Lost in the Blue: My 80s Debbie Gibson Obsession (A Deep Dive)

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Hey everyone! Let's take a vibrant trip back to the late 80s. Picture this: huge hair, neon EVERYTHING and the sound of infectious pop music filling the air. For me, one album perfectly encapsulates that era: Debbie Gibson's "Out of the Blue." Today, let's dive deep into this iconic record. I remember wanting this album with every fiber of my being. My mom, bless her heart, suggested taping it off the radio. But you guys get it, right? Radio only plays singles! I needed the whole experience: the artwork, the hidden gems and being able to hit play whenever I wanted.

My journey began with Debbie Gibson's "Only In My Dreams" video on VH1. What was super intriguing was that when they showed the video, there was no album title displayed! It was like a mystery I needed to solve. "Out of the Blue" officially dropped on August 18, 1987, but I didn't get my hands on a copy until my friend "Stig" shared a dubbed cassette a year later. Even then, the music still felt fresh and amazing. Over the years, I have purchased the album on cassette, CD as well as vinyl.

So, let's explore the musical landscape of "Out of the Blue." All tracks were written by the incredibly talented Deborah Gibson, showcasing her songwriting prowess at a young age.

Side A: The album kicks off with the title track, "Out of the Blue"—an energetic anthem that sets the tone with its catchy melody and optimistic lyrics. It's about stepping out and embracing new opportunities. "Staying Together" follows, a slightly more mature tune exploring the complexities of relationships. Then comes "Only in My Dreams," the breakout hit, a dreamy, synth-driven track about infatuation and fantasy. "Foolish Beat" slows things down with a heartfelt ballad that displays Gibson's vocal range and emotional depth. It's a song about heartbreak and regret, something many young listeners could relate to. Finally, "Red Hot" brings the energy back up with a danceable track.

Side B: "Wake Up to Love" starts the second half with a burst of positivity and encouragement, urging listeners to find and embrace love. "Shake Your Love" continues the upbeat vibe with a strong dance-pop rhythm, perfect for the roller rink or bedroom dance parties. "Fallen Angel" adds a bit of a dramatic edge, telling a story of someone who's lost their way. "Play the Field" is another fun, energetic track with playful lyrics about love and relationships. The album concludes with "Between the Lines," a reflective song about understanding and communication, showing a more thoughtful side to Gibson's songwriting.

Clocking in at just over 40 minutes, "Out of the Blue" was an album I could listen to endlessly—and trust me, I did. I'd often fall into a listening rabbit hole, getting lost in the music. Fun fact: some of these tracks even inspired moments in my debut book, "Under The Lifeguard's Watch." One of my main characters is a huge pop music fan and Debbie's album is one of his favorites—he clearly has great taste. When "Electric Youth" came out, it was massive, but thanks to my friend Charlie Thayer for the cassette hookup of that second album, I still always came back to "Out of the Blue." It's just got that special something.

What are YOUR favorite 80s albums? What memories do they bring back? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this nostalgic journey and want to support more of my writing and deep dives, well, any little bit helps keep the music playing. 😉 Thanks for reading, and keep the 80s spirit alive! 🤘


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