Burning The Ground Exclusive
The Queen of Disco meets the Kings of Hi-NRG.
To kick off Pride Month with absolute euphoria, I’m posting one of Donna Summer’s finest late-’80s dance anthems—“This Time I Know It’s For Real”. Released in 1989, this track marked a bold comeback and a stunning collaboration with UK production powerhouse Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW). And yes—it still hits.
After years of genre-hopping in the ’80s, Donna returned to her roots on the dancefloor with this glossy, synth-loaded smash. It climbed to #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became a major hit worldwide—her first UK Top 10 in almost a decade.
The 12″ version stretches the joy a little longer, and if you grew up hearing this in the clubs—or maybe roller-skating under mirror balls—it’s pure serotonin. For many of us, Donna Summer wasn’t just a disco icon; she was a spiritual mother of the dancefloor. Her music was freedom, sweat, style, and everything Pride stands for.
This song is also a nod to new beginnings—proof that it’s never too late for a second act, for reinvention, for love that finally feels real.
🌈 Pride Month Note:
There’s no better way to honor Pride than by turning up a Donna Summer track—because whether you were on the floor at Studio 54 or twirling in your bedroom, her voice gave us permission to feel fabulous, free, and fearless.
Happy Pride. Long live the Queen. Turn it UP.
SIDE A:
This Time I Know It’s For Real (Extended Remix) 7:22
Written-By – Summer, Stock Aitken Waterman
SIDE B:
If It Makes You Feel Good (LP Version) 3:45
Written-By – Stock Aitken Waterman*
This Time I Know It’s For Real (Instrumental) 3:34
Written-By – Summer, Stock Aitken Waterman
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | This Time I Know It’s For Real | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #7 |
| 1989 | This Time I Know It’s For Real | U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary | #2 |
| 1989 | This Time I Know It’s For Real | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs | #5 |
| 1989 | This Time I Know It’s For Real | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales | #1 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Atlantic – 0-86415
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Backing Vocals – Dee Lewis, Mae McKenna, Mike Stock
- Design – David Howells
- Drums – A Linn*
- Engineer – Karen Hewitt, Yoyo
- Guitar – Matt Aitken
- Hair – Andrene
- Keyboards – George De Angelis, Matt Aitken, Mike Stock
- Mixed By – Mixmaster Pete Hammond*
- Photography By – Lawrence Lawry
- Producer – Stock, Aitken & Waterman
- Stylist [Styling] – Kelly Cooper
NOTES:
Recorded at PWL
Printed in U.S.A.
A. Remixed from Atlantic LP 81987 – “Another Place And Time”
B1. From Atlantic LP 81987 – “Another Place And Time”
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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My favourite SAW production by far. Everyone is at the top of their game, and your rip sounds as good as ever, Paul. Many thanks!
Thank you so much! I completely agree—this is peak SAW magic, and Donna brings such power and presence to it. Everything just clicks. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the rip—it means a lot to hear that! More feel-good anthems on the way all Pride Month long! 🪩🔥🌈
I would argue that this is the best SAW ever had to offer. It proved Donna was more than 1970something, it showed SAW were beyond bubblegum. It transcends time and space and exhilarates still!
ING, I’m right there with you—this track really does feel like lightning in a bottle. It was a turning point for both Donna and SAW, proving just how much depth and longevity they each had. It’s not just a bop, it’s a statement—bold, timeless, and still totally electrifying. So glad you feel it too!
It is. There are loads of great songs for music lovers, but some hit that absolute sweet spot that take you away from everything and never grow old or sound dated. This is one of those songs! Many of SAW productions have a date stamp on them (doesn’t mean I don’t like loads of them), this doesn’t. And although disco Summer is some of the best ever, this track stands out among her catalog as transcending it’s placement in history!
This whole album is one of Donna’s best and a killer single – SAW and Donna were a great match. Excellent kick off to Pride – thanks Paul!
Absolutely agree—the whole album is such a gem! Donna and SAW brought out something really special in each other, and this single is pure proof. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post—it felt like the perfect energy to launch Pride Month with. Thanks for the love! 🌈💿💖
I love this song!! Your write-up really nailed both Donna Summer and the cultural impact this song created. Being a dance floor icon in the 70s, she then had the feminist anthem She Works Hard For The Money in 1983. Otherwise, she was floundering around and her last album, All Systems Go, was a big commercial disappointment for Geffen. So to have this kind of comeback in 1989 at the age of 40 was remarkable. It showed not only did she have the kind of staying power that few artists had, she was an inspiration for longevity and vitality. Thanks… Read more »
Thank you so much, Retro Hound! I absolutely love how you laid that out—it’s so true. Donna’s journey through the ’80s was full of ups and downs, and for her to come roaring back like this in ’89 was nothing short of iconic. She proved that age, genre, and industry politics couldn’t dim her brilliance. And yes—SAW gave her just the right sonic lift at just the right time. I’m thrilled this one resonated with you. Here’s to a Pride Month filled with comebacks, courage, and killer beats! 🌈🔥🪩
I have the CD Mini 3″ single, but these transfers sound much fuller with warmth and clarity. I remember seeing the music video on regular rotation on MTV.
Thanks Paul.
That’s awesome, Mark! Those little 3″ CD singles are such gems—I love that you held onto it. I’m really glad you’re noticing the difference in the transfer; I always try to preserve that warmth and punch these classics deserve. And yes, seeing the video on MTV back then felt huge! Thanks so much for listening and sharing the love! 📀📺💖
This is a great song, I remember when this was new, those opening drums made me expect Rick Astley to start singing. This song must have provided some inspiration for Marc Almond’s “My Hand Over My Heart.” Thanks again Mr. DJ for another ace selection.
I love that, Joey! You’re so right—those opening drums totally have that classic SAW/Rick Astley flavor. And wow, great ear catching the connection to “My Hand Over My Heart”—I can definitely hear that now! Thanks for riding this Pride wave with me—more ace selections coming your way, my friend! 🪩💿💥
Pure serotonin is right, Paul! Gosh, I love what you had to say about this song and Donna Summer! It honestly gave me goosebumps! I love Pride Month because it makes all of us reflect on the past, present and future. I’m loving what the community is saying on your “Pride Month” post. I love hearing and feeling this love and respect for people, no matter their orientation. Music does bring the people together, no matter what!! Thank you so much, Paul, for this excellent post!! The feel-good chemicals are pumping through the sound system and our bodies!!!
Jeff
Jeff, your comment gave me goosebumps—thank you so much! I couldn’t agree more: Pride Month is such a powerful time for reflection, connection, and celebration. I’m so moved by the love and shared memories this post has sparked. Donna’s music truly is a unifier—joyful, emotional, and timeless. I’m honored to be able to share these tracks with a community that feels it just as deeply. Let’s keep those feel-good chemicals flowing all month long! 💖🪩🌈
THIS: “For many of us, Donna Summer wasn’t just a disco icon; she was a spiritual mother of the dancefloor. Her music was freedom, sweat, style, and everything Pride stands for.” This is my truth and I am grateful you wrote this. This is such an uplifting song and a great way to start the month.
Fantastic analysis. I couldn’t have said it better.
Conner, thank you so much for this beautiful comment. I truly felt that line in my bones when I wrote it—Donna’s music has always felt like home, especially for those of us who found our identity and joy on the dancefloor. I’m so glad it resonated with you. She gave us more than just hits—she gave us liberation with a beat. Wishing you a joyful and fierce Pride Month! 💜🌈🪩