When Will I Be Famous?

Last updated

"When Will I Be Famous?"
When will I be famous.jpg
Single by Bros
from the album Push
B-side "Love to Hate You"
Released9 November 1987 (1987-11-09)
Length
  • 5:02 (album version)
  • 4:20 (video version)
  • 4:00 (single edit)
Label CBS
Songwriter(s) Nicky Graham, Tom Watkins
Producer(s) Nicky Graham
Bros singles chronology
"I Owe You Nothing"
(1987)		"When Will I Be Famous?"
(1987)		"Drop the Boy"
(1988)
Music video
"When Will I Be Famous?" on YouTube

"When Will I Be Famous?" is a song by British boy band Bros. Written by Nicky Graham and Tom Watkins, "When Will I Be Famous?" was released as a single in November 1987. The following year, it peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, topped the Irish Singles Chart, and entered the top five in several other countries. "When Will I Be Famous?" would later appear on Bros' 1988 album, Push .

Contents

Critical reception

Richard Lowe of Smash Hits stated that "When Will I Be Famous?" is a "second rate" song which, in his point of view, was unlikely to be a hit. [1] Retrospectively, Rolling Stone ranked the song at number 72 on their list of the "75 Greatest Boy Band Songs of All Time" in 2020. [2] In 2017, ShortList 's Dave Fawbert listed this song at number one on his list of the "Greatest Key Changes in Music History". [3]

Chart performance

"When Will I Be Famous?" was a number-one single in Ireland, as well as reaching number two in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway and Switzerland. It entered the UK Singles Chart on 28 November 1987 at number 81, in an initial five-week chart run until the end of December. It re-entered the top 100 at number 51 on the week ending 3 January 1988, reaching number two four weeks later. [4]

Track listings

UK and US 7-inch single, Japanese mini-CD single [5] [6] [7]

  1. "When Will I Be Famous?"
  2. "Love to Hate You"

UK 12-inch single and European mini-CD single [8] [9]

  1. "When Will I Be Famous?" (the Infamous mix)
  2. "When Will I Be Famous?" (the Contender dub mix)
  3. "Love to Hate You"

US 12-inch single [10]

  1. "When Will I Be Famous?" (club mix) – 8:02
  2. "When Will I Be Famous?" (acapella mix) – 4:06
  3. "When Will I Be Famous?" (7-inch version) – 3:59
  4. "When Will I Be Famous?" (dub mix) – 7:35
  5. "When Will I Be Famous?" (bonus beats) – 2:53

Japanese CD mini-album [11]

  1. "When Will I Be Famous?"
  2. "When Will I Be Famous?" (Infamous mix)
  3. "When Will I Be Famous?" (the Contender dub mix)

Charts

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United Kingdom9 November 1987
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
 CBS [44]
United StatesJune 1988 Epic [45]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bang and Blame</span> 1994 single by R.E.M

"Bang and Blame" is a song by American alternative rock group R.E.M. It was released as the second single from their ninth studio album, Monster (1994), on October 31, 1994 by Warner Bros. Records. The song was R.E.M.'s last to reach the top 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 19, and was also their last number-one single on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. The single reached number one in Canada—R.E.M.'s only single to do so—and peaked inside the top 40 on the charts of Australia, Belgium, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

"Breakfast in Bed" is a soul–R&B song written by Muscle Shoals songwriters Eddie Hinton and Donnie Fritts for Dusty Springfield. It takes a knowing spin on the line "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me", the title of a song that had previously been a number one hit for her in the UK. After being released on her 1969 album Dusty in Memphis, it was recorded and popularized the same year by Baby Washington. Harry J produced three reggae versions in 1972, by Lorna Bennett, Scotty, and Bongo Herman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How Can We Be Lovers</span> 1990 single by Michael Bolton

"How Can We Be Lovers" is a song written by Michael Bolton, Diane Warren, and Desmond Child and performed by Bolton. Released as the third single from Bolton's sixth studio album, Soul Provider (1989), it peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 10 on the UK Singles Chart in May 1990. The song also reached number two in Canada, number three in Australia, number 10 in Sweden, and number 18 in Ireland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">When I See You Smile</span> 1989 single by Bad English

