"The One You Left Behind" by Silver Condor

Silver Condor was a rock band that scored a lone Top 40 hit in 1981 with "You Could Take My Heart Away." The pleasant single went to #32 but the band could not leverage this success with a follow-up from their self-titled album and thus became a one-hit wonder.

Which is strange, given how many radio-friendly cuts there were on this record. "We're In Love" was popular but didn't hit the charts, nor did the excellent mid-tempo piece, "The One You Left Behind."

"All I Wanna Do" by Silver

Silver was a soft rock band formed by the expansion of the duo known as Batdorf & Rodney, who scored two minor chart hits in 1975 with "You Are A Song" (#87) and "Somewhere In The Night" (#69). The latter would become a big #9 hit for Barry Manilow a few years later.

In 1976, Silver had their one and only chart appearance when "Wham Bam (Shang-A-Lang)" reached #16. It came from their self-titled record, which contained a number of other radio-friendly tunes that seemed to have chart potential as well, like the upbeat "All I Wanna Do."

Afterwards, the keyboardist (Brent Mydland) joined The Grateful Dead until he passed away from a drug overdose in 1990 at the age of 37.

"Shiver And Shake" by The Silencers

There's been a couple of charting bands that used the name, The Silencers. This one refers to the rock band from Pittsburgh led by Frank Czuri, who was also the keyboardist in Diamond Reo. 

The Silencers arrived on the scene in 1980 with their album, "Rock & Roll Enforcers." It generated a lone Top 100 hit with "Shiver And Shake," a solid mid-tempo rocker with great harmonies that somehow only reached #81.

"Arms Of A Stranger" by Signal

Signal is just one of three AOR bands led by vocal powerhouse Marcie Free (the other two being King Kobra and Unruly Child). Signal released a single studio record in 1989 called "Loud and Clear" that surprisingly went nowhere.

Why "Arms Of A Stranger" didn't find its way onto radio or the charts back in the late 80s is a mystery.

"Girl Don't Make Me Wait" by Bunny Sigler

Bunny Sigler was a master of Philly soul doing a style a music that may have been a little too late. His breakout regional hit was "Girl Don't Make Me Wait," a fantastic number that should have been a classic. It didn't chart on the Top 100, but paved the way for the single he is best known for, "Let The Good Times Roll & Feel So Good," which hit #22 in 1967. 

Unfortunately, he wouldn't see Top 40 action again, although he came close to a comeback in 1978 when "Let Me Party With You (Party Party Party) (Part 1)" landed at #43.

"Think About Soul" by The Sighs

It was probably all about timing. The Sighs were a post-grunge band that tried to hit it big just as grunge was getting started. Bridging bands like The Smithereens and Gin Blossoms, The Sighs stood next to no chance landing on the charts in 1992.

The band's debut album, "What Goes On," is one of the most criminally overlooked alternative rock records of the decade. "Think About Soul" should have been huge, and if released a little earlier or a little later, probably would have made The Sighs a household name. Sigh.

"There's No Going Back" by Sick Puppies

Sick Puppies are a modern hard rock trio from Australia that formed in the late 90s. Their knack for blending gritty, crushing guitar with memorable choruses earned them a strong fan base, but it took about a decade for them to get some deserved airplay in the US. The band finally made a showing on the US charts in 2011 when "Maybe" reached #56. The song comes from their 2010 record, "Tri-Polar," which remains one of their best from start to finish and probably one of the most underrated albums in the genre.

The band dramatically shifted their sound with their follow-up album, 2013's "Connect." Personally, I think their infusion of more radio-friendly pop and acoustic guitars into the usual thunderous sound worked well, but it got the band mixed reviews. "There's No Going Back" is just one of many highlights from this terrific effort.

The lead singer and the rest of the band parted ways after "Connect." The band recruited a new singer for 2016's release, "Fury."

"When You're Young" by Shooting Star

If you listen to them today, you'd probably wonder as I do why the Kansas City band Shooting Star wasn't more of a force on the charts in the 80s. They managed a handful of minor hits throughout the decade, but nothing that reached the Top 40 to make them a household name.

Shooting Star first appeared on the charts in 1980 when "You've Got What I Need" peaked at #76. A good start, but their next charting single, "Hollywood," only reached #70 in 1982. The band was quiet until 1989, when "Touch Me Tonight" topped out at #67.

"When You're Young" is a typical 80s anthem lifted from their acclaimed 1985 album, "Silent Scream." 

"Last Minute Miracle" by The Shirelles

The Shirelles were one of the biggest girl groups of the 60s, scoring hit after hit with classics like "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" (#1 for 2 weeks), "Dedicated To The One I Love" (#3), "Mama Said" (#4), "Baby It's You" (#8), "Soldier Boy" (#1 for 3 weeks), and "Foolish Little Girl" (#4). Their achievements left them as the 35th most successful chart artist of the 60s.

But all good things must come to an end, and the group was struggling to stay on the charts by the late 60s. "Last Minute Miracle" is a great tune released in 1967 and deserved much better than stalling at #99. It would become the group's final chart appearance.

"Monsters" by Shinedown

Shinedown is a modern hard rock band out of Jacksonville, Florida, led by powerhouse vocalist Brent Smith. One of the more cerebral and prolific bands in the genre today, Shinedown continues to impress me with their growth each new release.

While they haven't seen chart action lately, Shinedown scored a Top 10 hit in 2009 when "Second Chance" soared to #7. It came from their landmark album "The Sound Of Madness," which also yielded chart appearances with the title track (#85), "If You Only Knew" (#42), and "The Crow And Butterfly" (#97).

"Monsters" is a haunting track about our personal demons from their latest record, "ATTENTION ATTENTION," from 2018. Seriously, give the band just that.

"Pop Pop Pop-Pie" by Sherrys

Despite scoring a Top 40 hit, The Sherrys were an underrated Philly soul group from the 60s. They were led by two sisters and their cousin.

