Remarkable Stuff from "Huey Lewis and The News"
“Huey Lewis and the News” – a band with its roots back to the late seventies, but is most remembered hitting its peak in the 80s. I got to notice this great band in 1984. And that made me a fan for all time. Let’s check out some remarkable stuff from this band.
Thapson
Huey Lewis and the News (HLN)
I’m not going into the history of the band as this is not a history lesson. But, if you want to know more about them, you can easily trace their evolution and how they came to win so many fans and accolades. Their music was also used in movies and TV shows. This was also when music videos and MTV became big. HLN made some cool videos which helped their popularity further as these were entertainment unto themselves. I’m not a music historian or intellectual, nor do I want to play one. But I am a connoisseur of great music and also enjoy the music videos of the era of this band’s popularity. So, let’s celebrate the magic of Huey Lewis and The News by playing some of my favorite hits by them. So, here we go!
“Some of My Lies Are True” (Sooner or Later)
I’ve heard that their first album wasn’t much of a success. Don’t know why that’s the case, because I think they have some great songs on it. I admit, I only went back to check out this album after I had noticed them in their second or third album. Why people failed to recognize their talent here is strange. I guess that goes with all newcomers. But this song with its clever lyrics and no-frills pure rock sound rules – and was a harbinger of good stuff to come from them.
hueylewisofficial / YouTube.com
“Don’t Ever Tell Me That You Love Me”
Another interesting song by the band with a video that has an early 80s feel to it – and I mean in a good way. I guess the reason why people didn’t get them then was because two other bands from that time sound almost similar. And Huey Lewis’ rich vocals resemble two other lead singers from that era. But, hey, we’re talking HLN so I’m not going to take other names here. Good, catchy song and they should be proud looking back at this album as it sounds fantastic.
Janine Nakano / YouTube.com
“Hope You Love Me Like You Say You Do”
Here’s a change of pace and genre from the band. You can see how they’re evolving from their pure rock/new wave into a more versatile style. This one has that R&B feel to it and Huey’s voice sounds just right for it. The saxophone completes the sophisticated style that was to come from them.
huyelewisofficial / YouTube.com
“The Heart of Rock & Roll”
By now HLN had created a niche for themselves and “arrived” on the stage. You can sense the change of their music style in this song. If they hadn’t already, I think people started noticing this band now as they went “mainstream.” Or rather, the times were changing and music tastes became eclectic lending a larger stage for all the artists. I think this is where I joined the bandwagon of fans. There are many critics of this song too, but I guess that comes with the territory of success.
hueylewisofficial / YouTube.com
“I Want A New Drug”
This song further solidified their position among the top bands of that time. And music videos were at their peak. Although the word “drug” is used, the meaning should not be misconstrued if you follow the lyrics. This song is also controversial as Huey Lewis felt that the “Ghostbusters” theme song had stolen its melody and sued for an out of court settlement.
hueylewisofficial / YouTube.com
“If This Is It”
You can literally feel that era through the refrains of this song. The video that goes with the song is also hilarious and reflective of those MTV years. The only issue I have is that shark in the end with the Jaws theme. It’s a tad corny. These days, the part with the large wife and family would probably not cut it. How times change.
hueylewisofficial / YouTube.com
“Stuck with You”
Another of my favorites from HLN that I can’t ignore. The music video completements the song, on a lighter level without becoming too melancholy. And the shark’s back again – though it makes more sense this time. This song did quite well on the charts too.
hueylewisofficial / YouTube.com
“Hip to Be Square”
Great song, cutting edge video (in it’s time), cool message. I consider this as the icing on HLN’s cake of music. People mention a contemporary TV show or video game when talking about this or any songs by HLN (including other artists of 80s or earlier time period). I prefer to remember this and other similar work as it was originally and not relegated to a TV soundtrack or jingle. Although the song gets an intro to the younger generation, I prefer to remember and appreciate the artists for creating it originally out of nothingness.
hueylewisofficial / YouTube.com
“I Know What I Like”
Let me add another line to this song: “I know what I like, I like this song too and you know what, I think you do too.” It’s been very hard to select just a few songs from HLN’s vast portfolio of songs. I’ve tried very hard to avoid breaking this post into two parts.
hueylewisofficial / YouTube.com
“Workin’ for A Livin’ “
I can’t help signing off using this song which sums HLN’s roots. Just working for a living I guess. It’s said if you enjoy doing your work, it doesn’t feel like “work.” And that’s what it seems HLN are doing. They look like they’re enjoying themselves while “working for a living.” And we appreciate them for it.
hueylewisofficial / YouTube.com
This was my look at some of my favorite music from HLN. I had to break from my policy of only highlighting minor or unknown songs. I’m the guy who appreciates the songs from an album which elicit strange looks. But with them, I just couldn’t help play the more well-known ones. It just wouldn’t be complete.
HLN are still active, albeit with some new names, but Huey Lewis is still rocking away! I’ll be back with another artist. Your feedback is welcome.
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