"When I See You Smile" is a song written by Diane Warren and performed by American-British glam metal band Bad English. It was released in September 1989 as the second single taken from their self-titled debut album released in 1989. The power ballad is the band's most successful song, reaching number-one in both the United States and Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Secret Love (Bee Gees song)</span> 1991 single by Bee Gees

"Secret Love" is a song by musical group the Bee Gees. It was released as the lead single from their 19th studio album, High Civilization (1991), on 18 February 1991 by Warner Bros. Records. It is an up-tempo song with a Supremes style similar to the 1986 Diana Ross hit "Chain Reaction", which was also written by the Bee Gees. The single reached the top 10 in several European countries, but was not released as a single in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Owe You Nothing</span> 1987 single by Bros

"I Owe You Nothing" is a song by British boy band Bros. Written by Nicky Graham and Tom Watkins and produced by Graham, the song was originally released as their debut single in 1987 but failed to chart. In 1988, it was remixed and re-released by CBS following the success of their breakthrough single "When Will I Be Famous?". The original version of the song can be found on the band's 1988 debut album, Push.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Want Your Love (Transvision Vamp song)</span> 1988 single by Transvision Vamp

"I Want Your Love" is the third single from the English rock group Transvision Vamp, released in 1988 from their debut album, Pop Art (1988). It was the band's first UK top-40 hit, reaching number five in July 1988. It also peaked atop the Norwegian Singles Chart the same year and reached number one in South Africa the following year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sweet Surrender (Wet Wet Wet song)</span> 1989 single by Wet Wet Wet

"Sweet Surrender" is the first single from British band Wet Wet Wet's third studio album, Holding Back the River (1989). It was released on 18 September 1989 and reached number six on the UK Singles Chart. In Ireland, "Sweet Surrender" peaked at number one, becoming the group's second of three number-one singles there. In Australia, "Sweet Surrender" reached number seven on the ARIA Singles Chart in May 1990 and was certified gold.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Wanna Fall in Love</span> 1990 single by Jane Child

"Don't Wanna Fall in Love" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Jane Child. Released in January 1990 as the second single from her first album, Jane Child, the single went to number 2 for three consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 from April 14 to April 28, 1990. In addition, a new jack swing remix of the song was produced by Teddy Riley and reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and number 11 on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Came</span> 1988 single by Kim Wilde

"You Came" is a song by English singer Kim Wilde from her sixth studio album, Close (1988). It was released on 4 July 1988 as the album's second single. The song was written by Wilde and her brother Ricky Wilde, after the birth of his first child, Marty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Four Letter Word (Kim Wilde song)</span> 1988 single by Kim Wilde

"Four Letter Word" is the fourth single from English pop singer Kim Wilde's sixth studio album, Close (1988). The song was issued as a single in November 1988, marking Wilde's last release of a track written by her father and brother, who had written the majority of her early hits together. "Four Letter Word" became Wilde's third consecutive UK top-10 single from Close, reaching number six. It also peaked within the top 10 in Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands. An extended version as well as a "late night" remix of "Four Letter Word" were released on the 12-inch and CD singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leave a Light On (Belinda Carlisle song)</span> 1989 single by Belinda Carlisle

"Leave a Light On" is a song written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley, produced by Nowels for American rock singer Belinda Carlisle's third solo studio album, Runaway Horses (1989). It was released as the album's lead single in September 1989; in Japan, "(We Want) The Same Thing" was issued as the lead single concurrently with "Leave a Light On" the following month. The single narrowly missed the top 10 in the United States, peaking at number 11. It fared better elsewhere, reaching the top five in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The song's music video was directed by Peter Care.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Go (Hothouse Flowers song)</span> 1987 single by Hothouse Flowers

