"Left Of Center" by Suzanne Vega

Suzanne Vega scored her breakthrough hit with the stunning song about child abuse called "Luka." It soared to #3 in 1987 and made Vega a staple at radio. She seemed poised to be a superstar, but her follow-up single (and album's title track) "Solitude Standing" barely made a dent on the chart, stopping at #94.

Also on the "Solitude Standing" record was an a cappella opener called "Tom's Diner." The song was remixed by a pair of DJs known as D.N.A. and became an unexpected hit, reaching #5 in 1990.

Vega retooled her sound in the 90s to incorporate more electronic and experimental elements. The formula worked and she received considerable airplay with tunes like "Blood Makes Noise" and "99.9F," although neither charted.

Vega's first hit should have been "Left Of Center" in 1986. Featured in the hit movie Pretty in Pink, this is a terrific song made even better with Joe Jackson on piano.