"Pop Pop Pop-Pie" was their strongest chart performance, obtaining minor hit status by peaking at #35 in 1962. In 1963 they barely got back onto the chart with "Slop Time," which stalled at #97.

Apparently The Popeye was a dance fad at the time, which helped lift their single onto the charts.

"Back To Zero" by Sherbs

Originally known as Sherbet, this Australian pop rock group first hit the US charts in 1976 when "Howzat" reached #61. Interestingly, their only other chart appearance in the US also landed them at #61 - that happened with "I Have The Skill" from 1981. By that time, they had tweaked their name to Sherbs.

"Back To Zero" is another track from their 1980 record, "The Skill." Not sure why this one didn't help keep this Aussie band on the US charts.

"Something's Missing" by Sheppard

Sheppard is a large band from Australia that is just bursting with talent. The mix of male and female harmonies mesh together beautifully with their shimmering blend of pop, dance, and rock. It is hard to listen to their music and not catapult into a better mood.

Remarkably, this band has only scored a single chart hit in the US so far when "Geronimo" peaked at #53 in 2015. It comes from their debut record "Bombs Away." There are plenty other great tunes in their growing catalogue, so I hope they see more success in the US.

"It's Only Make Believe (Doctor Doctor)" by Sheila

Hailing from France, Annie Chancel took the stage name of Sheila and managed to score a single minor chart hit in the US in 1982 when "Little Darlin'" peaked at #49. Not sure why she became only a one-hit wonder as there seemed to be plenty of radio-friendly material to mine on her album of the same name.

"It's Only Make Believe (Doctor Doctor)" for example was certainly competitive enough for 1982 radio.

"America" by Bree Sharp

Bree Sharp is a talented indie singer and songwriter from Philly best known for her love song to X-Files actor David Duchovny and her cover of Don Henley's "Boys Of Summer." She released two albums in 1999 and 2002, respectively. These days, she is the lead singer for the band Beautiful Small Machines.

"America" was the second single from her debut record, "A Cheap And Evil Girl." Astonishing that this tune didn't help make her a star. I guess people don't like to hear criticism about their country's culture in a catchy pop song?

"Move It On Over" by Del Shannon

Michigan native Del Shannon (Charles Westover) scored a string of hits in the 60s, including the chart topping classic "Runaway," which spent a month at #1. Follow up single "Hats Off To Larry" gave him his second biggest hit, landing at #5. He'd return to the Top 10 yet again in 1965 when "Keep Searchin' (We'll Follow The Sun)" peaked at #9. 

Del Shannon's songwriting talents also helped score hits for other acts, most notably Peter & Gordon, who took Del Shannon's "I Go To Pieces" to #9 in 1965. Bonnie Raitt's version of "Runaway" peaked at #57 in 1977.

His career diminished in the 70s, but he mounted a bit of a comeback with a new album and cover of "Sea Of Love," which hit #33 in 1982. It was his first chart appearance in over a decade, but it would also be his last. Sadly, he committed suicide in 1990 at the age of 55.

This "Move It On Over" was co-written by Del Shannon - not to be confused with the Hank Williams song with the same title (later covered by George Thorogood). Unlike most other songs in his catalogue, this one from 1965 is a garage rocker that sparkles with its raw energy and unbridled enthusiasm. 

"Footsteps On The Roof" by The Shangri-Las

New York girl group The Shangri-Las got off to a hot start in 1964 with a pair of out-of-the-box hits. The brooding "Remember (Walkin' In The Sand)" reached #5 (Aerosmith took it to #67 in 1980) and the classic "Leader Of The Pack" gave them their one and only #1. The latter is a R&R Hall of Fame single.

The group scored some other minor hits but returned to the Top 10 in 1965 with "I Can Never Go Home Anymore" (#6). By 1966 they would see their final chart appearance when "Past, Present, and Future" stalled at #59.

"Footsteps On The Roof" is another gem from this talented group that didn't see any chart action, but remains one of their finest moments to my ears.

"Dead Giveaway" by Shalamar

Shalamar was a funk, rock, and pop outfit that scored their first chart appearance in 1977 when "Uptown Festival (Part 1)" reached #25. They reached the Top 10 a few years later with "The Second Time Around," which peaked at #8.

The band enjoyed a few other forgotten highlights along the way, including "Dead Giveaway," which reached #22, and "Dancing In The Sheets," which reached #17 and was featured in the movie Footloose.

The group's last chart appearance was when "Amnesia" stalled at #73 in 1984. Jody Watley would soon depart for a successful solo career.

"Goodbye Cruel World" by Shakespear's Sister

Shakespear's sister was a duo that formed in the late 80s and released one of the most critically acclaimed records of the early 90s. Their sophomore effort, "Hormonally Yours," yielded their biggest single in the US, 1992's "Stay," which soared to #4 (if you've never played the acoustic version, go do it now). 

Their excellent follow-up single, "I Don't Care," stalled at #55 for some reason - it deserved much better, as did many other tracks from this record, including "Goodbye Cruel World."

The group was comprised of Siobhan Fahey and Marcella Detroit, who was known earlier as Marcy Levy. Both had strong pedigrees: Fahey was in Bananarama and was married to Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, who co-wrote "Stay." Detroit co-wrote and sang backup on Eric Clapton's hit "Lay Down Sally," and released a solo debut record in 1982.

Detroit was fired in 1993 and Siobhan cancelled the project in 1996. They revived things in 2009, but have yet to get back on the charts.

"I Found A Love" by Phil Seymour

After his time in the Dwight Twilley Band in the 70s, singer and multi-instrumentalist Phil Seymour tried to ignite a solo career. He became a one-hit wonder on his own, reaching #22 in 1981 with "Precious To Me."

Despite his bounty of bouncy melodies and crunchy guitar, Seymour could not make lightening strike twice. Super puzzling given how great songs like "I Found A Love" sound built for heavy radio airplay.

Seymour left us too soon, dying of lymphoma in 1993 at the age of 41.

