I guess because the song was released round the same time as the series was shown on TV. The video is a typical "Who Dunnit?" it really makes you question who was guilty of killing Mary? Twin Peaks was such a bizarre series, in fact I only saw the entire series a couple of months ago for the first time. It really had me intrigued from the start and I had always wanted to see it, so I had to complete the entire series. Some of it was a bit slow to be honest, but I just love how wierd it was ( and eerie ) at parts and that's what kept me hooked.

I absolutely loved the theme song from "Twin Peaks" , it is hauntingly emotional , classic and perfectly fitted to Twin Peaks and even though I didn't see Twin Peaks back in the 90's I always recognised the great theme song they composed . I've posted this below the Hazard video.

"How will I know"

"How will I know" was performed by Whitney Houston and released in 1985 which was originally prepared for Janet Jackson but was eventually given to Whitney. I used to love Whitney Houston, in fact when I was a tot I bought the album of her greatest hits. I still think she is an incredibly gifted singer. I remember fighting with my dad saying that I thought she is the best singer ever and he said she's just a screamer . Well I must say she does scream a bit but she can really hit those high notes. Let's give her credit.

Anyway when I used to hear this song back in the 80's to me it was such a poppy, perky, happy go lucky song and I used to sing along to the lyrics. I remember hearing this song and the song " I want to dance with somebody" which was released round the time of " Dirty Dancing " being released and I thought it was a song from " Dirty Dancing" . She really had some great hits. The song was written about having a crush on a boy and not knowing if he likes you or not and wanting to phone him but being too shy. I could relate to that.. when I was in school I had a crush (in fact I had a few) and of course the boy I liked every other girl in school liked and he always ended up with the most popular girl.

Heres the video

" I want to know what love is"

" I want to know what love is" by foreigner in 1984 became a huge hit all around the world, including South Africa at the time and was used in a number of TV Shows. Backing vocals were performed by The New Jersey Mass Choir, Dreamgirls star Jennifer Holliday and the Thomspon Twins. In 2006 this song was voted by Rolling Stones as number 476 of the top 500 greatest songs of all time. This song was covered by Mariah Carey in 2009, I used to love Mariah Carey in the 90's but seems like she went a bit downhill for me in recent times. I've posted her version of this song which I don't particularly like, I much prefer Foreigner's version.

I like the lyrics of this song, guitarist Mick Jones explained how he had written this about his failed relationships and that he was looking for a love that could stand the test of time. I think it's all about getting over the past hurts we go through as human beings and being able to pick ourselves up again and move on and be able to open ourselves up to something grander, that will prove more rewarding in the end.

Lyrics :
I gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I'm colder

In my life
There's been heartache and pain
And I don't know if I can face it again
Can't stop now
I've traveled so far
To change this lonely life

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me

I'm gonna take a little time
A little time to look around me
I've got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me

Ohh in my life
There's been heartache and pain
And I don't know if I can face it again
Can't stop now
I've traveled so far
To change this lonely life

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
And I know you can show me

(I wanna know...)

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me

"I'll be over you"

"I'll be over you" was recorded by Toto in 1986 and Michael McDonald also participated in the recording. Whenever I heard this song I always thought it was Foreigner, I always used to get confused between these two. Not only does this song have a great tune, but the lyrics are really good too. It's just like a chocolate cake sometimes it's all about the icing and nothing but the icing , othertimes it's the combination of the two in equal tastiness and this is one of those examples. The lyrics fit perfectly with the tune.

I always loved the first verse of the song and the line "Some People's destiny Passes by" always made me think about Destiny and Fate. At first glance it contradicted what I believed in but then again not really. I think some people's destiny is the path they chose at present, if it passes us by and we pick another path , ultimately our destiny will find us. Fate on the other hand is the finality of events. Am I rambling on?Does that make sense. Anyway my point on this one is you got to have a bit of faith in the predetermined course of things in life.Whats meant to be is meant to be.. I don't just say this to feel better about my life.. I say this because I truly believe it. When you've done all you can do in any given situation and things just aint working out , it's just not your fate or destiny, it's just not meant to be ... enjoy the song :)

Lyrics:

Some people live their dreams
Some people close their eyes
Some people's destiny
Passes by

There are no guarantees
There are no alibis
That's how our love must be
Don't ask why

Bridge:
It takes some time
God knows how long
I know that I can forget you

As soon as my heart stops breakin'
Anticipating
As soon as forever is through
I'll be over you

Remembering times gone by
Promises we once made
What are the reasons why
Nothing stays the same

Bridge:
There were the nights holding you close
Someday I'll try to forget them
Someday I'll be over you

"On my own"

"On my own", a duet by Patti Labelle and Michael McDonald was released in 1986. I can't even begin to describe what I feel hearing this song , it is one of the most beautiful songs composed.I adore it. I love how it plays and builds up to the Chorus, it gives me goosebumps.

It was originally recorded by Dionne Warwick. This song was written about a relationship coming to an end with the option of coming together one day. A bit of a depressing story, but it doesn't matter because it is truly exquisitely put together . This song went to no. 1 in 1986. The two singers were in different cities when they recorded each of their parts of the song and hence the music video reflects them in a split screen which represents the seperation in the relationship.

