My Obsession with Samantha Fox's 1987 Album: A Nostalgic Dive

Okay, let's get real for a second. Remember that moment when a song just totally grabbed you, and you knew, just knew, you had to have the whole album? That was me with Samantha Fox and her 1987 self-titled album. It wasn't just about "Touch Me" anymore; this was a whole new level of musical infatuation. I first got a taste of Samantha Fox when “Touch Me” was playing almost nonstop on Q-100 and fell in love with her, but her second album? That's where the real obsession began. When Jive Records dropped it in July 1987, things changed for me. This album wasn't just a collection of songs; it was a time capsule, a memory bank and honestly, a huge part of my young life.

This album made waves, too. It hit No. 22 in the UK, No. 51 in the US, No. 41 in Canada, No. 86 in Australia, and No. 16 in Germany. That's a pretty big deal! But for me, it wasn't about the charts. It was about the feeling.

I distinctly recall the days at daycamp when I would find myself at Skateland with my friend Jenny Reeves. I would request the song be played a few times during skating sessions and we’d belt out “Naughty Girls” at the top of our lungs, mostly off-key, but who cared? We were just kids, around 12 or 13 and that song was an anthem in the soundtrack of my life for a while. Every trip to the store turned into a mission. I’d beg my parents for the tape because I needed to hear all those songs that radio wasn’t playing. My friend Stig, bless his soul, gifted me a copy that he intended to sell at school or his flea market side hustle. Little did I know that the album version was different from the extended version they played at the skating rink, which sent me on another quest!

I remember spending countless hours in my room, playing that tape, trying to drift off to sleep. I’ve always struggled with insomnia and music has always been my go-to in hours of need. It cleared my head and sometimes, the songs would spin into these elaborate dreams, way cooler than any music video on MTV. I still wonder, was I the only one who experienced that? Anyway, I adored every single track. Over the years, remastered and expanded versions of the album have been released. Of course, I snagged them all, but nothing beats the original for me.

After the success of her first album, Touch Me (1986), Samantha Fox jumped back into the studio. Her label was worried, apparently, that the second album didn’t have any hits. So, they got Stock Aitken Waterman to write “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now.” That definitely helped! But Full Force, who were working with Lisa Lisa then, also gave her a major hit with “Naughty Girls (Need Love Too).” The album also had other solid singles like “I Surrender (To the Spirit of the Night),” “I Promise You (Get Ready),” and “True Devotion.”

There's also this interesting tidbit about Jim Lea and Noddy Holder from Slade writing “Shooting Me Down” for the album. Jive wanted them to, and they made a demo, but Samantha didn't get to record it due to time constraints.

Track Listing Deep Dive: Let's Get Real About These Gems!

• "I Surrender (To the Spirit of the Night)" - 3:56: Okay, confession time, this was and still is the one for me. Seriously, why didn't this get more airtime? Pure magic!
• "I Promise You" - 3:54: Such a sweet track. Still holds up!
• "Naughty Girls" - 5:10: Ah, yes! The song that sealed my fate. Totally head over heels after this one. It is also THE big one from the album.
• "True Devotion" - 4:37: Ballad alert! And not just any ballad. This one hits deep. Seriously, Cars "Drive" vibes, anyone?
• "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" - 5:36: A bold cover! Gotta respect the guts.
• "Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now" - 3:43: You know you sang along.
• "If Music Be the Food of Love" - 4:49: Such a lovely, dreamy track. Perfect for zoning out.
• "That Sensation" - 4:19: This one's got that undeniable 80s energy. Can't help but move!
• "Dream City" - 4:55: Takes me to another world. Just close your eyes and drift.
• "The Best Is Yet to Come" - 4:50: Ending on a high note! Optimistic and catchy.

So, that's my deep dive into Samantha Fox's 1987 album. It's more than just music; it's a snapshot of my childhood, a collection of memories and a reminder of simpler times. I'm curious, did anyone else have that one album that just stuck with them? Any Samantha Fox fans out there who remember those days? Share your stories in the comments below! I always love hearing from fellow music enthusiasts and nostalgia buffs. Your thoughts and memories really make these discussions so much fun. If you've enjoyed reading about my musical journey, and feel inclined to show your appreciation in any way, feel free to get in touch! It’s all about sharing the love of music, right?