"Back To The Innocence" by Seven and the Sun

Seven and the Sun were a rock trio from Jersey that released a single album in 2002 called "Back To The Innocence." You may remember their single "Walk With Me," which received a decent amount of airplay back in the day, but bubbled under the Top 100 chart.

Not sure why fame eluded this band - they seemed to have all the ingredients for success in the 2000s. They reportedly recorded a sophomore record, but it never saw the light of day. Two of the members tried their hand in a country band called Whiskey Falls before starting a music production company.

The title track is a standout anthem for me from their one and only album.

"Chemistry" by Semisonic

If you want to learn what it is like to have 15 minutes of fame in a rock and roll band, check out Jacob Slichter's book, "So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star: How I Machine-Gunned a Roomful Of Record Executives and Other True Tales from a Drummer's Life." Slichter was the drummer for 90s alternative rock band Semisonic, who scored a single chart hit in 1998 when the ubiquitous "Closing Time" reached #11.

I am always baffled why the band didn't score more hits--they wrote terrifically catchy pop songs that were just what the world needed after grunge. Slichter's book reveals the likely reason was incompetent management and record labels.

Even after a huge hit like "Closing Time," the band could not get back on the chart. It wasn't the band's fault. The follow-up record's lead single, "Chemistry," is fantastic. Lead songwriter Dan Wilson went on to a solo career, and has found great success writing for others, including Dixie Chicks and Adele.

"I'll Remember You" by Bob Seger

Bob Seger has been cranking out the hits since the late 60s, although his final chart appearance was in 1991 when "The Real Love" reached #24. He was inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame in 2004 and ranks as the 92nd most successful artist on the charts. His best decade was the 80s, in which he ranked #31.

Throughout his stellar career, Seger managed a lone #1 hit, which arrived in 1987: "Shakedown," which was featured in the hit movie Beverly Hills Cop II. The closest he came to claiming the top spot again was in 1982 when "Shame On The Moon" spent 4 weeks at #2.

Seger's last album was in 2017 and it is one of his most memorable efforts. Dedicated to his buddy Glenn Frey of The Eagles, who passed away in 2016, the album boasts some of his finest rockers and ballads. Among the latter is "I'll Remember You." Frey actually contributed backing vocals to Seger's first chart hit, "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man," which reached #17 in 1969.

"Desdemona" by The Searchers

Hailing from Liverpool, The Searchers racked up a number of hits in the US in the 60s, most notably "Love Potion Number Nine," which spent two weeks at #3 in 1964. Their first chart appearance was earlier that year when "Needles And Pins" reached #13. Many will also remember "Don't Throw Your Love Away," which hit #16, also in 1964.

Their final showing on the chart was in 1971 when the excellent "Desdemona" stalled at #94. The group tried to mount a comeback in the late 70s and early 80s with some solid albums, but poor promotion by the record label doomed the noble effort.

"If Your Mother Has Her Way" by Timmy Sean

"Songs From & Inspired By Noisewater" is an obscure 2010 album by indie pop artist Timmy Sean. The record bursts with sunshine in the grand style of E.L.O.

What a shame it didn't get more recognition - it had star-making potential. "If Your Mother Has Her Way" is just one of many highlights you'll enjoy.

"This Day Belongs To Me" by Seals and Crofts

Seals and Crofts were a soft-rock duo that scored several notable hits in the 70s such as "Summer Breeze," "Diamond Girl," and "Get Closer," all of which strangely peaked at #6. Their formula ran out of steam by the decade's end, with the unusually upbeat rocker "Takin' It Easy" (#79) becoming their last chart appearance.

"This Day Belongs To Me" is an underrated cut from their 1977 album, "One On One," which served as the soundtrack to the film of the same name. One single from this album did hit the chart: "My Fair Share" went to #28.

"(You) Got What I Need" by Freddie Scott

Freddie Scott was an outstanding vocalist who rose to fame in the 60s with a lone Top 10 hit: his rendition of Carole King's "Hey Girl." He managed to hit the Top 40 once more in 1967 when "Are You Lonely For Me" reached #39.

"(You) Got What I Need" came out in 1968 but didn't enter most people's ears until Biz Markie famously sampled the song in his smash hit "Just A Friend," which went to #9 in 1989.

"Hour 1" by The Scorpions

The German hard rock band The Scorpions formed back in the late 60s and slowly rose to fame through the 70s. In the US, their first chart appearance arrived in 1982 when "No One Like You" reached #65. The follow-up single, the now classic "Rock You Like A Hurricane," performed better by reaching #25.

Despite getting massive airplay and boasting a bevy of well-known songs, the band rarely saw chart success until their fourth decade of existence. In 1991, their power ballad "Wind Of Change" soared to #4. After one more blip on the chart radar with "Send Me An Angel," which stalled at #44, the band hasn't seen the chart since.

As for many hard rock bands, The Scorpions struggled through the 90s, experimenting with new sounds and styles, failing to win new fans and losing some of the old ones. Then out of nowhere in 2007, they dropped their 16th record called "Humanity: Hour 1." 

Unusual for the band, this was a concept album about a civil war between humans and artificial life. A rather risky turn for the band, but the record gave the band some of the best reviews they've received in years. It is a personal favorite of mine from their extensive catalogue, as it represents a rejuvenating update to their sound and vision. And pulling in hit songwriters like Desmond Child, Eric Bazilian (Hooters), and Marti Frederiksen made every song sound like a single.

"I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" by Scissor Sisters

Scissor Sisters is a breath of fresh air - a throwback to the dance rock popularized by the likes of Elton John and E.L.O. Despite a lot of critical acclaim and decent airplay through the 00's, they've yet to score a chart hit. They came close with this one, "I Don't Feel Like Dancing," from their 2006 album called "Ta Dah." 

"A Better Day Is Coming" by Timothy B. Schmit

In addition to his tenure in the successful bands Poco and The Eagles, vocalist, songwriter, and bassist Timothy B. Schmit has tried his hand at a solo career. He's scored two minor hits that broke onto the charts: a cover of "So Much In Love," featured in Fast Times At Ridgemont High, reached #59 in 1982 and "Boys Night Out" reached #25 in 1987.