Lyrics:

So many times
Said it was forever
Said our love would always be true
Something in my heart always knew
I'd be lying here beside you
On my own
On my own
On my own

So many promises never should be spoken
Now I know what loving you cost
Now we're up to talking divorce
And we weren't even married
On my own
Once again now
One more time
By myself

No one said it was easy
But it once was so easy
Well I believed in love
Now here I stand
I wonder why

I'm on my own
Why did it end this way
On my own
This wasn't how it was supposed to be
On my own
I wish that we could do it all again

So many times
I know I should have told you
Losing you it cut like a knife
You walked out and there went my life
I don't want to live without you
On my own
On my own
On my own
Chorus Repeat

This wasn't how it was supposed to end
I wish that we could do it all again
I never dreamed I'd spend one night alone
On my own, I've got to find where I belong again
I've got to learn how to be strong again
I never dreamed I'd spend one night alone
By myself by myself
I've got to find out what was mine again
My heart is saying that it's my time again
And I have faith that I will shine again
I have faith in me
On my own
On my own
On my own

" Don't get me wrong"

"Don't get me wrong" was recorded by the Pretenders in 1986. The tune and the lyrics are brilliant. I thought that this talked about early stages of love and how one feels when they are just getting involved with someone. I always loved the line " I see neon lights Whenever you walk by" This seems to have been written about inconsistency that may occur in a relationship and that one's partner should not be too peturbed as this has to do with moods changing which is perfectly normal and the reference to weather in the lyrics reflects this.

Lyrics :

Don't get me wrong
If I'm looking kind of dazzled
I see neon lights
Whenever you walk by

Don't get me wrong
If you say hello and I take a ride
Upon a sea where the mystic moon
Is playing havoc with the tide
Don't get me wrong

Don't get me wrong
If I'm acting so distracted
I'm thinking about the fireworks
That go off when you smile

Don't get me wrong
If I split like light refracted
I'm only off to wander
Across a moonlit mile

Once in a while
Two people meet
Seemingly for no reason
They just pass on the street
Suddenly thunder, showers everywhere
Who can explain the thunder and rain
But there's something in the air

Don't get me wrong
If I come and go like fashion
I might be great tomorrow
But hopeless yesterday

Don't get me wrong
If I fall in the "mode of passion"
It might be unbelievable
But lets not say so long
It might just be fantastic
Don't get me wrong

"Neverending Story"

"Neverending Story" is the song from the English Titled movie "Neverending Story" performed by Limahl and Beth Andreson in 1984. What a great song and a legendary movie. I saw this as a kid and loved Falkor which was the giant white flying luck dragon which I always thought looked like a flying white dog.It made me always think of my maltese poodle Charlie when he used to sit in the car with his head out the window and the wind would blow in his hair he looked exactly like Falkor. Shame Charles is no longer with us , may he rest in peace along with Molly, Scruffy,Thursday of course Cleo AKA Kit Kat ( the cat) and Deirdree Chamber's dog Sally AKA Sallyeria.

So I guess this is a tribute for me to my late dog Charles and all those special dogs that moved on... Enjoy this great great song!!

"Walking on sunshine"

"Walking on Sunshine"was performed by Katrina and the Waves in 1983. Such a feel good song, It's a really happy song. If you check out the video.. she's walking around in really miserable London weather , but sings that she's "walking on sunshine" because she feels so good it's as if there's sunshine all around her. I must say it would be rather difficult for me to imagine feeling that good in bad weather , I especially hate hot humid weather , I quite prefer colder weather to be honest.

I still think South African weather in particular Johannesburg weather is the best weather in the world it doesn't get too hot and when it does it is dry heat, not that disgusting sticky weather. In my opinion the Gold Coast has horrid summers , sticky and humid , however their winters are great. Actually I could have three homes. One in Sydney for half of summer, one in Johannesburg for the other half of summer and one in winter in the Gold Coast. On second thought take the Gold Coast out of the equation altogether :)

OKay okay so here's the video ..enjoy

" Waiting for a star to fall"

"Waiting for a star to fall" was performed by the pop duo Boy Meets Girl released in 1988. This was originally written for Whitney Houston but she rejected it and then it was offered to Belinda Carslile who recorded a demo but the track remained unreleased.

I love this song and it's melody. I actually dreamt about this song a couple of months ago and the wierd thing is I don't remember hearing this on the radio before I dreamt it. Very strange. Anyway it made me listen to this song again after not listening it in years. They have done a few remixes of this song but the original remains the best and is really not comparable.

Here it is

"Eye of the tiger"

"Eye of the tiger " was performed by the american rock band Survivor in 1982 which was used in the theme song for the movie " Rocky III " starring Sylvestress Stalone I mean Sylvester Stallone. The movie version features tiger growls while the album version doesn't . Sylvester Stallone tried to use "Another one bites the dust " by Queen, but he couldn't get the publishing rights so he had to go with "Eye of the Tiger" which actually goes better with the movie I think. It makes me think of names , you know how people you know suit the name they've been given, like I think of friends and family and I can't imagine them by any other name..it would be really bizarre if they had any other name.

When I hear this I just think about climbing up hundreds of stairs( like in the movie) and when I get to the top right there waiting for me is a huge giant Cadbury's Chocolate Easter Egg Bunny with boxing gloves looking very tasty. On a more sentimental level it makes me think of the family trip to Simon's town which wasn't far away from Cape Town and going to Scratch Patch where we could pick up gem stones and buy what we chose and I remember picking the tiger's eye . Apparently this symbolizes determination , patience , clear thinking and focus. It also has many healing properties such as calming the mind. Where is my tiger's eye when I need it?think I need to locate it when I go back to South Africa on holiday!!

