This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - The Alan Parsons Project's "Don't Answer Me"

In spite of an overly lengthy saxophone solo and some other elements of typical '80s overproduction, this composition from the successful writing partnership of Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson presents one of the decade's finest melodies. I'm actually somewhat surprised to learn that "Don't Answer Me" climbed to No. 15 on the Billboard pop charts and all the way to No. 4 on the fledgling adult contemporary charts. I certainly don't remember hearing the song back during a time when I listened to plenty of pop radio, but then again the Project was far from one of the darlings of new wave and MTV.

That's why this feature feels like the perfect opportunity to shine some light on a truly well-crafted pop classic that has too easily moved to the edge of obscurity. Though Woolfson receives far too little credit as a top-notch vocalist - perhaps because of some observers' belief that the group's progressive rock impulses seemed haughty if not boring - the lead vocal here is captivating and confident. Lyrically plaintive and quite moving, this track will probably jog your '80s music memory and deliver a welcome mid-week jolt of listening pleasure.

• Sample or download "Don't Answer Me" here.
• Compare prices on Alan Parsons Project CDs here.

Album Cover Image Courtesy of Arista/BMG Heritage