"A Better Day Is Coming" is a catchy mid-tempo number that seemed ripe for chart success in 1987, but it was ignored for some reason.

"Wrong" by School Of Fish

School of Fish made a small splash in the alternative rock scene of the early 90s, propelled by the catchy single "3 Strange Days" from their self-titled 1991 debut. The band could not leverage their growing popularity, as their sophomore 1993 record, "Human Cannonball," landed more like a bellyflop. The band broke up shortly thereafter.

Their debut remains one of my favorite records from the era - everything about "Wrong" feels right, but it couldn't help get the band on the charts.

"Love's Got A Line On You" by Scandal

Scandal was a rock band fronted by vocal powerhouse Patty Smyth that formed in the early 80s. They released an EP in 1982 that produced two chart hits: "Goodbye To You" and "Love's Got A Line On You," which went to #65 and #59, respectively. Not a bad start at all, but both deserved much better in my opinion.

The band's first and only full-length studio record would follow in 1984 and gave the band their breakout hit, "The Warrior," which soared to #7 and can be heard on 80s radio everywhere. Two additional lesser-known singles followed, "Hands Tied" and "Beat Of A Heart," both of which stalled at #41.

By this time, tensions within the band and with their label led to their abrupt demise, paving the way for a solo career for Patty Smyth.

"Dinah Flo" by Boz Scaggs

Boz (William) Scaggs scored a string of notable hits through the 70s. He got his start on the charts in 1971 when "We Were Always Sweethearts" landed at #61.

Never one to follow trends or get locked into one particular genre, Scaggs enjoyed the freedom of being a musical shape-shifter. Nonetheless, his most successful tunes were radio-friendly cuts like "Lowdown" (#3), "Lido Shuffle" (#11), "Breakdown Dead Ahead" (#15), "JoJo" (#17), and "Miss Sun" (#14). "Look What You've Done To Me" was another big hit that arrived in 1980 - it featured some of The Eagles on backing vocals and was featured in the hit movie Urban Cowboy.

Scaggs took a break from the charts in the 80s, but had a minor comeback when "Heart Of Mine" reached #35 in 1988. It would remain his final chart appearance.

Scaggs also achieved success writing songs for others, most notably his tune "We're All Alone." His version appears on his landmark 1976 album, "Silk Degrees," but Rita Coolidge took it to #7 in 1977.

"Dinah Flo" takes us back to 1972. Only his third chart appearance, the song stalled at #86 and deserved much better recognition.

"Don't Look Away" by Leo Sayer

Leo Sayer is an eclectic singer and songwriter from England who scored an impressive array of hits in the US in the late 70s and early 80s. He topped the chart twice in 1977 with back-to-back #1 hits "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" and "When I Need You." He nearly scored another #1 in 1980 when "More Than I Can Say" sat at #2 for five weeks.

Sayer's chart run ended abruptly in 1981 after "Living In A Fantasy" reached #23. It is puzzling why such a talented and diverse songwriter disappeared from the radio airwaves.

"Don't Look Away" is an underrated gem from his self-titled 1978 record. A straight-up rocker like this one is a bit of a rarity in his catalogue...shame he didn't do more like it.

"Nowadays" by Richie Sambora

Richie Sambora has released three solo records outside his tenure with Bon Jovi, but only managed to secure a single chart appearance. That happened when "Ballad Of Youth," from his debut record, reached #63 in 1991.

To his credit, Sambora's solo work often aims to distinguish himself from the towering shadow of Bon Jovi. His latest effort, "Aftermath Of The Lowdown," arrived in 2012, just before he left Bon Jovi. The record sounds very contemporary with a nice mix of ballads and rockers, and it features Roger Manning (Jellyfish) on keyboards. I'm puzzled why "Nowadays" was not chosen as a single - it is one of the best cuts he has ever done.

"I Wanna Be Famous" by Samantha 7

CC DeVille is the flamboyant guitarist from the glam rock band, Poison, but he completed a one-off side project with other musicians back in the late 90s called Samantha 7. Their work together culminated in the release of their only record, a self-titled LP released in 2000.

In Samantha 7, DeVille takes the mic with a raspy voice that scratches through the pop hooks. The band's music is more punk than hairband, more Green Day than Poison. The songs are short and sweet and, honestly, the record is a blast to listen to from beginning to end. Standouts include "Framed," "Cover Girl," "Seane Girl," and this one, the single, "I Wanna Be Famous." With proper promotion back in the day, I could see Samantha 7 being stars in their own right.

"Finders Keepers" by Salt Water Taffy

Holy Austin Powers! Salt Walter Taffy was a bubblegum pop band from Long Island, New York, that almost had a hit with this one in 1968, but it bubblegummed under the charts. Sorry, it is a guilty pleasure.

"Twister" by Saliva

Memphis hard rock and sometimes rap band Saliva formed in 1996 and was making waves by 2001 when their track "Your Disease" started to make inroads at radio. Their first chart appearance came in 2003 when "Always" hit #51. 

They'd see chart action just one more time when the stellar ballad written by Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue, Sixx A.M.), "Rest In Pieces," peaked at #93 - it deserved so much better! Despite a bevy of fist-pumping anthems about rock and roll, stardom, Southern girls, and being a badass, the band has yet to get back on the charts. Lead singer Josey Scott left by 2012, but the band carried on with Bobby Amaru as his replacement.

Within the extensive catalog by the band, there are plenty of moments when they steer into more radio-friendly and melodic territory. Such is the case with "Twister," an infectious song from their 2007 record, "Blood Stained Love Story."

"Dead Man Shoes" by Saints Of The Underground

Saints of the Underground were a hard rock supergroup that formed in 2006. Former players from Ratt, Alice Cooper, and House of Lords teamed up with ex-Warrant songwriter and vocalist Jani Lane to release a single record in 2008 called "Love The Sin, Hate The Sinner." 

