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“It’s hard to believe that in 2024, Rachel Sweet is sixty-two years old. Sorry, Rachel, I did not mean to open this article like that, but for most of us rock fans who are the same age as you or even older, we remember you as the young musical artist of the 1970s. We still see your pictures on the covers of the albums we collected. Those album covers will forever keep you young in the memories of music fans who followed your career back in the 1970s and into the 80s.” That’s the beauty of rock and roll.
For those who may not be familiar with Rachel Sweet, she was a singer, born in Akron, Ohio, in 1962 and began her music career at an exceptionally young age. By the time she was 12, Sweet was performing country music and had already secured a record deal with a small label, releasing a series of singles that showcased her powerful voice and maturity beyond her years. However, it wasn’t until the late 1970s, when she shifted gears toward rock and new wave, that she truly found her place in the music world. Signed to Stiff Records in 1978, Sweet released her debut album, Fool Around, at the age of 16. With a blend of rock, punk, and pop, the album introduced her to a broader audience, featuring standout tracks like “B-A-B-Y,” a cover of Carla Thomas’ 1966 hit, which became a minor success and established Sweet as a fresh face in the new wave scene.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Sweet continued to build on her early success with her follow-up albums Protect the Innocent (1980) and …And Then He Kissed Me (1981). Both albums featured a mix of original material and covers, demonstrating Sweet’s versatility as an artist capable of crossing genres. Her voice was a powerful, dynamic instrument that suited both rock anthems and more introspective ballads. During this period, she garnered critical acclaim and cultivated a dedicated fan base, particularly in the UK, where she was embraced as part of the burgeoning punk and new wave movement. Despite her youth, Sweet’s performances and recordings were marked by a distinctive confidence and charisma that made her a standout in an era brimming with new musical talent.
However, as the 1980s progressed, Rachel Sweet gradually shifted her focus away from music and toward other creative outlets. By the mid-1980s, she had transitioned into television and film, taking on various acting and producing roles, including work as a producer for the hit TV show Dharma & Greg.
# 10 – The Boys On 7th Avenue – Rachel Sweet Live Featuring The Toys
“We open our Rachel Sweet songs list with a killer live cut. It’s not the best audio quality, but the song’s passionate performance and mesmerizing vocals by Rachel Sweet more than make up for the lack of fidelity. ‘The Boys on 7th Avenue,’ featured on Rachel Sweet Live Featuring The Toys, has a bit of a ’70s Springsteen vibe. The inclusion of The Toys, best known for their 1965 hit ‘A Lover’s Concerto,’ adds an extra layer of harmony and nostalgia, making this live version of ‘The Boys on 7th Avenue’ a standout in her discography. The recording comes from a radio broadcast on New York’s legendary rock station WNEW.”
# 9 – Spellbound – Protect The Innocent
# 8 – It’s So Different Here – Fool Around
“It’s So Different Here,” a haunting and evocative track from Rachel Sweet’s 1978 debut album Fool Around, is a masterclass in storytelling through song. Recorded at Eden Studios in London and produced by David Kershenbaum, the song stands out as one of the most introspective and atmospheric pieces in Sweet’s early career. With its vivid imagery and melancholic tone, “It’s So Different Here” captures the sense of isolation and dislocation that can come from being far from home, both physically and emotionally. The track is a departure from the more upbeat, punk-inflected songs on the album, showcasing Sweet’s range as an artist and her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and depth.
Lyrically, “It’s So Different Here” tells the story of someone who has been displaced to a foreign land, far removed from the familiar comforts of home. The opening lines, “You wanted me to write you a letter / Here it is, it’s left downriver on the boat,” immediately set the stage for a narrative of distance and longing. The chorus, “Women walk in the shade with water jars / It’s so different here / So hot, no phones or cars,” paints a vivid picture of a place that feels both exotic and isolating. Sweet’s vocal delivery is restrained yet expressive, conveying the weariness and resignation of someone who feels out of place in their new surroundings. The repetition of the phrase “It’s so different here” underscores the theme of alienation, making the listener feel the protagonist’s sense of being a stranger in a strange land.
Musically, the song is marked by its sparse, atmospheric arrangement, which allows Sweet’s voice and the lyrics to take center stage. The instrumentation is minimal, featuring a gentle guitar line and subtle percussion that create a sense of stillness and heat, mirroring the lyrical content. The production is understated, with a focus on capturing the emotional nuances of Sweet’s performance rather than overwhelming the listener with elaborate instrumentation. The result is a song that feels intimate and personal, drawing the listener into the world of the protagonist and making them feel the weight of the distance and the heat that permeates every aspect of her experience.
