45 years ago today, on 28 April 1979, pop icons BLONDIE topped
the US Single Charts with their disco stomper HEART OF GLASS.
The song was written by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein. It was #1
in multiple countries. The song featured on their outstanding no fillers, all killers LP Parallel Lines (1978).
Here’s the original clip, almost 500 million views on YouTube.
Going back in sonic history looking for memorable albums…
22 September 2018
Band: BLONDIE
Album: PARALLEL LINES – third LP
Released: 23 September 1978 – 40 years ago
BBC MUSIC review: “The most perfect example of Blondie’s grafting of sixties power pop
with new wave, Parallel Lines was one of the biggest hits of 1978/9. Supremely assured, the group was unafraid to go disco, go art, or just play fine, fine pop. After years in the business, Debbie Harry was street-wise, confident, completely in control. Thousands of teenagers were enraptured – boys wanted to be with her, girls wanted to be her. With her musical partner Chris Stein, they created intelligent pop that referenced all of their 60s favourites, while embracing the CBGBs punk scene in New York that the group had grown out of.” Full review here.
TURN UP THE VOLUME! says: With ‘Parallel Lines‘ Blondie had the guts and the incredible talent to reinvent pop music in a most thrilling way and say goodbye to punk which became a fashion brand by then. Respect! Sing along, folks, loud!
THREE TOP TRACKS (hard choice): Sunday Girl / Picture This / Heart Of Glass
This very week BLONDIE released, unexpectedly, brand new single FUNas first taster of new album POLLINATOR. A pure disco stomper. Quite funny and weird as 38 years ago, on 4 February 1979, icon Debbbie Harry & co were at number one for the very first time on the UK singles chart with their first ever disco pop smash HEART OF GLASS. Seems like history is repeating itself again. Whatever, let’s relive this glorious moment…
Once I had a love and it was a gas
Soon turned out had a heart of glass
Seemed like the real thing, only to find
Mucho mistrust, love’s gone behind
Once I had a love and it was divine
Soon found out I was losing my mind
It seemed like the real thing but I was so blind
Mucho mistrust, love’s gone behind
In between
What I find is pleasing and I’m feeling fine
Love is so confusing there’s no peace of mind
If I fear I’m losing you it’s just no good
You teasing like you do
Once I had a love and it was a gas
Soon turned out had a heart of glass
Seemed like the real thing, only to find
Mucho mistrust, love’s gone behind
Lost inside
Adorable illusion and I cannot hide
I’m the one you’re using, please don’t push me aside
We coulda made it cruising, yeah
Yeah, riding high on love’s true bluish light
In between
What I find is pleasing and I’m feeling fine
Love is so confusing there’s no peace of mind
If I fear I’m losing you it’s just no good
You teasing like you do