It was a solid album that failed to generate any chart hits, and remains unjustifiably obscure even among most fans of the genre. The unexpected passing of Jani Lane in 2011 had the band calling it quits.

I wish we could have heard more from these guys as their chemistry evolved. "Dead Man Shoes" is one of the standout tracks that demonstrated the promise of the band.

"Stay The Night" by Sailor

Sailor was a British pop rock band from the 70s that never found success in the US, although they came close to breaking onto the Top 100 in 1980 with "Runaway." 

"Stay The Night" is another peppy and fun track from this harmonious band that seemed to have potential to find a US audience, but they were left out at sea.

"On And On" by Saigon Kick

Saigon Kick is an eclectic band from Florida whose music was all over the map. Most of the early work was dominated by hard rock, sometimes metal, but then you'd hear some pop, lofty power ballads, soul, lounge, or a mix of everything. On one of my favorite tracks from their 1991 self-titled debut, "My Life," a choir of kazoos is the featured solo!

While the track "What You Say" received a good deal of airplay, the band did not hit the charts until their sophomore record and the release of an atypical acoustic ballad called "Love Is On The Way." The song soared to #12, but the excellent follow-up track, "All I Want" bubbled under the chart, making the band a one-hit wonder.

The third LP, "Water," was a complicated affair with bickering over the musical direction that ultimately saw the departure of the lead singer. The music was even more all over the place than usual, which may have alienated their growing fanbase. Nonetheless, the record has some awesome moments, including this funky jam called "On And On."

"Won't Give It Up" by Sue Saad and the Next

Sue Saad and the Next were an early 80s new wave and rock band from California that never broke onto the chart, but came close with "Won't Give It Up" and "Looker" from 1980 and 1981, respectively. Puzzling why the infectious "Won't Give It Up" failed to break this promising band and smoking vocalist.

"I'd Rather Go To Jail" by Mitch Ryder

Mitch Ryder and his band, The Detroit Wheels, tore up the late 60s with their garage rock and soul combination. Big ones included the Top 10 hits "Jenny Take A Ride!" (#10), "Devil With A Blue Dress On & Good Golly Miss Molly" (#4), and "Sock It To Me-Baby!" (#6).

Their fiery sound was never more evident than on "I'd Rather Go To Jail." This song from 1967 did not chart, but finds the band on top form. Their last chart appearance of the 60s was "(You've Got) Personality And Chantilly Lace," which stalled at #88 in 1968. But under the moniker Detroit, Ryder scored a minor comeback hit in 1983 when "When You Were Mine" (written by Prince) reached #87. 

"Not Today" by Rust

Rust is a little known post-grunge rock band who released a record called "Bar Chord Ritual" in 1996. Strangely, this San Diego band never found the success that many of their contemporaries found at the time. One factor might be the odd shifting between smooth and gritty vocals. "Not Today" is among the more accessible tracks that should have been all over 90s radio.

"Half The World" by Rush

Rush is a rather polarizing band - people seem to love them or shrug them off. This trio formed in Toronto, Canada, and just oozes talent in terms of musicianship and lyrics, but they don't write the types of memorable hooks that spell commercial success. Despite their legendary status, they've only managed a single Top 40 hit in the US since their lineup solidified in the mid-70s. That song was "New World Man," which went to #21 in 1982.

One of my favorites from the band was "Half The World," which comes from their 1996 record, "Test For Echo." Also don't overlook "Between Sun And Moon" from 1993.

"Time Heals" by Todd Rundgren

Since the dawn of the 1970s, singer and songwriter Todd Rundgren has been a major force in the music biz. Aside from his own extensive catalogue, he's produced many classic albums by famous artists from Badfinger to Meat Loaf to XTC.

In addition to his solo work, Rundgren has been at the helm of the bands Runt, Nazz, and Utopia. His biggest hit came in 1973 when "Hello It's Me" peaked at #5, a remake of a song originally done by Nazz that only hit #66 in 1970.

"Time Heals" is an excellent tune from his 1981 album, "Healing." This song, which sounds a lot like a Hall & Oates tune, failed to chart. But Rundgren had one more song crack the Top 100 in 1983: "Bang The Drum All Day" reached #63.

"I Love Playin' With Fire" by The Runaways

The Runaways were a breakthrough hard rock band led by Cherie Currie, Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Micki Steele, and Sandy West. This boatload of talent didn't stay together long as most members soon went onto successful solo careers or stints with other famous bands (Steele joined The Bangles). 

Despite their now legendary status, The Runaways never cracked the Top 100. Their most widely known song is the brilliant anthem, "Cherry Bomb." "I Love Playin' With Fire" is another should've been hit in the same vein.

"He Who Picks The Rose" by Jimmy Ruffin

Jimmy Ruffin had something in common with his brother David Ruffin: both scored two Top 10 hits. Jimmy's were "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted" (#7 in 1966) and "Hold On To My Love" (#10 in 1980). The latter was his final chart appearance. In-between, Ruffin had another notable hit when "I've Passed This Way Before" landed at #17.

"He Who Picks The Rose" never saw any chart action, but had the makings of another soul classic. Jimmy Ruffin passed away in 2014 at age 78.

"It Takes All Kinds Of People To Make A World" by David Ruffin

David Ruffin, brother of Jimmy Ruffin, was one of the lead singers of The Temptations in the 60s until striking out on a solo career at the end of the decade. He wasted no time getting back on the chart with "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)," which soared to #9 in 1969. Ruffin would visit the Top 10 once more in 1976 when "Walk Away From Love" matched his previous entry at #9.

Other than that, Ruffin had a lackluster chart career. He enjoyed a bit of a comeback in 1985 when he participated in the "A Nite At The Apollo Live!" medley led by Hall & Oates, which went to #20.

"It Takes All Kinds Of People To Make A World" is a forgotten gem from his 1975 album, "Who I Am." Sadly, Ruffin passed away in 1991 at the age of 50 from a drug overdose.