Anyway great song , very motivational! and here it is below:

" I know you're out there somewhere"

"I know you're out there somewhere" was performed by the Moody Blues in 1988. This was written by the guitarist Justin Hayward. Apparently this song continues from another Moody Blues song called "Wildest dreams" where a man is remembering his first love and wonders if she remembers him. In "I know you're out there somewhere " the man realises he still loves her and promises to return to her.

With most people wondering what happened to those special people from their past,isn't it better to sometimes leave the past in the past? I think that with facebook out there this makes it a bit difficult.. and makes the odds much higher of finding that person .. "you know is out there somewhere".

I absolutely love this song and the lyrics, when I was a youth I wondered who was out there somewhere waiting to meet me? Now I just wonder and think " I know you're out there somewhere.." to all those peeps in the world who haven't read my blog yet. Where are you?

"Always"

"Always"was recorded by Atlantic Starr in 1987, this is one of those magnificently beautiful love songs. Another wedding song , the lyrics speak for itself. The first time I heard this song it gave me the shivers( in a good way of course) . There are some songs (which I'll get to later on ) that grew on me ( like a fungi ) but this one I just always adored. It made me believe in the Cinderella Fairy Tale ending. Although life is not always a fairy tale it still inspires people to believe.

When I lived in Sydney a couple of years ago I had a Karaoke evening that I had arranged and I sang this as a duet with my significant other. He's a bit tone deaf ( I make up for his lack of tune too) but all in all it was very sweet to witness.

Check out how beautiful these lyrics are , just unreal ...

Girl you are to me, all that a woman should be,
And I dedicate my life to you always
The love like yours is grand,
It must have been sent from up above
And I know you'll stay this way, for always

And we both know, that our love will grow
And forever it will be you and me
Ooh your life is sun,
Chasing all the rain away,
When you come around you bring a brighter day
You're the perfect one
For me and you forever we'll be
And I will love you so for always

Come with me my sweet,
Let's go make a family,
And they will bring us joy, for always

Oh boy I love your soul,
I can't find enough ways to let you know
But you can be sure of course, for always

And we both know, that our love will grow
And forever it will be you and me
Ooh your life is sun,
Chasing all the rain away,
When you come around you bring a brighter day
You're the perfect one
For me and you forever we'll be
And I will love you so for always
oh you're like the sun chasing all of the rain away
oh boy i love you so
and you can be sure i'm yours for always
when you come around you bring brighter days
come with me my sweet
for me and you forever will be
a love like yours is rare

I will love you so, for always

I couldn't find the actual music video for this song however I got their live version , not as nice obviously but at least it's the original Atlantic Starr...

"You can't hurry love"

"You can't hurry love"was originally performed by Diana Ross and the Supremes in 1966. This was then rerecorded by Phil Collins in 1983. I love both versions of this song. Hearing this song for the first time and listening to the lyrics always gave me hope that I would find that person who I was looking for. I waited and looked for a very long time. It definately wasn't easy, after years of bad experiences and countless bad dates and bad blind dates I had almost given up, but whenever I would hear this song it always gave me that renewed faith that my time would come. As my mother would always say good things come to those who wait and there's a lid for every pot.. well I finally found mine. The lyrics are so true "You can't hurry love"

2 versions below with lyrics , still can't decide which I like better..

I need love, love
Oh, ease my mind
And I need to find time
Someone to call mine

My mama said, "You can't hurry love
No, you'll just have to wait"
She said, "Love don't come easy
But it's a game of give and take"

You can't hurry love
No, you'll just have to wait
Just trust in a good time
No matter how long it takes

How many heartaches must I stand
Before I find the love to let me live again
Right now the only thing that keeps me hanging on
When I feel my strength, oh, it's almost gone

I remember mama said, "You can't hurry love
No, you'll just have to wait"
She said, "Love don't come easy
It's a game of give and take"

How long must I wait
How much more must I take
Before loneliness
Will cause my heart, heart to break

No, I cant bear to live my life alone
I grow impatient for a love to call my own
But when I feel that I, I can't go on
Well, these precious words keep me hanging on

I remember mama said, "You can't hurry love
No, you'll just have to wait"
She said, "Love don't come easy
Well, it's a game of give and take"

You can't hurry love
No, you'll just have to wait
Just trust in a good time
No matter how long it takes, now break

Now love, love don't come easy
But I keep on waiting
Anticipating for that soft voice
To talk to me at night
For some tender arms
Hold me tight
I keep waiting
Oh, till that day
But it ain't easy
(Love don't come easy)
No, you know it ain't easy

My mama said, "You can't hurry love
No, you'll just have to wait"
She said, "Love don't come easy
But it's a game of give and take"

You can't hurry love
No, you'll just have to wait
She said, "Love don't come easy
It's a game of give and take"

"Hard for me to say I'm sorry"

"Hard for me to say I'm sorry" was performed by American Rock Group Chicago in 1982. I have always absolutely loved Peter Cetera and his voice and this was before he went solo. I think Chicago as a group were fantastic too. This is one of those unforgettably brilliant songs with heart and soul, the melody is too beautiful for words. If you listen to it, it could easily be one of those songs written and composed at any time not just in the 80s.

