Burning The Ground Exclusive
“Say It’s Gonna Rain” is a song by American dance-pop group Will to Power. The original version appeared on their self-titled debut album, released in 1988. Written and produced by Miami-based DJ and producer Bob Rosenberg, the track features Suzi Carr on lead vocals.
A 12-inch single was issued to clubs the same year, featuring extended and remixed versions that became a massive hit in dance circles. The remix went on to become the group’s first of two number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, where it held the top spot for two weeks in August and September 1988. It also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 49 that July.
Built on a sleek freestyle groove and shimmering synth layers, “Say It’s Gonna Rain” perfectly captures the late-’80s Miami club sound—melodic, emotional, and irresistibly danceable. Suzi Carr’s soulful, yearning delivery gives the song a romantic core beneath its pulsating beats.
While Will to Power later found mainstream pop success with their chart-topping medley “Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird,” “Say It’s Gonna Rain” remains their defining club anthem—a staple of freestyle compilations and a time capsule of the 1988 dancefloor scene.
*Note: On Side B, the tracks are listed separately on the label; however, they are actually mixed together. To preserve the flow and integrity of the original vinyl, I have not separated the tracks.
For those who lived through the era, this one instantly conjures flashing lights, smoke machines, and that unmistakable 808 rhythm echoing through packed dance clubs on a humid summer night.
SIDE A:
Say It’s Gonna Rain (Extended Mix) 6:38
SIDE B:
Say It’s Gonna Rain (Instrumental Mix)/
Say It’s Gonna Rain (808 Capella) 7:25 *
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (RPM) Dance | #8 | 1988 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | #49 | 1988 |
| US Billboard Hot Dance / Club Play | #1 | 1988 |
| US Billboard Hot Dance / Maxi-Singles Sales | #3 | 1988 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic – 49 07589
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Freestyle
CREDITS:
- Lacquer Cut By – MF*
- Producer – Bob Rosenberg
- Written-By – B. Rosenberg*
- Lacquer Cut At – Fullersound
- Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Carrollton, GA
NOTES:
From the LP “Will To Power”
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
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Thank you so much for posting these tracks by Will To Power, they are such treasured memories from a much more carefree time in life… what you said about packed clubs on a humid summer night is right on target for me. Growing up in Arizona, the latter half of the summertime is “monsoon season” and it often rains, so of course the DJs would put this one on when it was raining out, and you’re right, it would turn humid and be hot as hell on the dance floor… but we didn’t care, it was our time to dance… Read more »
Thank you Paul. What a fantastic track. Fading Away was good, but this is imo much better.How about “Dreamin’ ” which is also a great song. Do you have it?
Just posted “Dreamin'”
Thank you Paul.
Thank you for this fantastic freestyle track (Greatest)Dj Paul! What a great mix. Huge freestyle fan, this track always had a “more freestyle” vibe to me than Dreamin’ which is epic in its own right. The ‘Say it’s gonna rain’ refrain has such a dreamy quality, like kids rhyming, which really works as juxtaposition against the great freestyle beats. It all comes together so well. It took me many years to realize Will to Power had their biggest hit with Baby I Love Your Way / Freebird Medley… blew my mind that it was the same group that put out… Read more »
Hi JP, Thanks so much for such a thoughtful and passionate comment! I completely agree — “Say It’s Gonna Rain” really captures that dreamy freestyle vibe, and Suzi Carr’s vocal gives it such a unique edge. It’s definitely a track that stands out even among Will to Power’s catalog. And yes, realizing they’re the same group behind the Baby I Love Your Way / Freebird medley always surprises people — true versatility for sure! I’m so glad you enjoyed The Cover Girls – Inside Outside! You nailed it with your “Ladies of Freestyle” trifecta — Exposé, Sweet Sensation, and The… Read more »
I never knew Suzi Carr was the vocalist on this single. She had a great voice which was perfect for Dance Music. I remember buying her 1994 single “All Over Me” which was a big UK club hit.
Thanks Paul 🙂
Hey Mark,
Yes! Suzi Carr had such an amazing voice — perfect for that freestyle and late-’80s dance sound. All Over Me is a great track too, definitely one of those underrated UK club gems. I’m glad you mentioned it!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing the memory — always great to hear from fellow fans who appreciate these voices that defined the era.
– Paul
I don’t think I know this one… I quick check in my library and I have them doing covers of I’m Not In Love & Boogie Nights! This should be a fun one! Thx
Hey ING,
You’re in for a treat with this one! It’s a bit different from their cover material — pure late-’80s freestyle energy with that unmistakable Miami touch. Definitely worth a listen if you enjoy their other tracks. Hope you have fun discovering it!
– Paul.
Hey Paul This Is In My Top 10 For Sure!! Freestyle Is The Shttt lol. Also Dreamin On The Thrust Label Has A Different Mix Compared To The Epic Mix. That Thrust Mix Is Miami Freestyle For Sure!! Thanks For Making It Rain!! Love The Jamm!!! Paul
Thanks so much! Totally agree — this one’s pure freestyle gold. And you’re right about Dreamin’ on the Thrust label — that mix definitely leans into that classic Miami freestyle vibe. I love the energy and production differences between the two versions.
Appreciate you dropping by and sharing the love — glad I could “make it rain” for you!
– Paul
Thanks Paul! Massive dance club hit back in the late 80’s. Instant classic and everyone loved it, even non-clubbers. Now, we just need you to do Fading Away and Dreamin’ by them and we will have the trifecta!!!
Hi Erik,
Thanks so much! You’re right — this one was a massive club favorite and an instant classic. I actually posted Fading Away back in 2015, but I’ll try to do a new transfer at some point. And yes, Dreamin’ is definitely on my radar — it would round out that Will to Power trifecta perfectly!
Appreciate you stopping by and sharing the enthusiasm!
Best,
Paul
This is so great, Paul! During this time period, living in New Jersey, this song was inescapable from the airwaves, the clubs, the beaches, the amusement parks, and in the cars!! Freestyle was massive in the New York Tri-state area!! What a time capsule this song is, Paul! It was a time when the music was so contagious and propulsive for me. I spent all my money, it seems (living from home) buying 12-inch discs, making mix tapes, working out, and lusting seriously over the hot guys and girls!! I’ll never forget these feelings. And, I gotta tell you, Paul,… Read more »
Hi Jeff,
Wow — thank you so much for that incredible message! You captured the spirit of that era perfectly. Freestyle really was everywhere back then, and hearing how it shaped those memories for you brings such a smile to my face. I love that these songs still spark that same excitement and energy all these years later.
I truly appreciate your kind words and support — it means a lot. I’m just happy to help keep this amazing music alive and sounding its best for everyone who still feels it in their hearts (and on the dance floor!).
Thank you so much for this great song, Paul! You are so correct with the flashback to the clubs when this song came on!! Any chance you have the other 12″ with the 4 other mixes by Chep Nunez and Justin Strauss? The Orange Sunshine Dub is amazing!…the whole intro rocks but at 0:34 it just SLAMS! Thank you so so much again! Have a great day!
Hi Fred,
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one — it really does take you right back to those club nights when this track hit the floor! Unfortunately, I don’t have the second 12″ with the additional Chep Nuñez and Justin Strauss mixes, but I’ll definitely try to track down a copy.
Thanks again for your kind words and for sharing that enthusiasm — it’s always great connecting with someone who remembers how powerful this one sounded back in the day!
Best,
Paul