"Into The Lavender" by Rubyhorse

Taking their name from a song by The Wonder Stuff, the Irish band Rubyhorse never quite found an audience in the US despite relocating to the Boston area in 1997, and then Los Angeles after inking a deal. 

Their major label album, "Rise," from 2002 earned the band some press and spots on TV, but this didn't translate into any charting singles. They also somehow got George Harrison to play slide guitar on the song "Punchdrunk."

"Into The Lavender" is the standout track from "Rise," and showed great promise for this underrated band.

"Hurts Too Much" by The Rubinoos

The Rubinoos are a little-known power pop band that scored a single chart appearance in 1977 when their rendition of "I Think We're Alone Now" topped out at #45. Kids of the 80s might also remember their popular geek anthem, "Revenge Of The Nerds." Unfortunately, this California band could not gain any traction and faded into obscurity, remembered only to a handful of loyal power pop fans.

"Hurts Too Much" had all the makings of a hit to my ears, but it never had the chance. The song was an early 80s demo that didn't find its way to the surface until 1993 on the band's compilation record called "Basement Tapes."

"Souvenir" by Rubber Rodeo

Rubber Rodeo were an unusual 80s new-wave band that distinguished themselves by incorporating a hint of country into their music. The band also featured male and female lead vocalists, Trish Milliken and Bob Holmes, who would become a husband and wife team. They scored a single chart appearance in 1984 when the rather excellent "Anywhere With You" reached #86.

Their 1986 sophomore album, however, failed to deliver any charting singles. The band split up by the end of the decade, as did Milliken and Holmes. "Souvenir" is one of the lost cuts from that sophomore record, aptly titled "Heartbreak Highway."

"In The End" by Rubber

Rubber is essentially the Canadian band Harem Scarem under a temporary different name. They're a band that is notorious for choosing bad names, but at least their brand of hard rock is consistently great. 

In addition to the name change, which began in 1999 and lasted for two albums, their sound was also a bit more oriented toward pop rock than their usual bombastic rock. "In The End" is a standout track from their second and final album under the moniker Rubber, which was called (cringe), "Ultra Feel." Also notable from this record is a cover of the song "Another Nail In My Heart" by Squeeze.

"Don't Lead Me On" by RTZ

RTZ (Return To Zero) was an early 90s band that reunited singer Brad Delp and guitarist Barry Goudreau, who were both key members of Boston (Goudreau has also released solo work and was a member of AOR outfit Orion The Hunter). The debut album saw the group off to a promising start with three charting singles, "Face The Music" (#49), the stellar ballad "Until Your Love Comes Back Around" (#26), and "All You've Got" (#56).

Delp then left RTZ to rejoin Boston in tour, effectively breaking up the band. Enough music had been recorded during the initial sessions that they cobbled together a significantly less exciting sophomore effort called "Lost," which finally saw the light of day in 1998. "Don't Lead Me On" is one of the best tracks from that collection - listen to those harmonies!

The band reunited after Delp's death in 2007 to record a tribute to this vocal legend. The epic 8 minute song is called "Set The Songbird Free."

"Paint" by Roxette

Roxette is a duo hailing from Sweden that achieved international acclaim beginning in the late 80s. Marie Fredrisksson and Per Gessle share vocal duties and have a knack for catchy choruses. In the US, they scored an impressive four #1 and two #2 hits in just a few years time, from 1989-1991. Then they quickly faded away; their last chart appearance was in 1994 when "Sleeping In My Car" stalled at #50. Nevertheless, they rank as the 48th most successful chart artist of the 90s.

"Paint" is an incredible tune that is buried among the big hits on their breakthrough 1988 album, "Look Sharp!" The ABBA-esque chorus is amazing and I'm astonished this song wasn't chosen as a single over "Dressed For Success" (which still did well, mind you, topping out at #14).

"A Lil' Ain't Enough" by David Lee Roth

The charismatic ham, David Lee Roth, joined a band called Mammoth in the early 70s and helped them become one of the most influential rock groups of the modern era (after they changed their name to Van Halen in 1974). We'll save that story for another day, but suffice it to say that tensions arose and Diamond Dave struck out on his own to pursue a solo career by 1985.

Roth recruited some ace players including guitarist Steve Vai (Frank Zappa's band) and bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big), and proved he'd have no trouble scoring hits without the Van Halen brothers...at least for a little while. He had two reach the Top 10, his cover of "California Girls" (originally done by The Beach Boys) reached #3 in 1985 and his original song, "Just Like Paradise," hit #6 in 1988. Other memorable solo hits included his rendition of "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" (#12) and "Yankee Rose" (#16).

Roth's final chart appearance to date came in 1988 when "Stand Up" stalled at #64. His follow-up 1991 effort, "A Little Ain't Enough," was classic Roth, but not what ears hungered for anymore. His schtick had grown tiresome, but his career had a revival in reunions with the Van Halen brothers.

If released in the 80s, I'm sure songs from "A Little Ain't Enough" would have performed magnificently, especially the title track, "A Lil' Ain't Enough."

"Fool For Your Love" by Diana Ross

Diana Ross led the The Supremes to become one of the biggest musical acts of the 60s. Upon going solo, she became the 13th most successful artist of the 70s (and 41st of all-time). She's been able to retool and adapt to the ever-changing music scene, effortlessly floating between pop, dance, soul, ballads, and disco. 

Ross has scored 6 #1 hits as a solo artist, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Touch Me In The Morning," "Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)," "Love Hangover," "Upside Down," and "Endless Love," a duet with Lionel Richie that stayed on top for nine weeks in 1981.

By 1986, her remarkable run on the charts spanning three decades came to an end with "Chain Reaction." This song, written and performed with the Bee Gees, was released as two different versions. The original in 1985 went to #95 and the 1986 version went to #66. The song is very catchy, and I'm amazed it didn't do better.

