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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