# 7 – Tonight – Protect The Innocent
“Tonight,” a standout track from Rachel Sweet’s 1980 album Protect the Innocent, captures the raw emotions of young love and the struggles of unrequited feelings with a poignancy that has made it one of her most memorable songs. Recorded at Eden Studios in London and produced by Martin Rushent, the album was a pivotal release in Sweet’s career.
Lyrically, “Tonight” delves into the turmoil of a young woman who is deeply infatuated with someone who may not feel the same way. The song opens with the lines, “Ever since the first time I saw you / Standing at the end of the ballroom / I knew I wouldn’t look no more, yeah,” which immediately sets the stage for a narrative of longing and hope. The chorus, “Tonight, tonight, tonight / I’ll let him know,” reflects the protagonist’s determination to confess her feelings, despite the fear of rejection. The repeated refrain, “I’ll tell him so tonight,” underscores the tension between hope and doubt that runs throughout the song.
Musically, “Tonight” is driven by a strong, upbeat rhythm, blending elements of rock and new wave with a pop sensibility that makes the track both accessible and emotionally resonant. The production, characterized by its crisp guitars and punchy drums, provides the perfect backdrop for Sweet’s vocals, which are layered with both confidence and fragility. The instrumentation is tight and well-crafted, with a sound that is polished yet retains a certain rawness that complements the song’s emotional depth. The band, featuring Paul Carrack on keyboards and backing vocals, Bruce Thomas on bass, and Pete Thomas on drums, delivers a performance that is both energetic and precise, enhancing the song’s impact without overshadowing Sweet’s voice.
# 6 – Everlasting Love – …And Then He Kissed Me
Rachel Sweet’s duet with Rex Smith on the track “Everlasting Love” is a vibrant, feel-good anthem that perfectly captures the essence of timeless romance. Released in 1981, the song was a standout on Sweet’s album …And Then He Kissed Me and also featured on Rex Smith’s album Everlasting Love. This version of “Everlasting Love” brought together two young talents of the early ’80s, delivering a fresh take on the classic song originally performed by Robert Knight in 1967. Produced by Charles Calello, who had previously worked on the original, this duet version blends the nostalgic charm of the original with the youthful energy of Sweet and Smith, resulting in a track that resonated with a new generation of listeners.
The lyrics of “Everlasting Love” are a celebration of enduring affection, with lines like “Open up your eyes, then you’ll realize / Here I stand with my everlasting love” capturing the heartfelt commitment between two people. Sweet and Smith’s voices intertwine beautifully, each bringing their own distinct style to the track—Smith’s smooth, earnest delivery complements Sweet’s powerful, emotive vocals. The chorus, which emphasizes the unbreakable bond between the lovers, “You’ll never be denied everlasting love,” serves as the emotional centerpiece of the song, delivering a message of hope and resilience that has made the track a perennial favorite.
“Everlasting Love” has been covered by numerous artists across different genres since its original release by Robert Knight in 1967, showcasing its enduring appeal. The British band Love Affair released a version in 1968, which became a massive hit in the UK, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart. In 1974, Carl Carlton’s rendition became one of the most famous versions in the United States, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and establishing itself as Carlton’s signature song. Andy Gibb also covered the song in 1978 for his album Shadow Dancing, bringing the classic tune into the disco era.
The 1980s saw several notable versions, including a duet by Rex Smith and Rachel Sweet in 1981, which introduced the song to a new generation of pop listeners and became a modest hit in the U.S. In 1987, German pop singer Sandra’s cover became a hit in Europe, reaching the top 10 in several countries. U2 added their rock twist to “Everlasting Love” in 1989, releasing it as a B-side to their single “All I Want Is You.”
In the 1990s, Gloria Estefan’s version brought the song back into the spotlight. Released as part of her album Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me in 1995, her rendition reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a favorite in dance clubs. British musician Howard Jones recorded a synth-pop oriented version for his 1992 album In the Running, and Jamie Cullum added a jazz-pop flair to the song with his 2004 cover for the soundtrack of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.
“Everlasting Love” became a modest hit, reaching number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it remains one of the most recognizable songs in both Rachel Sweet’s and Rex Smith’s careers.
