Chart Performance: Pop (#8) and Mainstream Rock (#20); 1983
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
Burt Bacharach and oft-time songwriting partner Hal David’s long run of hit records started off in 1958 with Magic Moments by Perry Como. Gene Pitney was an early benefactor of B&D’s genius; Dionne Warwick was a later one. Along the way were many others, including soul man Lou Johnson, who’s biggest single, (There’s) Always Something There To Remind Me, peaked at #12 R&B in 1964. The song was quickly snapped up by British songstress Sandie Shaw who rode it to #1 in the UK. Dionne Warwick released her version in 1968 and R.B. Greaves did likewise in 1970. Both were middling chart performers. Other artists also heard the magic in Always – The 4 Seasons, Lou Christie, Martha & The Vandellas, Baha Marimba Band, Carpenters, Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles, and José Feliciano – all of whom recorded it. Ultimately, the highest US charting of Bacharach/David’s song went to English duo Naked Eyes, although it only reached #59 in the UK.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2023 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Tony Mansfield
Lyrics Written by:
- Burt Bacharach
- Hal David
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).
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