Ever since the dawn of MTV and Friday Night Videos, the music video has significantly impacted musical tastes and pop culture. It might not be as extreme as when the Buggles declared that "Video Killed the Radio Star", but there is no arguing that the music video certainly could make or break a song's popularity. So this regular Flashback Video feature will serve to remember some of the music videos from the great '80s decade that made an impact on me in one way or another.
This issue we will cover "Two of Hearts" by Stacey Q. The first single off her debut Better Than Heaven album was released in June of 1986 and became a smash hit. "Two of Hearts" went on to become one of the best-selling songs of 1986. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October and #1 on the Billboard Dance chart in September. It achieved worldwide popularity reaching the Top 20 in at least nine other countries. It's hard to get the "I need you" which they sample from Stacey's voice and repeats consistently throughout the song.
The music video was directed by Peter Lippman who had previously created "The Lady in Red" by Chris De Burgh and then later would direct and/or produce "Come Go With Me" for Expose', "Prove Your Love" for Taylor Dayne and "What's On Your Mind" for Information Society among others. Portions of the video feature Stacey Q performing at a club in black and white while other portions feature her dancing in front of a white background in various colorful outfits. The latter allows to show off her dancing and sexy look. According to Stacey Q, the night club portion was filmed in black and white using a Super 8 at the Tropicana in Las Vegas. She said they sold out the mud wrestling venue and made it feel like a club (unfortunately with no mud wrestling to be seen). Here is the music video for "Two of Hearts" by Stacey Q...
I had the pleasure of an interview with Stacey Q. You can check out the whole interview at that link, but here is what she had to say about the benefits of MTV:
For better or for worse, MTV was music. The New Wave was one of the best things that ever happened to American youth. The "Two of Hearts" video was the #1 request on Dial MTV from the first day for months straight. I couldn't have gotten more exposure (for free) anywhere. Timing is everything. While good looks and dancing can't hurt, champagne and my dry wit (or smart mouth) could have sent it crashing down at any time, I suppose.
As evidence of her immense popularity, you may remember Stacey Q also appeared on the sitcom The Facts of Life and even performed this song (on an episode that originally aired in November of 1986). You can find out more about this and even watch that performance as part of my interview.
Hope you enjoyed another trip back to the '80s thanks to Flashback Video!