# 5 – Stranger in the House – Fool Around
# 4 – “Voo Doo” – Blame It On My Youth
“Voo Doo” is a standout track from her 1982 album Blame It On My Youth, blending catchy pop melodies with a dark, mysterious undertone. It was produced by Rick Chertoff and recorded at The Power Station in New York. Lyrically, “Voo Doo” delves into the complexities of a relationship where desire borders on obsession. The song opens with the lines, “Close your eyes, baby / Make a wish / Do you wanna try, wanna try?”—immediately setting a tone of seductive mystery. The chorus, “So don’t ask me to dance / ‘Cause I’m caught in your magic spell,” reflects the theme of being under a romantic spell, where love feels both thrilling and dangerously consuming. Sweet’s vocal delivery, confident yet tinged with vulnerability, brings the lyrics to life, conveying the tension between the allure of the relationship and the fear of losing oneself to it.
# 3 – “…And Then He Kissed Me -” …And Then He Kissed Me
Rachel Sweet’s medley of “…And Then He Kissed Me” and “Be My Baby,” featured on her 1981 album …And Then He Kissed Me, is a dazzling homage to the golden age of girl group pop, while also showcasing Sweet’s own unique blend of rock and new wave sensibilities. The medley combines two of the most iconic tracks from the 1960s, originally performed by The Crystals and The Ronettes, both produced by the legendary Phil Spector. Sweet’s interpretation breathes new life into these classics, offering a fresh yet faithful rendition that captures the romantic nostalgia of the originals while infusing them with the youthful energy that characterized her early career.
Recorded at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Martin Rushent, the medley opens with the delicate, dreamy atmosphere of “…And Then He Kissed Me.” Sweet’s vocals are tender and evocative, perfectly capturing the innocence and excitement of young love as she sings, “Well, he walked up to me and he asked me if I wanted to dance / He looked kinda nice and so I said I might take a chance.” The transition into “Be My Baby” is seamless, with the iconic drumbeat signaling the shift into one of pop music’s most memorable choruses. Sweet’s voice swells with emotion as she delivers the line, “Be my, be my baby / My one and only baby,” maintaining the heart and soul of the original while adding her own flair.
# 2 – I Go To Pieces
Originally written by Del Shannon and first made famous by British duo Peter and Gordon in 1964, “I Go to Pieces” is a heart-wrenching ballad about unrequited love and the anguish of seeing someone you still care for. Sweet’s version, featured on her 1981 album …And Then He Kissed Me, breathes new life into the song with her unique blend of vulnerability and strength. Recorded at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Martin Rushent and Liam Sternberg, the track showcases Sweet’s ability to connect deeply with the material, transforming a 1960s classic into a song that resonates with the sensibilities of the early 1980s.
The lyrics of “I Go to Pieces” tell the story of someone who is emotionally shattered by the sight of a former lover. Lines like “When I see him walkin’ down the street / I get so shaky and I feel so weak” perfectly capture the physical and emotional toll of heartbreak. Sweet’s delivery of the chorus, “And I, go to pieces and I wanna hide / Go to pieces and I almost die,” is both powerful and tender, conveying a deep sense of loss that feels all too real. Her voice, with its clear, resonant tone, brings a new dimension to the song, making the listener feel every bit of the pain and longing embedded in the lyrics.
# 1 – “B-A-B-Y” – Fool Around
Rachel Sweet’s version of “B-A-B-Y” gets the top spot on our Rachel Sweet Songs list.It was released on her debut album Fool Around, released in 1978 on Stiff Records. At just sixteen years old, Sweet delivered a powerful and nuanced rendition of this 1966 soul classic originally recorded by Carla Thomas. Recorded at Eden Studios in London, the song was produced by the legendary Liam Sternberg, known for his ability to fuse punk rock energy with pop sensibilities. Sweet’s performance on the track demonstrated a maturity beyond her years, blending a mix of soulful vulnerability with a rock-tinged edge, a hallmark of her early work. Fool Around was the album that introduced Sweet to the music world, with “B-A-B-Y” serving as a definitive highlight, showcasing both her vocal prowess and her ability to interpret songs with emotional depth and precision.
In Sweet’s hands, “B-A-B-Y” takes on a new life, transitioning from Thomas’ original soul version into something more in line with the new wave and punk influences that surrounded Sweet during her time at Stiff Records. The song opens with a rhythmic groove, featuring a tight rhythm section that includes guitar work from Pete Gosling and bass lines from Roddy Radiation, along with Steve Goulding on drums. When she sings the memorable hook, “B-A-B-Y, baby,” her voice cuts through the arrangement with a confident delivery that elevates the track from a simple love song into a statement of empowerment. The production balances the retro qualities of the song’s origins with a fresh, punk-inflected energy that made Sweet’s version stand out among the late 1970s new wave scene.
Though “B-A-B-Y” wasn’t a chart-topping hit in the US, it did become a top 40 hit in the United Kingdom.
Top 10 Rachel Sweet Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
