Ever since the dawn of MTV and Friday Night Videos, the music video has significantly impacted musical tastes and pop culture. It might not be as extreme as when the Buggles declared that "Video Killed the Radio Star", but there is no arguing that the music video certainly could make or break a song's popularity. So this regular Flashback Video feature will serve to remember some of the music videos from the great '80s decade that made an impact on me in one way or another.
This issue we will cover "Heart and Soul" by T'Pau. The group's debut single was originally released in the UK in February of 1987, but didn't become a hit until it was re-released in the U.S. a couple months later. “Heart and Soul” reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is actually one of my favorite songs from that year. It was certainly different than anything else in pop music at the time. The overlapping lyrics of the rap, a powerful chorus and a softer melody along with a killer bass groove give the song layers and a truly unique sound.
The music video for "Heart and Soul" was directed by the duo of Vaughan Arnell and Anthea Benton. They got their start with videos for Dead or Alive hit singles "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" and "Brand New Lover". The duo also directed ABC's "When Smokey Sings", Terence Trent D'Arby's "Wishing Well" and "Sign Your Name" and Simply Red's "If You Don't Know Me By Now" in the '80s and continued into the '90s and beyond in additional to extensive work in television commercials as well.
The video for "Heart and Soul" features lead singer Carol Decker and the band performing the song in what appears to be projected on a flowing sheet or piece of fabric to create a cool effect. Here is the music video for "Heart and Soul" by T'Pau...
I had the pleasure of an interview with Carol Decker from T'Pau and here is what she had to say when I asked about the song's popularity:
It’s unique still and has a killer chorus plus a universal message. We all want to be loved, don’t we?
Please click on that link if you want to read more of my interview with Carol Decker of T'Pau.
Hope you enjoyed another trip back to the '80s thanks to Flashback Video!