It’s that time again — our April Fundraiser is officially underway!
Burning the Ground is a labor of love dedicated to preserving and sharing the rare 12″ remixes, extended versions, and hard-to-find vinyl gems of the ’80s, ’90s, and beyond. Whether you visit to relive a favorite dancefloor memory or discover something new, I’m grateful to have you as part of this passionate community.
Every six months, we run a small fundraiser to help keep the site running smoothly and securely. Our goal this April is $1,500.00 — every dollar makes a difference.
Your generous donations go directly toward:
🔒 Website hosting, security, monitoring, and protection
💿 Purchasing requested records for future posts
🛠️ Equipment maintenance and upgrades
If you’d like to support Burning the Ground, you can make a secure donation via debit card, credit card, or PayPal by visiting our Donation Page on PayPal, or simply click any of the yellow Donate buttons throughout the site.
No amount is too small, and every contribution helps ensure that BTG continues to bring you the music you love. The next fundraiser will be in October, so now’s the perfect time to show your support if you’re able.
Thank you all so much for your continued support of Burning the Ground. Whether you’ve donated, shared the site, or simply stopped by to enjoy a favorite track, you’re helping keep this music alive for generations of fans and collectors to come. I truly couldn’t do this without you. ❤️
“I get so emotional, baby… Every time I think of you…”
Released in October 1987, “So Emotional” was the third single from Whitney Houston’s mega-selling second album, Whitney. The song showcases a grittier, more rock-infused side of Whitney’s voice—complete with big drums, searing guitar, and of course, that unmatched vocal power.
Written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly—the same duo behind hits like Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” and Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors”—“So Emotional” brought a harder edge to Whitney’s pristine pop image. With its fusion of pop-rock, dance, and soul, the song showed she could do much more than just ballads.
The single was a massive success, becoming Whitney’s sixth consecutive #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, tying her with The Beatles and The Bee Gees for the longest streak of chart-topping singles at the time. It also topped the Dance Club Songs chart and cracked the Top 10 internationally, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
The music video for “So Emotional,” directed by Wayne Isham, captures Whitney on the road and backstage as she preps for a high-energy concert. Shot at Lehigh University’s Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the video was filmed between dates of her 1987–1988 Moment of Truth Tour. It’s a candid, electrifying snapshot of Whitney in her prime—playful, stylish, and commanding the stage with ease.
For the clubs, Shep Pettibone crafted a total of five mixes for the 12″ release, each tailored for different dancefloor moments. The Extended Remix brings the drama with punchy synths and an amped-up groove. The Dub Mix strips things back to spotlight the rhythm section, while the Bonus Beats offers DJs pure percussive fuel. The Edited Remix trims things down for more commercial play.
And then there’s “The Voice”—a jaw-dropping acapella version that isolates Whitney’s soaring vocals over minimal backing. It’s a masterclass in vocal control, phrasing, and emotion. If you ever doubted her range or power, this version will silence you.
From the glam-rock guitars to the iconic belting chorus, “So Emotional” is pure ’80s fire—a perfect blend of vulnerability and power. Whether you were sweating it out on the dance floor in 1987 or just discovering it today, this track remains one of Whitney’s most thrilling and energetic performances.
NEW 2025 Transfer! NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration!
Original post date May 31, 2017
Released in August 1988, “The Rumour” was the lead single and title track from Olivia Newton-John’s thirteenth studio album. Known for her wholesome image and soft pop hits, Olivia took a more mature and socially conscious turn on this record—addressing themes like tabloid gossip, environmental issues, and global awareness, all wrapped in polished late-’80s pop production.
Co-written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, “The Rumour” has an energetic bounce, driven by bright synths, a punchy rhythm section, and a hook that sticks. Elton didn’t just write the song—he also played piano and contributed backing vocals, adding an unmistakable touch of his signature flair to the track.