If you play "Fool For Your Love," most people won't guess that it is by Diana Ross. As a hard rock anthem, this song really stands out from the rest of her catalogue. It features Bruce Kulick on guitar, whose previous work was with KISS and W.A.S.P. The song comes from her 1982 record, "Silk Electric," which is better known for its lead-off track, "Muscles," written by Michael Jackson (it went to #10). Ross teamed up with Jackson and the Bee Gees again on "Eaten Alive," a track that stalled at #77 in 1985 despite all its superstar power.

"You Can't Please Everybody" by Rose Royce

Rose Royce is typically considered a one-hit wonder. They dominated the chart for one week in 1976 with their smash hit "Car Wash" from the movie of the same name. However, they scored another lesser-known Top 10 in 1977 when "I Wanna Get Next To You" peaked at #10. 

With exception of a handful of other Top 40 singles, the group was but a memory by 1979 as the disco and funk scene began to fade. "You Can't Please Everybody" is a hot track that deserved some chart action. It comes from their 1977 album, "In Full Bloom."

"I'm Shakin'" by Rooney

Named after the principal from the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off, California band Rooney is a power pop outfit that sounds like a cross between Cheap Trick and Weezer (one of their first tours was in fact with Weezer). Founding members included lead singer Robert Schwartzman and a couple of others whom we've highlighted already as solo artists (Ned Brower and Taylor Locke).

The band's closest single to approach the Top 100 was the infectious "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?" from their 2007 sophomore LP, "Calling The World." 

"I'm Shakin'" comes from their 2003 self-titled debut album and should have shaken up the charts.

"I Can't Let Go" by Linda Ronstadt

Rediscovering magnificent songs like this make the work I put into this blog worth every minute. Originally of The Stone Poneys, Linda Ronstadt quickly made a name for herself as a solo artist with a lovable voice. She racked up so many hits in the 70s that she is ranked the 24th most successful artist of the decade. Some highlights of her 70s chart career include the #1 smash "You're No Good" the #2 smash "When Will I Be Loved," the #3 smash "Blue Bayou," and the #5 smash "It's So Easy."

Her hot streak continued in the 80s with big ones such as "How Do I Make You" (#10) and "Hurt So Bad" (#8), and then a couple monster duets with James Ingram that both reached #2: "Somewhere Out There" and "Don't Know Much."

Oh, and her backing band from the early 70s made out pretty well, too...they became The Eagles.

"I Can't Let It Go" comes from her 1980 record, "Mad Love," one that is good from start to finish and always a treat to hear again.

"You Came, You Saw, You Conquered" by The Ronettes

The Ronettes took their name from the featured vocalist, Veronica Bennett, who soon became Ronnie Spector after marrying the famed producer Phil Spector in 1968. She was joined by her sister and cousin to round out the group.

The Ronettes scored their biggest hit right out of the box in 1963 when "Be My Baby" peaked at #2 for three weeks. The classic refrain saw Ronnie Spector being invited to contribute to Eddie Money's comeback hit, "Take Me Home Tonight," which went to #4 in 1986.

The Ronettes never saw that sort of success again, but managed to land several other Top 40 hits through the 60s like "Baby, I Love You" (#24), "(The Best Part Of) Breakin' Up" (#39), "Do I Love You?" (#34), and "Walking In The Rain" (#23). 1970 saw Ronnie Spector leaving the group to start a solo career.

"You Came, You Saw, You Conquered" seemed like a hit in the making but it bubbled under the chart in 1969 as the group ran out of gas. The Ronettes would reappear on the chart decades later in 2018 thanks to their rendition of "Sleigh Ride" during the holiday season.

"Already Gone" by Romeo's Daughter

Robert John "Mutt" Lange was behind some of the biggest releases of the 80s and 90s, including legendary albums from Def Leppard, Shania Twain, and Bryan Adams. He was also at the helm of Romeo's Daughter, a rock trio from England fronted by the vocal powerhouse of Leigh Matty. But somehow, even the magic of Lange's production with help from AOR hitmaker John Parr couldn't make this deserving band a household name.

Romeo's Daughter did manage to score one minor chart hit in the US with "Don't Break My Heart," which reached #73 in 1988. While future hits eluded them, several of their songs were made into hits or popular album cuts by others, including Heart, Bonnie Tyler, and Eddie Money. After a 1993 sophomore effort, the band appeared to be done.

After a near 20 year absence, Romeo's Daughter returned to release a pair of excellent studio albums: 2012's "Rapture" and 2015's "Spin," from which "Already Gone" can be found (not an Eagles cover). Let's hope they're not done yet.

"Never Thought It Would Be Like This" by The Romantics

Hailing from Detroit, The Romantics achieved immediate chart success with "What I Like About You," from their raw 1980 debut self-titled album. The single only went to #49 at the time, but has become a classic that no 80s radio program is without.

It also poised the band for slicker production and bigger hits, which came in the form of "Talking In Your Sleep" (#3) and "One In A Million" (#37). The band's final album, "Rhythm Romance" was released in 1985 and yielded one last chart appearance with "Test Of Time," which stalled at #71. An underrated track from that final album was "Never Thought It Would Be Like This." It might have done well had tensions between the band and management didn't get them dropped from their label.

"One Foot Back In Your Door" by Roman Holliday

Roman Holliday was a British swing band who took their name from the 1953 film. They were "swing for the 80s" and managed to score a couple minor hits in the US in 1983 with "Stand By" (#54) and "Don't Try To Stop It" (#68).

But I think their best cut was the single, "One Foot Back In Your Door," which was featured on the Teachers soundtrack in 1985 (it also appeared on their 1984 LP, "Fire Me Up." It is more pop-oriented than most of their stuff, but could only reach #76 on the chart. After that the band faded into obscurity; however, Billy Ocean sampled a portion of this song for his 1988 #1 hit, "Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car."

"Tearing" by Rollins Band

Henry Garfield, better known as Henry Rollins, got his start fronting the underground 80s punk band Black Flag. By the 90s, he embarked on a new venture under the moniker of Rollins Band. You may also know him from his spoken word shows or appearances in several movies and TV shows (including Sons of Anarchy). 

