Burning The Ground Exclusive
There are songs that define a moment, and then there are songs that feel like an entire movie packed into four minutes. “When The Rain Begins To Fall” lands firmly in the second category. Big, dramatic, and completely committed to its sound, it’s one of those tracks that instantly transports you back to the mid-80s.
Released in October 1984, this duet between Jermaine Jackson and Pia Zadora was recorded for the soundtrack to the cult sci-fi musical Voyage of the Rock Aliens. Zadora starred in the film, and the song is featured right at the beginning, doubling as the official music video. It sets the tone immediately, glossy, theatrical, and just a little bit surreal.
The song was written by Peggy March, Michael Bradley, and Steve Wittmack. Musically, it leans into that polished mid-80s pop sound, driven by synths, a strong rhythmic pulse, and a soaring chorus. The contrast between Jermaine’s smooth delivery and Zadora’s more dramatic vocal style gives the track its unique character. It shouldn’t work as well as it does, but that tension is exactly what makes it memorable.
Chart-wise, the single had a split story. In the United States it reached No. 54, and in the UK it peaked at No. 68. But across mainland Europe, it was a major hit. The song went to No. 1 in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, and reached the Top 10 in Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. It also earned Gold certification in Germany and Platinum in France, making it one of the biggest international successes for both artists.
Because of that momentum, “When The Rain Begins To Fall” was added to later pressings of Jermaine’s 1984 album Jermaine Jackson. In the United States, the album carried that self-titled name, while in the UK and Europe it was released as Dynamite. Including the single helped strengthen the album’s appeal in markets where the song was already a proven hit.
What really makes this track endure is its sense of scale. Everything about it feels larger than life. The arrangement builds with purpose, the chorus hits hard, and the whole production has that cinematic quality that was so popular at the time. It doesn’t hold back, and that’s exactly why it works.
For anyone who remembers it from the charts, the film, or a well-worn 12-inch, “When The Rain Begins To Fall” is a perfect snapshot of 1984. A little bit pop, a little bit movie magic, and completely unforgettable.
SIDE A:
Jermaine Jackson & Pia Zadora – When The Rain Begins To Fall (Vocal Version With Breakdown) 5:24
Producer – Jack White
Remix – Lonnie Simons*
Written-By – Michael Bradley, Peggy March, Steve Wittmack
SIDE B:
Jermaine Jackson – Come To Me (One Way Or Another) 5:15
Executive-Producer – Clive Davis
Written-By – Jermaine Jackson
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart Performance – Jermaine Jackson & Pia Zadora: When The Rain Begins To Fall (1985) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | 63 |
| Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) | 2 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) | 1 |
| Canada Top Singles (RPM) | 42 |
| France (SNEP) | 1 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100) | 1 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 15 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) | 1 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 68 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 54 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 61 |
| US Dance Club Songs (Billboard) | 22 |
| West Germany (GfK) | 1 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Arista – AD1-9317
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic
Style: Hi NRG, Synth-pop
NOTES:
Side B: Taken from the album Jermaine Jackson
Pia Zadora appears courtesy of MCA/Curb Records
Printed in USA
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
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!
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THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU WOW what memories! And if you ever find the extended mix please do complement this one! Greetings from Greece!
P.S. I am sure this also topped the charts in Greece!
Thx Paul! I enjoy the song, but never liked the Extended Version. For me it sounded like a beginner remixer or something. This remix is a lot better. Is it me, or does the font type of the tilte reminds a little of Purple Rain by Prince….just wondering lol. Anyway, thx a lot again!
who wasn’t in love with Pia!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYbqM3MUZBI
What a find! This almost sounds like it could have been a lost / unused song from the following year’s TV series “Robotech” (1985) — stylistically and thematically. Writers Michael Bradley and Steve Wittmack were composers and songwriters for the series, and Michael (a former lead singer for ‘Paul Revere and the Raiders’) lent his singing voice to the character of Lancer for the show’s latter third.
I never knew this remix existed, would you believe it? I´ve only known the standard extended version so thank you for enlightening me again 🙂 I have never liked the song, though. Sounds like being written and produced on a tea break. The voices don´t harmonize at all and Pia just cannot sing. I am happy for her, though, that her rich husband gave her the opportunity to fulfill her dreams back then. Never mind me not liking the song one bit, the movie was very entertaining. Have a great weekend, Paul and Jeff and Retro Hound, Martika and all… Read more »
Hi Song_and_Dance,
I can totally understand that. This one is very much a “your mileage may vary” record. The pairing is odd, and Pia’s vocal style is definitely not for everyone, but somehow the whole thing became this big, glossy European pop moment.
I’m glad I could surprise you with the remix, though. That is always the fun part of digging through these 12-inches.
Have a great weekend too!