This was also covered by AZ Yet in 1996 which featured Peter Cetera. I think I prefer the original version by Chicago, however don't underestimate AZ Yet , their harmonies are incredible and they are soulful too. All in all this version is great , they are very talented. They remind me of Boyz II Men.

Check out both versions :

"The winner takes it all"

"The winner takes it all" was performed by the Swedish Band ABBA in 1980 ( the year I was born), this song talks about the end of a relationship, which is quite sad. It is a hauntingly beautiful song. I think I only came across this much later on and only really appreciated it a couple of years ago.

I was learning how to play this on the piano recently but of course like most of the things I do I didn't finish this exercise. I was never really a big fan of ABBA despite their huge popularity but I do love this song , it is exceptional!

"Africa"

"Africa" was performed by the rock band Toto in 1982. In my opinion one of their best songs and I can't believe that this song was almost left off their album because they felt it was too different and not good enough. It became an extremely popular song.

When I hear this song it makes me think of Sun City in Johannesburg , Sun City is a beautiful Holiday Resort with lots of Casino's, Golf , Luxury Hotels, Entertainment, Delicious Restaurants. As this was a 2 hour drive from where I lived it was the nearest I could go to, to get to the beach, of course it was a superficial beach but a beach nonetheless. I went a couple of times with my family when I was a child. Brings back some great memories. Africa is also so sentimental for me as it takes me back to all those memories of my childhood . There was and for me will never be anything more special than a South African Sunset, a Braais on a sunday afternoon, A South African late afternoon thunderstorm. Even though I have immigrated I will always be proudly South African and my memories will live on forever in this song .

"Stuck with you"

"Stuck with you" was performed by Huey Lewis and the News and written by guitarist Chris Hayes and lead singer Huey Lewis in 1986. I've always loved this song and I love the lyrics.

It talks about relationships and how at the end of the day through the good and the bad we are still happy to be "stuck" with the person we have chosen.Although we w ouldn't really want to be thought of as stuck with someone I think it implies in a good way right? :) I especially love the line " Been down that rocky road ..." I can especially relate as I have tasted one too many rocky roads some not so good and I definately don't like the ones with raisins in them. Look at the girl in the silver dress - her dress is ridiculous with that 80's big sleeve .What were we thinking back in the day?

Lyrics

We've had some fun, and yes we've had our ups and downs
Been down that rocky road, but here we are, still around
We thought about someone else, but neither one took the bait
We thought about breaking up, but now we know it's much too late
We are bound by all the rest
Like the same phone number
All the same friends
And the same address

Yes, it's true, (yes it's true) I am happy to be stuck with you
Yes, it's true, (yes it's true) I'm so happy to be stuck with you
'Cause I can see, (I can see) that you're happy to be stuck with me

We've had our doubts, we never took them seriously
And we've had our ins and outs, but that's the way it's supposed to be
We thought about giving up, but we could never stay away
Thought about breaking up, but now we know it's much too late
And it's no great mystery
If we change our minds
Eventually, it's back to you and me

Yes, it's true, (yes it's true) I am happy to be stuck with you
Yes, it's true, (yes it's true) I'm so happy to be stuck with you
'Cause I can see, (I can see) that you're happy to be stuck with me


We are bound by all the rest
Like the same phone number
All the same friends
And the same address

Yes, it's true, (yes it's true) I am happy to be stuck with you
Yes, it's true, (yes it's true) I'm so happy to be stuck with you
'Cause I can see, (I can see) that you're happy to be stuck with me
Yes its true (yes it's true) I'm so happy to be stuck with you
I'm happy to be stuck with you
Happy to be stuck with you.

"Together in Electric Dreams"

"Together in Electric Dreams" was composed and sung by Philip Oakey and producer Giorgio Moroder. This was recorded for the soundtrack of the 1984 film "Electric Dreams".A movie that didn't get rave reviews but yet they made a great song.This song apparently took only ten minutes to record which is remarkable because it truly came out well with an extremely catchy tune!

I don't know why but hearing this tune makes me think of Cabbage Patch Dolls from back in the day , in fact I remember I had a Cabbage Patch Doll wig that I used to wear .I used to love Cabbage Patch Dolls. Do they still have them nowadays? If they do I am sure they don't look exactly the same as they used to. It's just like Barbie, she doesn't look the same either. Those Barbie Doll faces look completely different and did they make her even thinner? What happened to the larger lady? wasn't that more acceptable back then? That's just food for thought, speaking of which I could do with a nice chocolate now to wash down the thai I had earlier for dinner tonight.

Okay but enough about me ,back to the song...a great song as mentioned.How funny were the computers back in the day ? check out the video..

"Love Changes"

"Love Changes" was performed in 1987 by UK Pop duo Rob Fisher( vocalist and songwriter ) and Simon Climie ( Keyboard player and songwriter ).When I was little I always thought that Climie Fisher was one person. Love Changes was a huge hit in South Africa and it played all the time on the wireless ( AKA Radio). Another one which brings nostalgia galore.

Rob Fisher died on the 25 August 1999 during surgery for bowel cancer. He contributed as a song writer to Rick Astley's album in 1991 and 1993.Simon Climie co-wrote the song "knew you were waiting for me" performed by Aretha Franklin/George Michael in 1986 and had also co wrote for Eric Clapton just to name a few.