"Don't Go" is the first single released by Irish rock group Hothouse Flowers from their debut studio album, People (1988). Originally released in Ireland in 1987, the song peaked at number two on the Irish Singles Chart. The following year, after Hothouse Flowers played the song during their interval performance at the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest, the track charted in Ireland once more, reaching number two for a second time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everywhere (Fleetwood Mac song)</span> 1987 single by Fleetwood Mac

"Everywhere" is a song by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac from their 14th studio album, Tango in the Night (1987). The song was written by Christine McVie, who also performed lead vocals, and produced by Lindsey Buckingham and Richard Dashut. In the United States, "Everywhere" was released in November 1987 as the album's fourth single, while in the United Kingdom, it was issued on 21 March 1988 as the album's fifth single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley</span> 1988 song by Will to Power

"Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley " is a song by American dance-pop band Will to Power. The song combines elements of two previously recorded rock songs: "Baby, I Love Your Way", a number-12 Billboard Hot 100 hit from 1976 by British-born singer Peter Frampton, and "Free Bird" by American Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, which reached number 19 on the Hot 100 in 1975. Suzi Carr is the female vocalist and a producer for the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">As Long as You Follow</span> 1988 single by Fleetwood Mac

"As Long as You Follow" is a song by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac. Performed by Christine McVie and written alongside her then-husband, Eddy Quintela, the song was one of two new tracks on the band's 1988 greatest hits album, along with "No Questions Asked". Lead guitarist Rick Vito singled out the guitar solo on "As Long as You Follow" as his best work with Fleetwood Mac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The X-Files (composition)</span> 1996 instrumental composition by Mark Snow

"The X-Files" is an instrumental written and produced by American film and television composer Mark Snow. On its parent album, The Truth and the Light: Music from the X-Files, the track is titled "Materia Primoris". It is a remixed version of the original theme Snow composed for the science fiction television series The X-Files in 1993. The composition was released as a single in 1996 and achieved chart success, particularly in France, where it reached number one on the SNEP Singles Chart. The composition has since been covered by many artists, including DJ Dado and Triple X; DJ Dado's version was a major hit in Europe while Triple X's version reached number two in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Not Scared (song)</span> 1988 single by Eighth Wonder, written by the Pet Shop Boys

"I'm Not Scared" is a song by British pop band Eighth Wonder, released in February 1988 by CBS as the first single from their debut album, Fearless (1988). The song achieved success in France, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and West Germany, where it was a top-10 hit. Written by the Pet Shop Boys, the original version contains several words in French. "J'ai pas peur" is the French adaptation of "I'm Not Scared" and is included as the B-side to the 7-inch and 12-inch singles. The 12-inch "disco mix" combines the two versions into one long mix. Pet Shop Boys also released their own version of the song, with Neil Tennant vocals, on the album Introspective.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Requiem (London Boys song)</span> 1988 single by London Boys

"Requiem" is British Europop duo London Boys' first hit single, released on 28 November 1988 from their debut album, The Twelve Commandments of Dance (1989). The single was written and produced by Ralf René Maué. The single peaked at No. 4 in the United Kingdom, No. 8 in Ireland, and No. 11 in Austria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drop the Boy</span> 1988 single by Bros

"Drop the Boy" is a song by British boy band Bros. It was written by Nicky Graham and Tom Watkins, and released in March 1988 as the follow-up single to "When Will I Be Famous?". The single reached number-one in Ireland and number two in the UK, and was certified silver in the UK. Additionally, it peaked within the top 10 also in Australia, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and West Germany.

