Artist: The Pointer Sisters
Video: From DailyMotion.
It’s funny, I thought I was going to crush this song. But doing the "Neutron Dance" just looks like so much gosh-darned fun! Besides, the classic Beverly Hills Cop footage makes this video OK in my book.
The Pointer Sisters were one of the most prolific all-female bands from the mid-70's to the mid-80's, releasing about an album per year during that time. In 1985 they were enjoying the fruits of their most successful album, "Breakout", which yielded four Top 10 singles including this one. "Breakout" was actually released way back in 1983, but the "Neutron Dance" single was released late enough in 1984 that it spent time on the charts in 1985.
More famously, "Neutron Dance" is featured in the movie Beverly Hills Cop. One of the biggest box-office movies of all-time, the soundtrack also reached the top of the charts. This is the first of three songs from the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack on this countdown.
It's also awesome that the video is loaded with action scenes from the movie. Here we see Eddie Murphy at his greatest (as opposed to here). It even contains dialogue, including Eddie’s signature laugh. The frenetic beat of the song fits perfectly with the film clips. The video also includes a sub-theme in which the Pointer Sisters are usherettes in a movie theater which is showing the film. During the screening, they completely forego their job responsibilities and strut onto the stage to perform the “Neutron Dance”. Much to the delight of the crowd.
So, I’m torn…..this wasn’t one of my favorite songs. In a way it is nonsensical, especially the title. But reflecting deeper on the lyrics, it is about thriving in the face of adversity. In the end, the BHC connection plus a legendary sister act adds up to a winner.
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