This has always been one of those tracks I wish I liked more. The collaboration seems like it would be magical, the synths are decent, but I never particularly enjoyed it too much. Pia Zadora’s vocals don’t really do much for me here. Maybe it has to do with releasing the month after Limahl’s incredible classic Never Ending Story (also for a soundtrack… Giorgio Moroder is a genius!). This track kind of always felt like a second rate follow-up to that (sorry!). I’ll give anything another chance though. I have never heard the vocal version with breakdown of When the… Read more »
Hi JP, That’s a really fair take, and you’re not alone on that one. On paper, it feels like it should be a slam dunk, but the chemistry doesn’t quite land for everyone. Pia’s vocal is definitely the dividing line here. I like your comparison to The NeverEnding Story, that’s a tough act to follow, especially with Giorgio Moroder behind it. That track just has a certain magic baked in. This one aims for a similar cinematic feel, but takes a different route and not everyone buys into it. Glad you stuck with it long enough to hit that breakdown,… Read more »
Thanks, Paul. I have to be honest, though, because in my opinion the song combines too much kitsch and commercialism. It was never my favorite and I didn’t like playing it… but hey, everyone has different tastes, and that’s a good thing.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Hi Toxicaudio,
That’s a completely fair take. This one really leans into the glossy, theatrical side of 80s pop, and I can see how that tips over into kitsch for some listeners. It’s definitely not one I’d expect everyone to reach for, especially in a DJ set.
That said, I kind of enjoy it for exactly those reasons. It goes all in, no subtlety, just big hooks and a very cinematic feel. But yeah, it’s one of those tracks where taste plays a huge role.
Appreciate the honesty, always welcome here.
Have a great weekend!
“When the Rain Begins to Fall” is one of those synth-pop gems from the ’80s that perfectly defines the sonic and visual aesthetic of that decade. Although sometimes remembered with a touch of kitschy nostalgia, its commercial impact and energy are undeniable. Much of this song’s fame is due to its music video. Filmed in a small coastal town in Italy, it’s a work of art from the ’80s: • Intense choreography on the beach. • Futuristic costumes and outlandish hairstyles. • A “Romeo and Juliet” narrative between aliens and humans that could only exist in that era. “When the… Read more »
Hi Rubén,
You summed it up perfectly. That mix of energy, style, and just a touch of kitsch is exactly what makes it such a snapshot of the era. Even if it leans a bit over the top, that’s part of the charm.
And you’re right, whatever anyone thinks of it, the impact and that big, driving sound are hard to deny. It definitely leaves an impression.
Have a great weekend!
I’m kind of surprised to see that this song didn’t chart high in the US. I remember it being well received. It certainly fit the times with that Hi-NRG Disco/Synthpop production and infectious melody! I only had the 7″ back then, but I purchased the Deluxe edition of the album just for the remixes. Thank you so much for this amazing transfer!
Hi Axel, Yeah, it does feel like it should have been a bigger US hit. It had all the right ingredients for the time, that Hi-NRG edge, big synths, and a really strong hook. Sometimes those soundtrack-driven singles just connected differently depending on the market. Europe really embraced it, while in the US it kind of slipped through the cracks a bit. Radio timing, competition, and even the film itself probably played a role. Great to hear you tracked down the deluxe edition for the remixes. There are some fun variations out there, and the extended versions really let that… Read more »
So fun, so trashy, I played this to death in 1985. It’s great to have this particular version again. And the film this is from has to be seen to be believed…
Hi Dean,
That’s the perfect way to describe it, fun and a little trashy in the best possible way. It really was made to be played loud and often, and 1985 was the perfect moment for it.
And yes, that film… you really do have to see Voyage of the Rock Aliens to believe it. It’s completely over the top, but that’s exactly why it’s so memorable.
Glad this version brought back those memories for you.
Who among us doesn’t remember “Voyage of the Rock Aliens”?
Well, I mean, aside from me?
Hi Gary,
You’re definitely not alone on that one. It’s one of those films that people either remember vividly or somehow completely missed.
Voyage of the Rock Aliens kind of slipped through the cracks back in the day, but it’s picked up a cult following over the years. Once you see it, it tends to stick with you, for better or worse.
At least the song made sure a piece of it lived on.
Although the maxi-single was released multiple times here in Germany (I have three different editions), this US version didn’t appear on any of them. Back then, it wasn’t easy to get hold of the US maxi-single. Later, this version appeared on the 2012 expanded edition of “Dynamite.”
A little joke on the side: The song also exists in German as “Wenn Der Regen Auf Uns Fällt” (When The Rain Falls On Us).
