Playlist Deep Dive - Huey Lewis & The News

Huey Lewis and the News is one of those bands that ruled the airwaves in the 1980s – radio and television (via MTV) – but then largely disappeared from the pop music scene with the coming of 90s grunge. As with other such artists, that disappearance was something of a shame, as they could always be counted on for powerful melodic hits with a bit of bite to them. Their sound might be called a version of “garage band” with elements of 50s doo-wop (check out “Naturally”) and some occasional country honky-tonk. Around the same time (early to mid 80s), Billy Joel was experimenting with a similar sound on the Innocent Man album (“Uptown Girl,” “Tell her about it”). However, those sounds were filtered through the new wave production styles of the 80s to deliver fresh versions of those influences. The album Sports really solidified their place in rock and roll, and on the follow-up, Fore! they upped the ante by adding the Tower of Power horns to the mix. 1991’s Hard at Play seemed like the last Hurrah. However, the recent Weather, which Lewis has suggested may be their last album because of his progressive hearing loss, is certainly full of what Lewis and company do best, including the wistful yet sharp hit “While We’re Young.” The list is organized chronologically so you can chart the band’s development, including a couple of great live performances from the 1980s. “Power of Love” might be the real highlight, a song that can stand up against any you want to name for pure thrilling listenability. Personally, I prefer Sports to Fore, which felt a little too produced, but anyway you look at it, Lewis is a master song writer in his particular style of rock/pop.