Check out their video below

"Together Forever"

"Together Forever" was recorded by Rick Astley in 1987/88. Can you believe after selling over 40 million albums he retired at the age of 27? Not too shabby Nige it sounds good to me . Oh wait hang on I am retired technically speaking , well I haven't sold 40 million albums but I don't work and do what I want so that's the same right? Whatever we tell ourselves to make it better :) Listening to this song is like a time machine back to the eighties , so completely reminiscent of my childhood .

This is just one of those feel good songs. If you watch the video it is so eighties. Some of the fashion back then was horrid ( the jeans up to the waste, the shuffle socks) - actually some has returned to haunt us (some good some not so good). I remember when having big hair was in, now not so much !! And lucky for that!! I am thankful everyday for my GHD hair straightener!!!! Ladies if you reading this and don't have one go buy it, best straightener in the world - the best thing that ever happened to my AFRO!!!Say no to Big Hair!!

"Set the night to music"

"Set the night to music" was written by Dianne Warrren and feaured in Starship's album- "No Protection" in 1987. However this was redone in 1991 by Roberta Flack and Maxi Priest in what I believe is a far more superior version. Original version is not so great by Starship. I'll post the two videos below as reference. It's a really beautiful song but Starship do this song no justice, duet is simply great!

Unfortunately I couldn't locate a music video for either Starship or the duet by Roberta Flack and Maxi Priest ,only live versions which just didn't sound great

Video's below

"Tonight I celebrate my love"

The duet "Tonight I celebrate my love" was recorded in 1983 by Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack. It is an exquisitely well written and composed song, this song also featured in Days of our Lives as the love theme for Bo and Hope in the mid- 1980's. Peabo Bryson is so naturally talented he is a phenomenan, another voice as smooth as chocolate. Speaking of which last night I went to a braai AKA barbie AKA barbeque at people we met and it was the first time I ate chocolate in 10 days , Chocolate mint tim-tams are a must it's worth breaking the diet for ( of course everything in moderation which is something I tend not to know much about these days) . See I love everything that's chocolate mint -and this is a fantastic combo. As you can tell weight watchers aint so great at the moment for me. Anyway back to the song...

So this one is a classic love song with it's gracefully romantic lyrics and has been used in millions of weddings. As cheesy as that sounds , if you listen to it you can understand why. It is magical song, transporting you somewhere else.

Lyrics and Video below :

Tonight I celebrate my love for you
It seems like the natural thing to do
Tonight no one's gonna find us
We'll leave the world behind us
When I make love to you
Tonight
And I hope that deep inside you feel it too
Tonight our spirits will be climbing
To a sky lit with diamonds
When I make love to you
Tonight
Tonight I celebrate my love for you
And that midnight sun
Is gonna come shining through
Tonight there'll be no distance between us
What I want most to do
Is to make love to you
Tonight
Tonight I celebrate my love for you
And soon this old world will feel brand new
Tonight we will both discover
How friends turn into lovers
When I make love to you
Tonight I celebrate my love for you
And that midnight sun
Is gonna come shining through
Tonight there'll be no distance between us
What I want most to do
Is to make love to you
Tonight I celebrate my love for you
Tonight I celebrate my love for you

"Don't stop believing"

"Don't stop believing" was performed and released by the American Pop Band, Journey in 1981.
Hearing this song again and again in the late 2000's popping up everywhere it really confused me, as I kept on thinking it was released much later than in the 80's. However I did my research and was proven wrong. It's just such a good song to be able to make such a come back. I was watching the movie "Bedtime Stories" 2008 with Adam Sandler and they played this song in the movie and at the end while running the credits and again reminded me how great this song really is.

Since 2007 the Lead singer of the band Journey has been Filipino singer- Songwriter, Arnel Pineda. I think he is brilliant, can you tell a big difference between the two videos?I think he's just as great as the original lead singer , Steve Perry.I first saw this guy on Oprah and thought he was outstanding - what a voice! Did I mention how much I love this song?

Check out Steve Perry in his live performance of this song :



and now Arnel Pineda

"Everywhere"

"Everywhere" was performed by the British-American Band Fleetwood Mac in 1987. There are two versions of this video

I love this song and it's lyrics, it's so reminiscent of my childhood days. I wasn't involved with anyone per say at 8 years old( besides my crush on Patrick Swayze) so I couldn't really relate to these lyrics, but I always loved the tune. Now being a bit older and wiser I understand what it's all about. I believe the song talks about that period of time just at the start of a new relationship, all the excitement, the butterflies , "acting peculiarly" , it's a rollercoaster of emotions!

Lyrics and video below :

Can you hear me calling
Out your name
You know that I'm falling
And I don't know what to say

I'll speak a little louder
I'll even shout
You know that I'm pround
And I can't get the words out

Oh I...
I want to be with you everywhere
Oh I...
I want to be with you everywhere
(Wanna be with you everywhere)

Something's happening
Happening to me
My friends say I'm acting peculiarly

C'mon baby
We better make a start
You better make it soon
Before you break my heart

Oh I...
I want to be with you everywhere
Oh I...
I want to be with you everywhere
(Wanna be with you everywhere)

Can you hear me calling
Out your name
You know that I'm falling
And I don't know what to say

Come along baby
We better make a start
You better make it soon
Before you break my heart

Oh I...
I want to be with you everywhere
Oh I...
I want to be with you everywhere
Oh I...
I want to be with you everywhere
Oh I...
I want to be with you everywhere
(Wanna be with you everywhere)

" I just called to say I love you"

"I just called to say I love you" was written and performed by Stevie Wonder, a phenomenal singer and songwriter. He is just brilliant , so soulful and so talented. This song appeared in the 1984 movie "The Woman in Red" along with two other songs by him and won a Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song. If you listen to it today it is very simple yet so beautiful and as they say less is more anyway...