A stylish music video was filmed to promote the single, directed by Brian Grant (known for his work with artists like Whitney Houston and Duran Duran). The video featured slick, upbeat choreography by none other than Kenny Ortega, adding a vibrant visual energy that matched the song’s pop sophistication.
The track was also remixed for clubs by the legendary Shep Pettibone, who amped up the dancefloor appeal with extended instrumental breaks and a slick, late-’80s groove. Thanks to Shep’s remix, “The Rumour” found a second life on the dancefloor—peaking at #17 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, even if it only reached #62 on the Hot 100.
The 12″ version featured here includes Shep’s extended mix, which stretches out the shimmer and lets the groove breathe—Olivia never quite sounded like this before or since. It’s a sleek, underappreciated gem that showcases her versatility and willingness to evolve her sound.
Despite not being a huge commercial smash, “The Rumour” marks a fascinating era in Olivia’s career—one where she wasn’t afraid to experiment, speak her mind, and team up with pop royalty to craft something unique.
This one’s for the fans who remember when pop stars weren’t afraid to push boundaries—and still made it sound this good.
SIDE A: The Rumour (12″ Extended Mix) 6:42 The Rumour (7″ Mix) 4:00
SIDE B: The Rumour (12″ Dub) 4:14 The Rumour (Instrumental) 4:00
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
Year
Single
Chart
Position
1988
The Rumour
U.S. Billboard Hot 100
#62
1988
The Rumour
U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary Tracks
#33
1988
The Rumour
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play
#17
1988
The Rumour
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Maxi-Singles Sales
#42
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23890
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: Aug 13 1988
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop
By 1978, the Pointer Sisters had begun an eleven-year association with producer Richard Perry—first through his Planet Records label and later continuing their collaboration under RCA Records. During this period, they amassed eleven Top 40 hits, solidifying their place as one of the most successful vocal groups of the era. Their 1983 multi-platinum album Break Out was a major career highlight, producing four Top Ten hits, including a remixed version of “I’m So Excited,” which had first appeared on their 1982 album So Excited!. However, after this peak, the group’s commercial success gradually declined, leading to their departure from RCA in 1988.
In March 1989, reports emerged that the Pointer Sisters were negotiating with Motown Records—a label that had passed on signing them in 1971 but had later become home to original member Bonnie Pointer when she left for a solo career in 1977. By May 1989, the group officially signed with Motown, with June Pointer expressing their hope to help restore the label’s former glory. Unfortunately, neither their album Right Rhythm nor their Motown tenure proved to be the revival they had hoped for.
The first single from Right Rhythm, “Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It),” was released in May 1990. The song was recorded at Prince’s famed Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota, adding a layer of Minneapolis funk flavor to its polished R&B sound. The song, an upbeat R&B track, managed to reach #36 on the Billboard R&B charts but failed to break into the mainstream. The track was remixed by the legendary Shep Pettibone, known for his work with Madonna, Janet Jackson, and many other top artists of the era, adding a club-ready edge that made the song a favorite on dance floors despite its modest chart performance. The follow-up single, the ballad “After You,” also struggled to find a wide audience. A third single, a remixed version of “Insanity,” fared slightly better, peaking at #62 on the R&B charts and achieving a more notable #11 placement on the Billboard dance charts. Despite the group’s best efforts, Right Rhythm would ultimately be their only album with Motown.
While Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It) may not have been a major hit, it remains a notable entry in the Pointer Sisters’ discography as part of their attempt to reinvent themselves in a changing musical landscape. It serves as a testament to their enduring artistry and willingness to take creative risks even as the music industry evolved around them.
Do you remember hearing “Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It)” when it was released? Share your thoughts in the comments!
SIDE A: Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It) (Radio Edit) 4:03
Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It) (Shep’s Advice Mix) 6:24
SIDE B: Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It) (Dub ‘Do Your Own Thing’ Mix) 4:51
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
Year
Single
Chart
Position
1990
Friends’ Advice (Don’t Take It)
U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles
#36
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Motown – MOT-4661
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: May 1990
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: House, Soul, Garage House