References

  1. ↑ Lowe, Richard (4–17 November 1987). "Singles reviewed by Richard Lowe" (PDF). Smash Hits . Vol. 9, no. 21. p. 85. ISSN   0260-3004 . Retrieved 21 November 2023– via World Radio History.
  2. ↑ "75 Greatest Boy Band Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone. 24 July 2020. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  3. ↑ Fawbert, Dave (1 October 2017). "The 19 greatest key changes in music history". ShortList . Retrieved 10 June 2018.
  4. 1 2 "Bros: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  5. ↑ When Will I Be Famous? (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Bros. CBS Records. 1987. ATOM 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ↑ When Will I Be Famous? (US 7-inch single vinyl disc). Bros. Epic Records. 1988. 49 07826.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. ↑ When Will I Be Famous? (Japanese mini-CD single liner notes). Bros. Epic Records. 1988. 10・8P-3018.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. ↑ When Will I Be Famous? (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Bros. CBS Records. 1987. ATOM T2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. ↑ When Will I Be Famous? (European mini-CD single liner notes). Bros. CBS Records. 1988. CBS 651270 9.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. ↑ When Will I Be Famous? (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). Bros. Epic Records. 1988. 49 07826.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  11. ↑ When Will I Be Famous? (Japanese CD mini-album liner notes). Bros. Epic Records. 1988. 12·8P-8001.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ↑ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (Illustrated ed.). Sydney: Australian Chart Book. p. 47. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  13. ↑ "Bros – When Will I Be Famous?" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  14. ↑ "Bros – When Will I Be Famous?" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  15. ↑ "Top 3 in Europe". Music & Media . Vol. 5, no. 14. 2 April 1988. p. 28.
  16. ↑ "European Hot 100 Singles". Music & Media. Vol. 5, no. 8. 20 February 1988. p. 18.
  17. ↑ "EHR Top 40" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 5, no. 10. 5 March 1988. p. 12. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  18. ↑ Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN   951-31-2503-3.
  19. ↑ "Bros – When Will I Be Famous?" (in French). Les classement single.
  20. ↑ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 10 (8. apríl 1988)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 8 April 1988. p. 44. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  21. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – When Will I Be Famous". Irish Singles Chart.
  22. ↑ "Classifiche". Musica e dischi (in Italian). Retrieved 28 May 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Bros".
  23. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 11, 1988" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 20 February 2022.
  24. ↑ "Bros – When Will I Be Famous?" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  25. ↑ "Bros – When Will I Be Famous?". Top 40 Singles.
  26. ↑ "Bros – When Will I Be Famous?". VG-lista.
  27. ↑ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN   84-8048-639-2.
  28. ↑ "Bros – When Will I Be Famous?". Singles Top 100.
  29. ↑ "Bros – When Will I Be Famous?". Swiss Singles Chart.
  30. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard . 16 July 1988. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  31. ↑ "Dance Singles Sales" . Billboard. 20 August 1988. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  32. ↑ "Dance Club Songs" . Billboard. 13 August 1988. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  33. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Bros – When Will I Be Famous?" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  34. ↑ "ARIA Top 50 Singles for 1988". ARIA. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  35. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 1988" (in Dutch). Ultratop . Retrieved 20 February 2022.
  36. ↑ "1988 Year End Eurocharts" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 6, no. 52/1. 1 January 1988. p. 30. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
  37. ↑ "1988 Year End Eurocharts" (PDF). Music & Media. 1 January 1988. p. 30. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  38. ↑ 1988 Finnish Singles Chart Sisältää hitin -kirjaan (Retrieved 16 September 2024)
  39. ↑ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 1988" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved 20 February 2022.
  40. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1988" (in Dutch). MegaCharts . Retrieved 20 February 2022.
  41. ↑ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1988" . Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  42. ↑ Scaping, Peter, ed. (1991). "Top 100 Singles: 1988". BPI YearBook 1989/90. British Phonographic Industry. pp. 64–65. ISBN   978-0-9061-5410-6.
  43. ↑ "Top 100 Single – Jahrescharts: 1988". Offizielle Deutsche Charts. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  44. ↑ "New Singles". Music Week . 7 November 1987. p. 43.
  45. ↑ Gett, Steve (7 May 1988). "Will Britain's Bros Be Famous in U.S.?; New Judas Priest Album Is Hard & Heavy". Billboard. Vol. 100, no. 19. p. 26. Look for Epic to launch a major campaign to break Bros here in early June, starting with the release of the very catchy 'When Will I Be Famous?'...
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.