Just a simple phone call to let someone know that you are thinking about them or that you love them can brighten up a very dull day. I guess in this day an age with Skype , Facebook, Email , and Twitter to mention a few running rampant it doesn't really matter how you choose to convey your message as long as you convey it..

Lyrics and Video below :

No New Year's Day to celebrate
No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away
No first of spring
No song to sing
In fact here's just another ordinary day

No April rain
No flowers bloom
No wedding Saturday within the month of June
But what it is, is something true
Made up of these three words that I must say to you

I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart

No summer's high
No warm July
No harvest moon to light one tender August night
No autumn breeze
No falling leaves
Not even time for birds to fly to southern skies

No Libra sun
No Halloween
No giving thanks to all the Christmas joy you bring
But what it is, though old so new
To fill your heart like no three words could ever do

I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart

I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart, of my heart,
of my heart

I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart, of my heart,
baby of my heart

"That's what friends are for "

"That's what friends are for" was initially performed by Rod Stewart for the soundtrack of the movie "Night Shift" in 1982 . It's most popular version was the cover performed by Dionne Warwick and friends such as Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Elton John in 1985 , this was recorded as a benefit for American Foundation for AIDS research, a really great cause.
The cover version won Grammy for the best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal and song of the year for the writers Burt Bacharach and Carol Bayer Sager.

What a memorable song,it's still so beautiful even hearing it years later. When I was a tot I was convinced that this song was called "Keep Smiling , Keep Shining" , it just always stuck as that .This has so many memories for me. First of all I always loved this song and the combination of all of these great singers to perform this song was just pure power! I would get so excited when I heard this song on the wireless ( AKA Radio) and I used to sing along to it. In my final year of primary school which was called standard 5 ( others may know it as the 7th Grade) our entire year sang this as our goodbye song in assembly to farewell Primary school along with all the memories it brought.

This song is a very special to me as it talks about all those special friendships that no matter how much time has passed and no matter how far apart you live you always have a place for them in your life. Having immigrated you truly realise which friendships sustain the test of time and distance and I am so lucky to have had and to still have those very special people in my life. So thank you to those wonderful friends who have stuck by me and always been there for me through it all .I am truly blessed and this song is for you ..


Lyrics and Video :

And I never thought I'd feel this way
And as far as I'm concerned
I'm glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you

And if I should ever go away
Well, then close your eyes and try to feel
The way we do today
And then if you can remember

Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Well, you came and opened me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you

Whoa, and then for the times when we're apart
Well, then close your eyes and know
These words are comin' from my heart
And then if you can remember, oh

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
In good times, in bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
Oh, that's what friends are for

Whoa... oh... oh... keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, oh, for sure
'Cause I tell you that's what friends are for
For good times and for bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for (That's what friends are for)

On me, for sure
That's what friends are for
Keep smilin', keep shinin'

"Hello "

Lionel Richie is an American - singer and songwriter, he was a member of the group Commodores since 1968 and went solo in 1982. This man had so many unbelievable eighties hits and he has always been one of my favourites. In the late 90's I bought his CD of greatest hits and my brother's friend saw the CD and started laughing , he thought I was old before my time. I was embarassed back then being a teenager and all, but I've always been an old soul anyway . My thoughts were that some people just don't know good music when they hear it and music like this is just timeless :) He is an all time brilliant singer and songwriter!!!

" Hello " was released in 1984 , It's a really beautiful song with beautiful lyrics. My friends sister had this song as her first dance at her wedding .. just gorgeous! "Hello" has been used in movies such as "Bitter Moon" 1992, "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" 2005, "Herbie: Fully Loaded 2005","Scary Movie 4" 2006, "Are We Done Yet?" 2007, and "Shrek Forever After 2010".


Check out the original music video then check out the commercial below that .... tis very amusing :))

"Hold me now"

"Hold me now" was a song by the British Pop Band Thompson Twins released in 1983 ( whoah I was a teeny thrice year old bouncin babeh boy AKA baby girl ) and used in the soundtrack for the movie" The Wedding Singer" in 1998 featuring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler . That's a very good movie I might add, very very funny! This is such a good song, lyrics good too, but now everytime I hear it I think it's my cell phone ringing cause I set this as a ringtone on my old phone for a period of time .

Anyhoo I love these lyrics, especially the line "But you know that there's nowhere that I'd rather be than with you here today" , It's so sweet and I can relate. You know at this point in time today in about 4 hours there'll be nowhere that I'd rather be than eating those tiny bites of heaven ... SUSHI TRAIN!! I'm so excited! Yes I am on weight watchers still but I'm allowed Sushi ( well who's gonna know if I go over by a couple of points anyway?) Dieting should be a sin I tell you , food glorious food is a gift of pleasure ....speaking of which I'm not sure if I mentioned I'm a lady of leisure. I am currently unemployed and this writing keeps me sane as I'd like to go and eat myself into an oblivion , eat myself to a stoopa (I'm sure It's something along those lines)

