The Golden Age of Pop Crossover: 1978–1983
BMT Highlights Michael Johnson
There is a group of singers from circa 1978–1983 with mundane names who weren’t particularly debonaire, sexy, or Hollywood handsome. But these guys were the backbone of what made that era of pop music (broadly dubbed “Yacht Rock”) one of my very favorites!
Stephen Bishop, Rupert Holmes, Randy VanWarmer, Robbie Dupree, Paul Davis, Robert John, and Michael Johnson. They overlapped during a truly interesting pop-crossover era: disco/pop, country/pop, rock/pop, and easy listening/pop.
Many consider this music to be “elevator” or karaoke music. Secretly, though, a lot of those songs remain beloved by so many even if most don’t know the name of the performers.
There’s a reason that folks STILL love this music: it is GOOD! Each of these vocalists is genuinely talented. Plus the music is melodic and the songwriting relatable.
Gotta admit: it makes my musical soul happy to share some of Michael Johnson’s music from the late 70s and early 80s. Although he had some accolades, he’s mostly forgotten these days. Let’s revisit some of my favorite tunes:
“You’re Not Easy to Forget” is sublime early 80s pop! Though it (barely) charted on the Adult Contemporary charts in 1981, it didn’t make a bigger dent anywhere else.
It feels like it should have had greater success! It slides in perfectly with Paul Davis’ fellow 1981 release “Cool Night” and even works in the vein of Huey Lewis and the News’ “Do You Believe in Love” (early 1982).
Smooth, catchy, and a memorable chorus. A dash of the ’50s doo-wop influence that was found in the late 70s/early 80s music and pop culture (a la Grease and Happy Days.) It only gets better with repeated listenings!
I used to own a compilation CD of Michael Johnson and Stephen Bishop. “This Night Won’t Last Forever” was one of the songs that I gravitated towards. Though heartbreak is the catalyst for the lyrics, this tune is more hopeful and upbeat than many of his songs.
And the acoustic cut. Unsurprisingly, the stripped down version feels more authentic, sadder, and more raw. The lyrics, the melody, the pretty guitar, and Michael’s voice SHINE in the simplicity of this cut.
Okay, ANOTHER sad song! But he sure does it well, no? He soars on “Doors.” I actually get chills by the end. Of course my musical kryptonite is a melancholy tune that’s swoony and dreamy at the same time. Must. stop. hitting. repeat!
I’m designating this Michael Johnson song as this year’s musical birthday dedication for my VERY long-time friend, the talented, smart, and natural beauty Kristen!
When I listen to “You, You, You” I hear a brighter, sunnier take on the raw but sexy late 70s Robert Palmer sound. That is HIGH praise from me!
A slight nod to disco in its final days, 80s synths, guitar solo, another catchy melody, AND an upbeat and melodic chorus. It’s a mystery to me why “You, You, You” failed to chart!
Before Milli Vanilli’s disgraced “Blame It On the Rain” release, Michael Johnson had his own “Blame It On the Rain.” It might veer overly dramatic for some, but I find it really sweet, melodic, and sweepy.
Michael’s biggest hit “Bluer than Blue” combines his beautiful tone and the universality of the loneliness that a break-up usually brings.
Acclaimed songwriter, Randy Goodrum, deserves a shout-out for his clever lyrics. The verses celebrating the supposed freedoms stemming from a relationship’s demise with the chorus admitting the true, sad reality of the break-up.
You think you know this song. The truth is that it’s one of those forgotten hits that you stopped really listening to long ago.
Take 3 minutes when you have the time, focus, and quiet energy to truly listen to this vocal. It’s extraordinary. And you’ve taken it for granted. Listen to it again. It’s lovelier than you remember it.
Michael Johnson passed away in July of 2017. What a talented vocalist and charming, beautiful legacy! RIP, sir.
I have decided to draft up additional stories to feature the other singers I mentioned in the introduction. The music of these men endures and deserves to be explored further!
