[So Hard for the Money] -- On May 10, 1983*, Donna Summer released her 11th solo studio album, She Works Hard for the Money. It was her most commercially successful album of the 1980s -- the album peaked at #9 on the Billboard 200, and the title track reached the #3 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached the #1 position on the Billboard R&B singles chart, and #3 on the Dance Club Play chart. "She Works Hard for the Money" was one of the most popular songs of 1983, reaching the top 40 of charts around the world. But beyond the dance beats and Summer's excellent voice, this tune highlights the hard work and exhaustion that many a blue-collar woman still experiences to this day.
Summer's second single -- "Unconditional Love" with uncredited vocals by Musical Youth -- was a bit of a commercial disappointment. It placed just outside the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking #43, and just barely reached the Cashbox top 40 at #40. It did reach the top ten of the R&B chart, and was even a top 20 hit for her in the UK. Plus, although it was not released as a single, "He's a Rebel" earned a Grammy award for Best Inspirational Performance (1984). She kicked off that year's award show with a live performance of "She Works Hard for the Money."
She Works Hard for the Money also worked hard for sales: The album was certified Gold in Canada, France, the UK, and the US.
Flashback: She Works Hard For The Money (May 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!
* According to sources such as Album Of The Year, She Works Hard For The Money was released on May 10, 1983. Other sources, such as Wikipedia, list a June 1983 release date. Then again, Wikipedia seems to be hedging their calendar bet; they also list the May 10 date on their list of albums released in 1983. Either way, by the time summer 2023 really rolls around, this record will be 40 years old.
No comments:
Post a Comment