Readers of That Grape Juice know what avid music lovers we are – especially of hits past.
So, as our retrospective features ‘From the Vault’ and ‘TGJ Replay’ allow us the chance to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday of one artist, our newest feature Chart Rewind – a variation of our current Retro Rewind assay – accedes salutes to an entire era of music history.
Although 1984’s ‘Private Dancer’ was hailed as one of the 80’s biggest successes (and one of the most celebrated comebacks of all time), its residual impact waned for every album that followed. Indeed, its follow-up, 1986’s ‘Break Every Rule,’ saw the Queen rule charts of multiple European countries, but it peaked at #4 in her native United States and lost steam after a Platinum certification.
A few live albums and specialty projects later, Turner followed with her seventh studio album – ‘Foreign Affair.’ It would prove itself aptly titled as it continued the trend of seeing her projects enjoy higher success abroad than in her home turf. The set’s crowning glory came courtesy of its kick-off single, 1989’s ‘The Best.’ A remake of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ hitmaker Bonnie Tyler (who released the song just a year prior), Tina turned the tune from Rock love song to anthem.
Blessed with the then-49-year-old’s signature wail, the revamp – which lists Turner as producer alongside singer-songwriter Dan Hartman – not only outshone the first incarnate in packaging but also in commercial performance. Peaking at #15 this week in 1989, ‘Best’ – despite the absence of Grammy nomination or RIAA certification – would go on to join the singer’s most memorable hits from her prized discography.
From where we and most of her fans stand, the song might as well be an “ode to self” because she is…simply the best. Look below to see who joined the Queen in the top 25 this week 30 years ago:
Hot 100 This Week in 1989
Hot 100 This Week
Click here to see this week’s full TGJ Chart Check.