Bookended by Cats was named after Milo and Otis. They are the short, orange, and furry brothers who, upon entering our lives in 2003, often bookended us on our couch. And who are we? We're a geek couple living in PA. We love music, movies, TV, comics, books, and comic cons. And, from time to time, we'll share our thoughts on these nerdy things.

Friday, January 27, 2023

Friday 80s Flashback for January 27, 2023


[It's Raining Success] -- Success was the third studio album released by Martha Wash and Izora Armstead, the American vocal duo known as The Weather Girls. Released 40 years ago this week (January 22, 1983), Success is probably best known for "It's Raining Men," which hit #1 on the US Dance Club Songs chart and held that position for two weeks. "It's Raining Men" also spent 11 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and 18 weeks on the R&B charts, peaking at #46 and #34 on those respective charts. It even reached the top 40 in several other countries, peaking within the top 10 a few times. 

The song endures: In 2017, Paste Magazine released their list of the 60 Best Dancefloor Classics, and "It's Raining Men" held the #12 slot.

According to Wikipedia, "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair" and "Dear Santa (Bring Me a Man This Christmas)" were the album's other two singles. But I cannot find any indication that either of them charted. I do have to wonder when "Dear Santa" was released in the US, as I find it odd that a Christmas song was featured on an album that came out in January. But it does look like "Dear Santa" at least got a December release in the UK. And it even got the music video treatment, though I cannot determine if it was made in 1983 or later.    

While both "It's Raining Men" and "Dear Santa" are fun and campy, the entire album does showcase Wash and Armstead's strong vocal chops. It's a shame the album is so short -- only six tracks. Perhaps an expanded offering, with some other song choices, would have done a better job of showing their range. 

FlashbackSuccess (January 22, 1983)




And that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.

I'll see you in seven!

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