Burning The Ground Exclusive
French-Canadian actress, songwriter, and singer Louise Robey, known professionally as Robey, released “I Surrender” as her fourth single in 1986. The song was issued exclusively as a 12″ single in the United States and Canada, making it a standout in her discography and a sought-after collectible among fans of 1980s dance music.
Unlike her earlier singles, “I Surrender” did not appear on her self-titled debut album from 1985, which featured her breakout hit cover of “One Night in Bangkok.” Instead, this track was a non-album single that further showcased Robey’s dramatic vocal delivery and her flair for cinematic, synth-driven production.
Built around a steady club beat, lush synth textures, and Robey’s signature sultry vocals, “I Surrender” embodies the Hi-NRG and electro-pop sound that defined the mid-80s dancefloor. The single reached #47 on the Billboard Dance Chart in October 1986, becoming Robey’s final charting single in the U.S.
Although it didn’t achieve mainstream success, “I Surrender” remains a fascinating slice of mid-80s club culture — a shimmering, emotional track that captures the moment when pop, dance, and performance art all collided under the strobe lights.
Outside of her music career, Robey is perhaps best remembered for her role as Micki Foster on the cult TV series Friday the 13th: The Series. Her unique blend of glamour, mystery, and charisma made her a defining figure of 1980s pop culture — and “I Surrender” stands as a perfect example of her musical style and artistic spirit.
SIDE A:
I Surrender 6:06
Executive Producer – Joel Diamond
Producer – Mark Berry
Written By – D. Batteau, D. Freeman, J. Ingram
SIDE B:
I Surrender (Dub Mix) 4:53
Executive Producer – Joel Diamond
Producer – Mark Berry
Written By – D. Batteau, D. Freeman, J. Ingram
Paris, Paree 5:45
Executive Producer – Joel Diamond
Producer – Marcus Barone
Written By – Louise Robey, M. Barone
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Dance Club Songs | #47 | 1986 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Chrysalis – 4V9 43018
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
Photography – Guy W. Cearley
NOTES:
Recorded at Broccoli Rabe Studios 1986
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
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
You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.



I absolutely love when you share remixes from the 80s that are not included on any compilations despite being amazing! That’s what makes this site so unique! Keep up the great work!
I’m definitely gonna have to binge watch the Friday The 13th series this weekend. Apparently, I’m the only one who has never seen it (and it appears to be available on Amazon). Thank you for this fantastic 12″. I am surprised she wasn’t more famous. She certainly had the looks and the pipes; but her acting career probably got in the way. Too bad!
Thanks, Mike! That sounds like a perfect weekend plan — Friday the 13th: The Series is such a fun slice of late-80s TV horror, and Robey was great in it. I agree, it’s surprising she didn’t become more famous — she really had it all: talent, looks, and presence. I think you’re right, her acting career probably took her focus away from the music side just as things were picking up. Glad you enjoyed the 12″!
Wow Paul this is a blast from the past! I don’t think I’ve heard this since 1986. Catchy with a great beat. I like Mark Berry’s production work, especially with Kool & The Gang. And I did used to watch Friday the 13th: The Series. Thank you so much for this one-of-a-kind 12 inch Paul!!
Thanks, Retro Hound! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one — definitely a hidden gem from ’86. I agree, Mark Berry’s production always brought that punchy, polished energy to a track, and this one’s no exception. Love that you remember Friday the 13th: The Series too — Robey really made an impression in both music and TV. Appreciate you giving this 12″ a spin after all these years!
You found a song I barely remember!! Miss Robey is probably not going to be brought up first in any Mark Berry retrospectives but he still produced a fun track here. It’s got pep and energy and brings to mind aerobics, and leotards and leg warmers! I really like how you made a spooky connection to the Halloween season since the artist starred on the Friday the 13th series – which I have to tell you confused the heck out of me at the time it was airing. It would be on late at night and it clearly had no… Read more »
Thanks so much, JP! I love your “Faux-Spooky Spin” description — that’s perfect for this one. Totally agree, Mark Berry gave it that high-energy, glossy 80s feel that instantly brings back memories of aerobics classes and neon leg warmers!
Now you’ve got me curious… who’s the Canadian artist you’re hinting at? I’m intrigued!
I didn’t mean to be vague! Was just a little uncomfortable mentioning something I might be hoping for when I haven’t donated yet. Working on it!! My mystery artist has yet to appear here – she isn’t too well known but she voiced Lisa Raccoon on the Canadian animated kids series The Raccoons which began airing in 1985. She also provided music used on the series. I never saw the show during the 80s but at some point I heard the song that was used as the end credits for the show. I didn’t even realize it was from a… Read more »
The song I Surrenderis very good, I actually like it. But the best thing was its producer, Mark Berry, who guaranteed any hit. Mark worked with multiple Grammy-nominated artists, including Carly Simon, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Boy George, Yes, Joan Jett, Cameo, Voivod, and Kool & The Gang. In Carly Simon’s case, he was none other than the producer of the album “No Secrets,” which featured the song “You’re So Vain.” In McCartney’s case, he worked with him and George Martin on the soundtrack for the James Bond film, “Live and Let Die.” He also worked… Read more »
Thanks, Ruben! I really appreciate all that great background on Mark Berry — he truly had an incredible career. You’re absolutely right, his work behind the board added so much energy and polish to the artists he produced and remixed. Those Hi-NRG classics you mentioned are timeless, and it’s easy to hear that same production quality in Robey’s “I Surrender.” He definitely knew how to make a track come alive on the dancefloor!
I am very impressed with your knowledge of Mark Berry. He’s a wonderful producer.
Many thanks!!
Jeff
I’m sorry to comment so late in the day, Paul! I love, Robey!! I so loved her in, “Friday the 13th: The Series.” This song is great because, Mark Berry produced her!
Thank you, Paul!!
Jeff
No worries at all, Jeff — I’m just glad you stopped by! Always great to meet another Robey fan. She was fantastic in Friday the 13th: The Series, and you’re right, Mark Berry’s production really took this track to another level. Thanks so much for your comment and for sharing the Robey love!
Oh man, I remember this song very well, as I used to have this 12″, but I haven’t heard it in forever. I loaned this record to a friend and never got it back! So glad you decided to transfer it. I can’t wait to listen to this song again after almost 4 decades!!!! THANK YOU!!!
That’s awesome, Axel! I know that feeling all too well — so many great 12″ singles disappeared after being “loaned out.” Glad I could help you reconnect with this one after all these years! It’s such a great slice of mid-80s dancefloor energy. Enjoy revisiting it!
Robey! Also famous (or infamous) for Friday the 13th: The Series.
Thanks, Paul!
You’re welcome, Ashley! Yes — Friday the 13th: The Series definitely gave Robey her cult status. Always fun to revisit her musical side too!