I really like those moments where you hear a band and song you'd forgotten about. Then you end up looking up a few more of their tracks. In this case, it meant following up on the band members' other work, too. Then, before you know it, you are way down a pop rabbit hole of great sounds. That's what happened to me this week when a record by Wax popped up on the radio.
Wax is Andrew Gold and Graham Gouldman paired up as a superduo back in the 1980s. Gold had brought his own solo artist success and had excelled as a producer for many top acts. Gouldman was better known publicly as part of 10cc.
That was just a part of his many talents. Before joining up with Lol Creme, Kevin Godley, and Eric Stewart in that hit band, he’d scored plenty of success. In particular, as a prolific songwriter for many hits by Herman's Hermits, the Hollies, Yardbirds, and Ohio Express.
Forgotten 1980s song and that pop rabbit hole
The pairing of Gold and Gouldman as Wax was a powerful combination. They weren't huge in the US despite a strong background, but made their mark all the same. They delivered some great pop tunes with a touch of soft rock and keyboards.
Wax wasn't just about a quick album, single, or tour either. The pair worked together over several years and four albums. Three between 1986 and 1989, the fourth coming much later, in 1998. There was an interlude in which Gouldman got back with 10cc before the Wax duo worked together again.
Wax had its strongest success across the UK and Europe. A series of hit singles kept the albums popular, too. But it didn't quite work for them in the US. Maybe you will recall hearing their two best-known hits. “Right Between Your Eyes” was a 1986 hit and made it to number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. That likely helped get their debut album, Magnetic Heaven, up to 102 in the US. But those were their peaks.
“Bridge To Your Heart," their other top song, is the one that caught my attention on the radio recently. A top twenty success in the UK and much of Europe, it was a miss in the US—a shame for such a bright 1980s pop tune from such a talented duo.
That dive into the music of Wax led me in other directions, too. Ones which underlined that talent. Gold’s solo records are a delight, with 1978's "Thank You for Being a Friend" and “Never Let Her Slip Away" being particular favorites.
Then there’s 10cc, what a superb string of songs and albums they had. I can't resist The Original Soundtrack album from 1985,; it was such a different and unique sound at the time.
Those songwriting exploits for Gouldman I mentioned earlier are extensive. I’m sure many would be surprised at the list of songs he wrote before 10cc. "For Your Love" by the Yardbirds is just one example. All of that and more from a forgotten song on the radio.
Add us as a preferred source on Google