In the 107th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Piano In The Dark” by R&B singer/songwriter, Brenda Russell.
The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez
is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. The records that grace Throwback Vibez
are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils
! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 107th edition of Throwback Vibez
(2022), we recollect and reflect on
“Piano In The Dark”, performed by
Brenda Russell.
Theme & Lyrics
“Just as I walk through the door / I can feel your emotion / It’s pulling me back / Back to love you.” Ooh la-la! Versatile R&B singer/songwriter
Brenda Russell is best known for one song:
“Piano In The Dark”. Russell penned “Piano In The Dark” alongside
Jeff Hull and
Scott Cutler. Furthermore, she produced the track alongside Hull and
André Fischer. Also, assisting Russell is
Joe Esposito, who provides background vocals on this adult contemporary R&B gem. Notably, “Piano In The Dark” is her highest charting single, peaking at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The record features warm, inviting, and chill production work at the onset. The record sounds idiomatic of the 1980s. Russell delivers smooth vocals early on. After a slightly more reserved start in the first verse, Russell packs more of a punch during the chorus section. The chorus is incredibly memorable and tuneful; I love the harmonized vocals that occur during select moments.
“I know I’m caught up in the middle
I cry just a little
When I think of letting go
Oh no, gave up on the riddle
I cry just a little
When he plays piano in the dark.”
Beyond tuneful pre-chorus and chorus sections, the songwriting in the verses is also impressive. The second verse features some truly poetic, love-oriented moments: “He holds me close like a thief of the heart / He plays a melody / Born to tear me apart / The silence is broken / And no words are spoken…” Beyond theme, lyrics, and dynamic vocals, there are some interesting harmonic moments on “Piano In The Dark.” It wouldn’t be far-fetched to characterize this 80s classic as much less predictable than so many of the pop/R&B songs of today. Fittingly, given its title, can’t fail to note the love the piano gets within the backdrop.
Final Thoughts
In a sea of hits in the 1980s, Brenda Russell scored a surefire hit with
“Piano In The Dark”. It is well-written, well-produced, and sensationally performed. More than 30 years after its initial bow, it remains glorious – a pianistic throwback vibe for the ages!
Brenda Russell •
Get Here •
UMG Recordings, Inc. •
1988
Brenda Russell, “Piano In The Dark”: Throwback Vibez ![🕶️](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/svg/1f576.svg)
No. 107 (2022) [
: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay, Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash, The Musical Hype, UMG Recordings, Inc.]
2 Comments
11 Stellar Songs That Reference The Piano
| Playlist
· November 11, 2022 at 12:02 am
[…] Russell is best known for one song, and it’s safe to say, it’s pianistic! That classic is
“Piano In The Dark”, which she penned alongside
Jeff Hull and
Scott Cutler. Furthermore, she […]
11 Stellar Songs That Reference The Piano
– mastipico
· November 11, 2022 at 7:01 am
[…] Russell is best known for one song, and it’s safe to say, it’s pianistic! That classic is
“Piano In The Dark”, which she penned alongside
Jeff Hull and
Scott Cutler. Furthermore, she […]
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