Rollins Band mostly plays music while Rollins does his spoken word act, and never had a single break onto the charts. "Tearing" is one of their most melodic efforts and comes from their debut 1992 album, "End Of Silence." 

Another notable track that received a lot of airplay was 1994's gripping song, "Liar." It'll burn your soul.

"Biggest Mistake" by The Rolling Stones

Ranked as the 10th most successful chart artist of all-time, the indelible Rolling Stones began their chart career in 1964 with a Buddy Holly cover - "Not Fade Away" landed at #48. Their first Top 10 was not far off: "Time Is On My Side" hit #6 later that year. The Stones would go on to score an astonishing five #1 hits in the 60s and three in the 70s. 

While they haven't hit the top spot since "Miss You" landed there in 1978, the band did land more in the Top 10 and even more in the Top 40. Their last Top 10 hit was in 1989 when "Mixed Emotions" peaked at #5. Their last Top 40 hit was later that year, when "Rock And A Hard Place" peaked at #23. The band continued to scratch the charts through the 90s, despite massive changes in musical trends. That gives them a remarkable string of hits across four decades.

The Stones are still going strong on tour but haven't released a studio record of original material since 2005's "A Bigger Bang," which is where the earnest "Biggest Mistake" is lifted.  

"Stir It Up And Serve It" by Tommy Roe

Georgia singer and songwriter Tommy Roe, backed by The Roemans, had an impressive chart run through the 60s with smash hits like "Sheila" and "Dizzy," both of which hit #1. In-between he scored additional hits with "Everybody" (#3), "Sweet Pea" (#8), and "Hooray For Hazel" (#6).

As the 60s come to a close, Roe geared up to sustain his chart presence into the next decade. Things looked promising with his Top 10 hit from 1970, "Jam Up Jelly Tight," which landed at #8. But it would prove to be his last Top 40 hit with the exception of his version of "Stagger Lee," which peaked at #25 in 1971.

"Stir It Up And Serve It" was the follow-up to "Jam Up Jelly Tight." This sexually charged song couldn't climb higher than #50, though. Roe's chart career would end in 1973 when "Working Class Hero" stalled at #97.

"Fool Too Long" by Rockpile

Rockpile was an English 80s band that paid homage to the roots of 50s rock and roll. The band featured superstars like Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe, each of whom already earned their own chart hits in the 70s. Despite the boatload of talent, the band scored only a single chart appearance in the US when "Teacher Teacher" landed at #51 in 1981.

"Fool Too Long" was the B-side to that single, and it still rocks with all the grit and attitude that made the genre famous in the first place.

"Fighter" by Kane Roberts

Kane Roberts was a sought after studio musician in the 80s working for artists as diverse as Alice Cooper and Rod Stewart. He also tried his hand at making it big as a solo artist. His debut self-titled album went nowhere, but his follow-up LP, "Saints And Sinners," pulled in some heavy hitters like Desmond Child, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Diane Warren. Together, they scored Roberts his one and only charting single, the power ballad "Does Anybody Really Fall In Love Anymore?" which peaked at #38 in 1991.

Roberts couldn't sustain this success and quickly faded away. His record was filled with potential rock anthems that were big in the late 80s, so maybe he was a day late and dollar short. "Fighter" was one that stood out to me.

"This Ain't No Time To Be Giving Up" by Ripple

Ripple was a little known band from Michigan that blended funk, soul, and rock. They scored a single chart appearance in 1973 when "I Don't Know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky" reached #67. You might not remember that song, but you'll probably recognize the "oh la oh la" line from the smash hit "Electric Boogie (Electric Slide)" by Marcia Griffiths, which went to #51 in 1989.

"This Ain't No Time To Be Giving Up" was released in 1975 but failed to climb the charts.

"On This Side Of Goodbye" by The Righteous Brothers

The Righteous Brothers consisted of a duo of blue-eyed soul singers: Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield. They soared to fame with their breakthrough classic, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," which remains one of the biggest selling singles of all-time. It spent two weeks at #1 in 1964 and paved the way for additional hits such as "Just Once In My Life" (#9), "(You're My) Soul And Inspiration" (#1 for 3 weeks), and "Ebb Tide" (#5).

"Unchained Melody" is unique in that it first peaked at #4 in 1965, but reappeared to reach #13 in 1990 thanks to its use in the hit movie Ghost. Also in 1990, a new version was released that hit #19.

Bill Medley left the group in 1968, but returned in 1974 to give the boys a big comeback hit with "Rock And Roll Heaven," which reached #3. They'd have two more Top 40 singles with "Give It To The People" (#20) and "Dream On" (#32) in 1974 before disappearing from the charts until 1990. Medley would also have chart success as a solo artist, most notably with his duet with Jennifer Warnes, "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life." The song was featured in the 1987 movie Dirty Dancing and spent one week at #1. So that makes two Patrick Swayze movies Medley has to thank for lifting his songs on the charts.

"On This Side Of Goodbye" seemed to have all the ingredients of another hit. A soaring melody written by Carole King, wonderfully sung, but it only made it to #47 in 1966.

"Gone Movin' On" by Paul Revere and the Raiders

Named after founding member Paul Revere and not the legendary hero of the American Revolution, Paul Revere and the Raiders enjoyed a string of big hits in the late 60s and early 70s that included "Kicks" (#4), "Hungry" (#6), "Good Thing" (#4), and "Him Or Me - What's It Gonna Be?" (#5). The band's chart success cooled down in 1968 but came back in a big way in 1971 when "Indian Reservation (The Lament Of The Cherokee Reservation Indian)" gave them a #1 hit. But history repeated itself and the band quickly faded away again, for good this time.

Vocalist Mark Lindsay would enjoy additional chart success as a solo artist, best known for his top 10 hit "Arizona" from 1969. Paul Revere passed away in 2014.

In 1970, the band shortened its name to simply "The Raiders" and released an album called "Collage." It produced two modest chart hits with "We Gotta All Get Together" (#50) and "Just Seventeen" (#82). "Gone Movin' On" is one of the songs from that album that fell through the cracks.