Hi Ingmar, That’s really interesting, and not surprising at all. The US 12-inch often had unique mixes that didn’t make it onto the European pressings, which made them a bit of a treasure hunt back in the day. Sounds like you’ve got a nice set of German editions there. Good point about the 2012 expanded edition of Dynamite, that release finally made some of those harder-to-find versions more accessible without having to track down the original vinyl. And I love that German title, “Wenn Der Regen Auf Uns Fällt.” That might actually make the whole thing sound even more dramatic… Read more »
Your words perfectly describe how I remember this song: so much energy and screaming as it hit the stage. People embraced it quickly, and it became a hit. I think it was a turning point for Jermaine Jackson because that album has hits like “Do What You Do,” “Dynamite,” and “Tell It Not a Dreaming.” The remix you uploaded is made in the US because they made a different remix for Europe, which was highly sought after at the time, as it didn’t arrive until late 1985. Cheers, Paul.
Hi Richard, That’s a great way to describe it, you really felt the impact when it hit. It had that immediate energy that grabbed people, especially in a club setting. You’re right about that period being a strong one for Jermaine Jackson. Tracks like “Do What You Do” and “Dynamite” gave the album some real weight, and this duet added a completely different, more theatrical dimension to it. Good call on the remix differences too. The US and European versions definitely took slightly different paths, and back then that made all the difference. If you wanted a specific mix, you… Read more »
If you have some free time, and if you have it, uploading the Sanny X Of Disco Club Mix version of “Do What You Do” would be fantastic. It’s a masterpiece. I have the vinyl, but it was very used and chipped. I washed and cleaned it, but the noise is still there… Best regards, excellent work!
This video was one of those videos that actually told a story. It was one of the better of the MTV era IMO. I had the Jermaine Jackson cassette twice because of this addition. Interesting fact, original cassette had a flat textured matte finish, reissue shiny thicker paper. Also of note is the original tape credited The Jacksons as backup on one or two tracks, the reissue specified 2 of the brothers I think specifically, rather than the group. Also of note is the album included duets with Michael & Whitney Houston (before her album was released)!!! It was also… Read more »
Hi ING, That’s a fantastic set of details, exactly the kind of stuff that makes physical media so interesting. Those cassette variations are a great catch. The textured matte vs. glossy reissue is the kind of thing most people would never notice, but once you’ve seen it, you can’t unsee it. And the credit change from The Jacksons to naming individual brothers is a really cool bit of trivia. You’re also right about the album being stacked. Jermaine Jackson was in a strong place at that time, and having duets with Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, especially before Whitney’s debut… Read more »
I feel I should know this one, Paul. Maybe I saw the cover of the single. Doesn’t really matter though because I like both performers here! Both had hits and carved out nice careers for themselves. I love where you take us, DjPaulT. Music certainly can be a journey, an adventure to different and exotic locales that make us land in pleasure zones in our heads and the dance floor. Hey, I like that you’re adding chart appearances where songs have hit different peaks throughout the world. Nice touch, Paul! Thanks for the week’s spotlights. Especially for the Yello record!… Read more »
Hi Jeff. I’m here, greetings.
The thing is, I have physical therapy for my knee on Friday afternoons and I arrive in a lot of pain (remember my surgery). I end up lying down. I only log on Saturdays. But I made an exception today.
Have a happy weekend full of energy and lots of music. Thanks as always for mentioning me in the chat. Hugs.
Rubén,
I hate to hear that you’re still in a lot of pain. I’m hoping that with each physical therapy session you undertake will have you much better in no time! Healing vibes! Healing hugs!!!
Please have a great week ahead!!
Jeff
Thank you Jeff, and have a fantastic weekend too. And yes, Yello was the absolute highlight of this week for me as well.
Toxicaudio,
Thank you!!
Jeff
Thanks Jeff!
We are totally in sync… that Yello single can not be beat. What a banger!
Hoping your weekend is outstanding my friend!!
You’re a great man, JP!!
Jeff
Hi Jeff, That’s a great way to put it. Even when a track isn’t instantly familiar, it can still pull you in once you give it a spin. Both Jermaine Jackson and Pia Zadora definitely carved out their own lanes, and this one sits right in that very specific mid-80s crossover space. I love what you said about music being a journey. That’s exactly what keeps me digging, there’s always another corner to explore, another record that takes you somewhere unexpected. Glad you’re enjoying the chart tables too. I figured it adds a bit more context, especially for tracks like… Read more »
Wow. Thanks Paul. This version is by far better then the normal 12″ version. Personal history: this version make me to start looking for 12″ mixes!
Hi EuropDude,
That’s awesome to hear. Funny how one standout mix can flip the switch and send you down the 12-inch rabbit hole. That’s exactly how it starts.
I agree, this version really elevates the track. It opens things up, adds a bit more drama, and gives the arrangement room to breathe in a way the standard 12-inch doesn’t quite manage.
Great to hear it played a role in getting you into collecting mixes. That’s a slippery slope, but a very fun one.
Thanks for sharing that!