Brenda Russell, Piano In The Dark | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 107^th 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 107^th 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 🕶️🎶 No. 107 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  The Musical Hype, UMG Recordings, Inc.]