Step into a time machine and revisit the iconic visual that perfectly captured the early '90s pop-rock vibe.
The Song
"King of Wishful Thinking" is a vibrant, upbeat pop-rock track that became one of Go West's most recognizable hits. Released in 1990, the song was co-written by the duo's members, Peter Cox and Richard Drummie, along with Martin Page. Its infectious chorus and optimistic lyrics about overcoming a breakup made it an instant earworm. The track perfectly blended the sophisticated synth-pop sound that Go West was known for with a more driving, guitar-infused rock sensibility, defining much of the early 90s sound.
The Artist
Go West is a British pop duo formed in 1982 by singer Peter Cox and keyboardist/guitarist Richard Drummie. They rose to prominence in the mid-1980s with hits like "We Close Our Eyes" and "Call Me." While they had several successful albums, their career received a significant boost with the inclusion of "King of Wishful Thinking" in a hugely popular film. This song, in particular, helped introduce them to a broader international audience, solidifying their place in pop music history.
Chart Performance
"King of Wishful Thinking" enjoyed considerable success on international charts. It peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The song also performed well on the Adult Contemporary chart, reaching No. 3. In the United Kingdom, their home country, the single climbed to No. 18 on the UK Singles Chart. Its strong chart presence across different territories underscored its widespread appeal and radio popularity.
Cultural Impact
The most significant cultural impact of "King of Wishful Thinking" undoubtedly stems from its prominent feature in the 1990 romantic comedy film "Pretty Woman," starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The song serves as a key musical backdrop in several scenes, most notably during the shopping montage where Vivian Ward (Roberts) transforms her wardrobe. This exposure propelled the song, and Go West, to massive global recognition, forever linking the track with the film's fairytale narrative and enduring legacy. Its association with "Pretty Woman" cemented its status as a quintessential early 90s anthem.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "King of Wishful Thinking" features Julia Roberts in some of her scenes from "Pretty Woman," intercut with footage of Go West performing.
- The song was specifically commissioned for the soundtrack of "Pretty Woman".
- While a major hit for Go West, the song's widespread success largely came after the film's release, making it a classic example of a movie helping to define a song's trajectory.
- Martin Page, who co-wrote the song, also co-wrote Starship's "We Built This City" and Robert Palmer's "Addicted to Love."