How does someone go from being a soap opera doctor to being a bonafide rock ‘n roll star? Just be Rick Springfield, I guess.
I’ve got to admit that I was very skeptical when Rick Springfield decided to make the transition from soap opera beefcake to rock ‘n roll beefcake around 1981 or so. I thought that he would use his popularity with the ladies to forge a career in the field of music, all the while using his considerable charisma to disguise a lack of true musical talent. For once, I’ve got to admit that I miscalculated this guy.
A couple of years ago, Rick Springfield made his way to Jackson, Tennessee, as the headliner at one our musical festivals. I enjoy the festivals because you can get exposed to a lot of music over a twelve or fourteen hour period. I sort of hung out all day listening to local bands, and finally Rick Springfield came on stage for his show.
I was exceedingly impressed–I found out that this guy could actually sing and play the guitar. After I heard him perform, I made it a point to pick up a CD and sort of become reacquainted with the music that I vaguely remembered from the early 1980’s.
Rick Springfield’s Greatest Hits pretty much encapsulates the career of this artist, who briefly blazed across the musical firmament in the decade of the 80’s. I was surprised at how many of these songs that I was actually familiar with–so many times we all hear music that sort of goes in one ear and out the other, simply because it’s not very remarkable. Rick Springfield’s music is not music for the ages, but as good pop with an edge, it works pretty well, especially after I learned that he could really play and sing.
All of you will recognize the big hits in this collection–Jessie’s Girl and I’ve Done Everything For You are Rick Springfield signature songs, while Don’t Talk To Strangers, with it’s synth texture and mixed lyrical message brought out the soap opera star in this artist. An Affair Of The Heart has an urgency that is magnified by Springfield’s blatant sexuality, and the herky-jerky rhythms of Love Somebody belie the pop essence of the song.
This collection has twelve tracks, which is really not all that big when judged by “greatest hits” standards. Rick Springfield didn’t have an extensive body of work, so that accounts for the paucity of material. Still, it’s a solid repertoire from a performer who I doubted for a long time.
Thanks for reading.