So back to the song I think it talks about a relationship which is slowly going downhill , I don't think it means they are actually breaking up ( don't be a prophet of doom now )Every relationship goes through it's ups and downs and this is probably talking about that point in time where things are just not so dandy. You know it takes me back to the first time I tried "Crunchie" Icecream back in the 90's, it was love at first site and bite ,but I overindulged at one point and after that it wasn't as exciting as the beginning. But that was just a downphase which is natural in any relationship .. now we have a special understanding and we are aware this is perfectly normal :)

Here are the lyrics and video below

I have a picture
Pinned to my wall
An image of you and of me
And we're laughing with love in our eyes

Look at our life now
Tattered and torn
We're fussing and fighting
Delighting with tears
And we cry until dawn

Oh, hold me now
Warm my heart
Stay with me
Let loving start
Let loving start

You say I'm a dreamer
We're two of a kind
Both of us searching
For some perfect world
We know we'll never find

So perhaps I should leave here
Yeah, go far away
But you know that
There's nowhere
That I'd rather be
Than with you here today

Oh, hold me now
Oh, warm my heart
Stay with me
Let loving start
Let loving start

Oh, hold me now
Warm my heart
Stay with me
Let loving start
Let loving start

You ask if I love you
What can I say?
You know that I do
And that this is
Just one of those games that we play

So I sing you a new song
Please don't cry any more
And I ask your forgiveness
Though I don't know
Just what I'm asking it for

Oh, hold me now
(Hold me in your loving arms)
Warm my heart
(Oh, your cold and tired arms)
Stay with me
Let loving start
Let loving start

"Everybody wants to rule the world"

"Everybody wants to rule the world" was performed by the British New Wave Band, Tears for Fears in 1985. Another great eighties hit used as the soundtrack for a number of movies such as "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion"1997, "Click" 2006,"Felix the Cat" 1991, Independence Day Trailer 1996.

I always loved the first line of this song "Welcome to your life , theres no turning back", to me I interpreted it to mean we all are given our lives to live and we choose how we want to live them out and no matter how much you want to trade your life with someone elses , there is no turning back or chance for exchange. I think to sum it up it talks about the fact that the decisions/choices we make all have repercussions (whether it be in this world or the one to come) and that we need to take responsibility for the choices we do make. We are given a limited amount of time on earth and we should always be aware of the consequences of our actions and make this time count even though ultimately our choices do lead us to a predetermined destiny. It's about how much a human being can be consumed with material desires like power and money and while in pursuit of our selfish pleasures we completely disregard Mother Nature.

I adore this song, here are the lyrics and video below

Welcome to your life
There's no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you acting on your best behavior
Turn your back on Mother Nature
Everybody wants to rule the world.

It's my own design
It's my own remorse
Help me to decide
Help me make the most
Of freedom and of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world.

There's a room where the light won't find you
Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down
When they do I'll be right behind you.
So glad we've almost made it
So sad they had to fade it
Everybody wants to rule the world.

I can't stand this indecision
Married with a lack of vision
Everybody wants to rule the world
Say that you'll never never never never need it
One headline why believe it?
Everybody wants to rule the world.

"Nothing's gonna stop us now "

"Nothing's gonna stop us now " another track recorded by Starship, this was recorded for the romantic comedy "Mannequin" in 1987. Incredible song ! Lyrics aren't too shabby either !The movie is a classic brilliant eighties romantic comedy , simply great. I'm a sucker for a good love song and good movie , well this is one of those.

This one talks about never letting anything or anyone get in the way of your relationship. Sticking by the person you have chosen to be with through thick and thin ( especially through thick... if your significant other gets a little hefty and puts on a few pounds from time to time eating one too many of those chocolate bars in the snack cupboard ) through the good and the bad example when monehs AKA moneys taut, or when they wake up next to you with bad morning breath ..make sense?

Now check the lyrics out and the video below


Lookin' in your eyes I see a paradise
This world that I found is too good to be true
Standin' here beside you, want so much to give you
This love in my heart that I'm feelin' for you

Let 'em say we're crazy
I don't care 'bout that
Put your hand in my hand baby
Don't ever look back
Let the world around us just fall apart
Baby we could make it if we're heart to heart

CHORUS:
And we can build this dream together
Standing strong forever
Nothing's gonna stop us now
And if this world runs out of lovers
We'll still have each other
Nothing's gonna stop us
Nothing's gonna stop us now wow woh

I'm so glad I found you
I'm not gonna lose you
Whatever it takes I will stay here with you
Take it to the good times
See it through the bad times
Whatever it takes is what I'm gonna do

Let 'em say we're crazy
What do they know
Put your arms around me baby
Don't ever let go
Let the world around us just fall apart
Baby we could make it if we're heart to heart

CHORUS

Ooh all that I need is you
All that I ever need
And all that I want to do
Is hold you forever ever and ever (hey)

"We built this City"

"We built this City" was recorded by Starship in 1985, the lyrics didn't really mean anything to me( in fact I never really understood them) but it didn't matter cause this song was more about my childhood memories in South Africa. So I noticed a lot of people actually hated this song , well I think it's a damn good tune , very catchy and another eighties classic!

The nostalgia it brings once again.Hot sunday afternoons ( dry not humid, just perfect weather ) with my family playing in the pool , lying on the lilo, afternoon tea and cake , my granny Celia visiting... who recently passed away( such a good woman) , all the pets we used to have . Such memories, it all just goes by so quickly then you realise 10 years gone in a flash.

Straight to the Video ....

