Huey Lewis and the News had a very interesting and distinctive sound. Through the ‘60s and ‘70s, rock & rollers were an unkempt bunch: long-haired, often bearded, wearing rough clothing. But Huey Lewis took their style in a more ‘80s direction – clean-cut, polo shirts and chinos, a little more, well, respectable?
But it was their sound that made them a success. Upbeat and happy was something a little unusual in the time when what they were calling “New Wave” was growing whiny and annoying. Not Huey Lewis and the News – they were peppy, songs that made you feel good.
Here, then, are seven Huey Lewis and the News songs that seem to stand out. In no particular order:
Stuck With You (1986): This one’s a love song, but it’s not weepy, it’s not sappy, and it’s not… whatever you call what too many of today’s young artists are doing. It’s just happy, and it’s about two people making a life together, not a flash in the pan, but a life. That’s a refreshing change from a lot of what are known as “love songs.”
Hip To Be Square (1986): If there’s one song that epitomizes Huey Lewis and the News, it would be this one. They made it hip to be at least a little bit square – if by “square” one means not looking and acting as though you were on the tail end of a four-day drinking binge.See Also: Start Your Weekend Right With Six Great Van Halen Tunes
The Heart of Rock & Roll (1983): I bid on a six-month consulting contract in Cleveland, once, mostly because I wanted to see the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I still haven’t seen it. Sadly, Huey Lewis and the News aren’t in it. Where’s the justice in that?
The Power of Love (1985): Written for the 1985 film “Back to the Future” (yes, really) this became Huey Lewis and the News’ first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and for once you can see a reason why a song went to the top of that chart. Huey Lewis was originally approached by Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, and Bob Gale about writing the movie’s theme, but Huey demurred – so they asked him to write whatever he wanted. This was the result.I Want a New Drug (1983): Another love song, even though you might not think so from the title. Huey came up with the idea for this song while driving to his attorney’s office (!) and when he arrived, he demanded a pen and paper so he could jot it down. It’s not a song about drugs, but a different sort of addiction, a healthy one – love.If This Is It (1983): This is a fun tune, with almost a ‘50s tone to it, and has to do with a guy dealing with seeing his ex-girlfriend here and there, always with some new guy. It rings true with every guy who ever had a girl dump him and then start serial-dating, which may be why it topped out at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 – respectable if not stellar.See Also: Start Your Weekend Right With Five Great '80s Music Videos
Workin’ For A Livin’ (1982): Huey Lewis reportedly attributed this song to all of the many and varied odd jobs he had before coming into music. Lots of us can relate to that; I spent summers when I was a kid first haying, walking beans, and detassling corn, then later working on roofing crews. In the winter, I ran a trapline, and in time, I got a job selling guns and fishing tackle at a Woolco store. It’s all about working for a living.
The ‘80s had some bad music – a lot of what they called “New Wave” was, well, pretty bad. Huey Lewis and the News were one of the better things to come out of that era. And, I’m pretty sure you all may have some favorites of your own, so, as always, the comments are all yours!
