Burning The Ground Exclusive 1987
“Don’t Mean Nothing,” released in 1987, was the debut single from Richard Marx, marking the beginning of his successful music career. The song is a rock anthem that highlights Marx’s powerful vocals and showcases his songwriting talent. It reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to the top of the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, setting a strong foundation for his debut album, “Richard Marx”, which would eventually go triple platinum.
The song was co-written by Marx and Bruce Gaitsch, and it delves into the disillusionment and realities of the entertainment industry. Lyrically, it speaks to the theme of broken promises and deception, particularly focusing on the challenges and betrayals faced by aspiring artists. Marx’s perspective came from personal experiences of navigating the music industry as a young artist, and the lyrics struck a chord with listeners who resonated with the song’s themes of determination and resilience.
Adding to its rock cred, the track features Eagles members Joe Walsh on slide guitar and Randy Meisner and Timothy B. Schmit on background vocals, lending a distinct edge to the production. Joe Walsh’s guitar work brings a gritty texture to the song that complements Marx’s expressive, intense vocals.
The success of “Don’t Mean Nothing” helped establish Richard Marx as a prominent figure in the late ’80s rock scene, and the track remains a standout in his discography. It’s a powerful debut single that combined rock, introspective lyrics, and a no-nonsense perspective on fame. This was just the beginning of a series of hit singles for Marx, who would go on to chart numerous hits throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s.
In 1988, Marx was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Rock Vocal Performance – Solo” for “Don’t Mean Nothing”. He competed against Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Bob Seger, and Joe Cocker.
The MTV music video featured Cynthia Rhodes, who would later become Marx’s first wife, and actor G.W. Bailey from the Police Academy movies.
+De-notes vinyl-only
SIDE A:
Don’t Mean Nothing (Extended Rock Mix)+ 6:16
Remix – David Cole (4)
SIDE B:
Don’t Mean Nothing (LP Version) 4:42
The Flame Of Love 3:38
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Don’t Mean Nothing | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #3 |
| 1987 | Don’t Mean Nothing | U.S. Billboard Album Rock Tracks | #1 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI-Manhattan Records – 12MT 26
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1987
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock
CREDITS:
- Producer – David Cole (4), Richard Marx
- Written-By – B. Gaitsch*, R. Marx*
NOTES:
From the Album, Cassette and Compact Disc “Richard Marx”
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
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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I remember liking some of Richard’s stuff before Right Here Waiting finally broke him in the UK.Like Satisfied from the same album,deserved to be a bigger hit over here.
Wow, thanks for this! I’ve been meaning to buy this 12″, as I’d never heard the “rock mix”. So I am grateful! Trivia: I actually knew of Marx before he had a record deal; he did some work for LA super-producer David Foster before he was famous. I loved Foster’s songwriting/production work in the mid-1980s, from Chicago, to Earth Wind & Fire, plus the Tubes, Boz Scaggs and Kenny Loggins. Marx wrote the lyrics to The Best Of Me, a song from Foster’s first LP, which he re-recorded as a duet with Olivia Newton-John for his second LP. And he… Read more »
Great song, I remember back in the day a DJ calling it “The best song the Eagles never recorded”; Thanks!
You’re welcome, Shawn 🙂
It was hard to ignore this song when it came on the radio, being a huge Joe Walsh fan, that added to the appeal. Great choice, thanks@
You’re welcome, Raymond 🙂
Do we think the double negative was intentional? Or did he really mean ‘don’t mean anything’?
I second Martika’s comments! I see you’ve been digging deep in the crates again! Keep it up Paul
I will do my best DJ XREY 🙂
AWESOME! THANK YOU, PAUL!!!! As you know, I love rock remixes. I can’t wait to listen to your transfer. The fact that this is a vinyl-only remix makes this a particularly tasty treat!
The record label must have really seen something in him to include a remix on his first single along with half the EAGLES!!!
You’re welcome, Martika. Along with his voice, Richard is also an amazing songwriter.
That’s very true! Didn’t he write “Dance With My Father” for Luther Vandross?
I think so.
Wow what a treat!! I love the vinyl-only rock mix… Richard Marx’s debut album was such a massive hit and deservedly so. I still listen to your transfer of Should’ve Known Better rock radio promo. Such great rock remixes!! It doesn’t mention on the back of the sleeve, but the B2 track The Flame Of Love is actually remixed from the album version. Giving us another vinyl-only treat. Thank you Paul!!
I checked out “Flame Of Love” and it is the album version the 7″ contains a more upbeat version.
Richard Marx – The Flame Of Love
I stand corrected. Yes you’re right, I have the 7″ and the b-side is the glossy version. I also have the 7″ promo with the rare edit of the single version. The copy I have of what must be the Europe 12″ has the same upbeat version of the b-side. My bad, I must have assumed it was the same on the UK release! Still excited to have your new transfer, lol!
I always loved Richard Marx. Especially his ballads are awesome. It´s good to get your meticulous audio restoration of this only vinyl extended mix. Thank you so much Paul.
You’re welcome, Daniel 🙂
Oh yeah, the rock mix is so much better than the album cut. Never released in digital format. Excellent post Paul, thanks! Very happy with this transfer.
Thank you, Stefano 🙂
This is a real find for me, Paul!! I love this song but never would have guessed there was a 12-inch for it, so this is really awesome!! I just love these rock extended mixes! Thank you…BIG TIME!!!
Jeff
You’re welcome, Jeff 🙂
Thanks, Paul! I never purchased this but heard it a few times. Marx was pretty popular for awhile in the late 80s and I remember playing his Richard Marx cd a lot in the summertime especially in the car. Thanks again!
You’re welcome, Fred 🙂