"Let the river run"

"Let the river run" was performed and composed by Carly Simon in 1988 and featured in the film "Working Girl" in 1989 . This song won three awards an Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy ."Let the River run " was re- released on Carly Simon's album "Never Been Gone" on October 27 2009.

This is an inspirational song, when you hear it it makes you feel like you can achieve anything. It is powerful and uplifting which is why I have it in my ipod, iphone and ipad as a "running track". What is a "running track " you ask? , well in my dictionary it's one of those songs you always like to start when you are on the treadmill , just when you need some inspiration to keep on going , when you have say 20 mins left and you feel like you just don't have the energy to carry on . When you feel like you have to grab that 3rd delish skinny cow cookie that you don't really need (BTW New skinny cow icecream cookie now available , coffee flavour if you have it in your countreh of residence go and try it , it's lower calories and just scrumptious )

My interpretation of this song really does tell me never to give up on my dreams and with enough faith and hard work I can come through "the fog" and achieve my dreams. There will always be those non believers who try and discourage us but we need to wake them up by showing them we can do anything we put our minds to...hmm I'm feeling inspired....maybe I'll go for a run now...well ..umm maybe later..

Lyrics :

We're coming to the edge,
running on the water,
coming through the fog,
your sons and daughters.

Let the river run,
let all the dreamers
wake the nation.
Come, the New Jerusalem.

Silver cities rise,
the morning lights
the streets that meet them,
and sirens call them on
with a song.

It's asking for the taking.
Trembling, shaking.
Oh, my heart is aching.

We're coming to the edge,
running on the water,
coming through the fog,
your sons and daughters.

We the great and small
stand on a star
and blaze a trail of desire
through the dark'ning dawn.

It's asking for the taking.
Come run with me now,
the sky is the color of blue
you've never even seen
in the eyes of your lover.

Oh, my heart is aching.
We're coming to the edge,
running on the water,
coming through the fog,
your sons and daughters.

It's asking for the taking.
Trembling, shaking.
Oh, my heart is aching.


We're coming to the edge,
running on the water,
coming through the fog,
your sons and daughters.

Let the river run,
let all the dreamers
wake the nation.
Come, the New Jerusalem.

Check out the video ,you can still see the twin towers before the terrorist attacks. Inspiring to see but so sad at the same time ..

"Two Hearts"

"Two Hearts" was written and performed by Phil Collins and Lamont Dazier in 1988 for the movie "Buster".It also won a Golden Globe for best original song and two music videos were made for this song.I'm just posting the one.

Phil Collins is an extremely talented young man, well not so young anymore but talented yes. All his songs are nothing short of brilliant however for now I've picked this one as the lyrics and tune are wonderful.

I believe the song talks about distance and that it doesn't matter how far apart you are from the person you love. If it's meant to be and if you have enough faith to make it work you can make anything work. The relationship I'm now in is a result of fate, faith and hardwork , we lived in different countries when we first met( he was in South Africa for work ) and he had to go back to Australia so we maintained a long distance relationship for 6 months and we were together in South Africa for only 1 month . It was never easy to be so far away and not be able to see eachother but we were both determined to make it work and here I am today living with him in Australia 5 years later. So I say ...we really were "Two Hearts believing in just one mind"...

Lyrics below :

Well, there was no reason to believe she'd always be there
But if you don't put faith in what you believe in
It's getting you nowhere
Cos it hurts, you never let go
Don't look down, just look up
Cos she's always there to behind you, just to remind you

Two hearts, believing in just one mind
You know we're two hearts believing in just one mind

Cos there's no easy way to, to understand it
There's so much of my life in her, and it's like I'm blinded
And it teaches you to never let go
There's so much love you'll never know
She can reach you no matter how far
Wherever you are

Two hearts, believing in just one mind
Beating together till the end of time
You know we're two hearts believing in just one mind
Together forever till the end of time

She knows (she knows)
There'll always be a special place in my heart for her
She knows, she knows, she knows
Yeah, she knows (she knows)
No matter how far apart we are
She knows, I'm always right there beside her

We're two hearts...

"In Your Eyes"

"In Your Eyes" was performed by Peter Gabriel in 1986. This song was used in the 1989 film "Say Anything " a sweet movie I might add , I just remember when John Cusack held the radio up above his head and serenaded his girlfriend with this song. A great song, another great eighties hit. Gosh they made good music back in the day. What I personally love about this song is the build up , you know those songs that just build up to a grand chorus, well that's one of those. Very nice lyrics . The eyes truly are the windows to the soul , you can tell so much about a person just by looking into their eyes...There are Kind Eyes, Evil Eyes , public eyes, private eyes ...okay I'm going off the topic now.

Anyway check out the lyrics

love I get so lost, sometimes
days pass and this emptiness fills my heart
when I want to run away
I drive off in my car
but whichever way I go
I come back to the place you are

all my instincts, they return
and the grand facade, so soon will burn
without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside

in your eyes
the light the heat
in your eyes
I am complete
in your eyes
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
in your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
in your eyes
I see the light and the heat
in your eyes
oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light
the heat I see in your eyes

love, I don't like to see so much pain
so much wasted and this moment keeps slipping away
I get so tired of working so hard for our survival
I look to the time with you to keep me awake and alive

and all my instincts, they return
and the grand facade, so soon will burn
without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside

in your eyes
the light the heat
in your eyes
I am complete
in your eyes
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
in your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
in your eyes
I see the light and the heat
in your eyes
oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light,
the heat I see in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes

And the Video .....