Photo: Man Alive!, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Our Top 10 Lene Lovich Songs looks at an artist from the 1970s and 80s who stands as one of the most original rock artists of all time who ventured into the new wave, post-punk, and gothic rock music genres. Born in Michigan, Lene Lovich is a renowned English-American songwriter, singer, and musician who beat all the odds by making it big in the new wave, post-punk, and gothic rock music genres. At the tender age of thirteen years, Lene Lovich moved to England, where she comes across Les Chappell, a guitarist, and songwriter who would later become a pillar in her music career and life partner.
With Lene Lovich developing an interest in art and theater, she enrolled at the Central School of Art and Design, gaining some saxophone skills. Passionate about music, Lene Lovich would join the Diversions band, having her later on write lyrics to Cerrone’s jam “Supernature.” It was not over for Lene Lovich after the Diversions band broke, connecting with Charlie Gillett, who was instrumental to her signing at Stiff Records. What followed was a successful time in her art, and later in 2013, she established Flex Music, her publishing label releasing a re-mastered version of all her previous albums. Here are the top 10 Lene Lovich songs that prove that women too can be a hot deal for new wave, post-punk, and gothic rock music genres.
# 10 – It’s You, It’s Only You (Mein Schmerz)
There is no better way to start the top 10 Lene Lovich songs than with the song “It’s You, It’s Only You” from its self-titled album. The jam starts with a nice and powerful instrumental ushering in some great vocals from the new wave legend Lene Lovich. Thanks to its lyrical content that the song has been a darling for many to date. Notably, the song is about how we fall in love with someone so crazily that we can find nothing else but the subject beings to suit and quench our love needs. And at times, the people we are longing for might be our agony as per Hugo Sinzheimer and Ferdinand Bakker, the song’s writers who added the German name “Mein Schmerz,” which means “my pain.”
# 9 – Home
Gothic rock is never better than expressed with deep emotions and strong instrumentals. Lene Lovich was on point in her song “Home” in bringing out the actual vibe of gothic rock, which some might find scary. Featured in her 1978 album Stateless, the song “Home” has remained a darling for most of Lene Lovich’s gothic rock lovers to date. In the song, she describes the home as a word of many definitions, with the definitions revolving around perceptions and emotion over a physical place.
# 8 – What Will I Do Without You
Released in her 1979 album Flex is yet another gothic rock ballad from the marvelous Lene Lovich. Thanks to her passion for art, Lene Lovich has perfected her vocals to suit the music genre, making her name stand out among big names in the genre. For this song specifically, it is her vocals that prove to be unique and perfect. Lene Lovich is indeed a gem when it comes to gothic rock.
# 7 – Blue Hotel
Written by Lene Lovich, Les Chappell, and Mauro Goldsand, the song “Blue Hotel” is featured in her 1992 album No Man’s Land. Credit to Lene Lovich to have visualized what the world would be like in the future. And right, she was to hypothesize that we would be glued to our phones or rather, ‘screens in our hands.’ Sadly, we can barely have meaningful connections due to the devices to which we are, in most cases, too attached.
# 6 – Say When
Featured in her 1978 album Stateless, the song “Say When” is one of Lene Lovich’s new wave jams that we can barely forget. “Say When” song went ahead to trend the charts featuring among the top twenties in the UK Singles Chart. The song’s background vocals sound similar to those used by Gin Wigmore in “Black Sheep.” Her vocals and the background vocals make the tune of the jam “Say When” quite catchy and a song worthy of mention in the top 10 Lene Lovich songs.
# 5 – I Think We’re Alone Now
Written by Ritchie Cordell, the song “I Think We’re Alone Now” is what some would call the making moment of the current Lene Lovich we know. After her former band Diversions broke up, Lene Lovich would have radio presenter Charlie Gillett get her record a demo of Tommy James and the Shondells’ song “I Think We’re Alone Now.” The song would be released as a single in her debut album Stateless. Among all covers done for the jam “I Think We’re Alone Now,” Lene Lovich’s cover proves to be one of the best, thanks to her magical vocals.
#4 – Angels
Featured in her 1979 album Flex, the song “Angels” is a perfect new wave thanks to the combination of great vocals and a sublime instrumental. The song’s relevance is boldly brought out by Lene Lovich’s hypnotizing voice and quite memorable lyrics. The catchy hooks add to the greatness of the jam. And thanks to the song, Lene Lovich introduced the less informed population to the Australian music TV show Rage.
# 3 – New Toy
Written by Thomas Dolby, the song “New Toy” is featured in Lene Lovich’s first EP, New Toy. Released in February 1981, the song “New Toy” makes fun of the consumer society, which led to its success in charts. The song attained peak positions 19, 29, and 53 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart, Australian Kent Music Report, and UK Singles chart. Thanks to identifying Lene Lovich on a live performance, Thomas Dolby created this song for Lene Lovich.
# 2 – Bird Song
When lovers come together, greater things than just romance happens. In this context, Lene Lovich and Les Chappell put their minds together to write the song “Bird Song,” which is by far one of the best gothic rock jams by Lene Lovich. Featured in their album Flex, the song “Bird Song” was successful, peaking at number 39 in the UK Singles Chart. The song placed Lene Lovich among the top gothic rock and new wave genre female artists.
# 1 – Lucky Number
Released as the lead single in her debut 1978 album Stateless, the song “Lucky Number” is a piece of incredible work by Lene Lovich and Les Chappell. The song’s chorus consists of four dissonant notes sung in rapid succession, coupled with memorable guitar ostinato and rapid vocal shouts from backup singers. Thanks to Lene Lovich’s distinctive voice and sublime production, many are regarded by many as the best of Lene Lovich’s releases. The song peaked at number 3 in the UK Singles chart and number 2 in the Australian Kent Music Report alongside other reputable positions in global chart listing, proving to be the most successful song by Lene Lovich.
Top 10 Lene Lovich Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
