Dial up some retro pop charm with Sheena Easton's playfully spooky 80s hit!
The Song
Released in August 1983, "Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)" was the lead single from Sheena Easton's fourth studio album, "Best Kept Secret". This synth-pop and new wave track showcases Easton's vocal range and adaptability, moving from her earlier ballads to a more upbeat, dance-oriented sound. The song was penned by Greg Mathieson and Trevor Veitch, with Mathieson also handling the production.
Interestingly, the title uses the alternative spelling "Telefone," which some speculate could hint at a foreign setting for the long-distance affair, or simply a creative choice to be distinctive. A Spanish version of the song, titled "Telefono," was later included on her 1984 Latin album "Todo Me Recuerda a Ti", further expanding its reach.
The Artist
Scottish singer Sheena Easton rose to prominence in the early 1980s, quickly establishing herself as a versatile pop star. By 1983, she was at a peak in her career, having already achieved a Grammy for Best New Artist two years prior and a nomination for "For Your Eyes Only." Her career trajectory included a string of successful singles and albums, with her ability to cross genres contributing to her widespread appeal.
Easton was known for her captivating stage presence and a voice that could tackle both powerful ballads and energetic dance tracks. Her success wasn't limited to the UK or US; she found significant popularity in other markets, including Latin America, where her Spanish-language recordings were particularly well-received.
Chart Performance
"Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)" performed exceptionally well in North America. In the United States, it became Sheena Easton's fourth top 10 hit, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in October and November 1983. It also reached number 3 on the Canada Top Singles (RPM) chart. The track also hit number nine on the U.S. Billboard Dance/Disco Top 80 chart.
Despite its success across the Atlantic, the song was less impactful in Easton's native United Kingdom, where it only reached number 84 on the UK Singles Chart. However, it found significant popularity in other international markets, notably topping the Colombia Singles Chart.
Cultural Impact
"Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)" earned Sheena Easton a Grammy nomination in 1983 for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, a testament to its quality and her delivery. The song's upbeat synth-pop sound was emblematic of the early 80s, solidifying Easton's position within the pop landscape.
The music video, with its distinctive horror-movie parody theme, likely played a significant role in the song's widespread recognition during the nascent era of MTV. It presented Easton in a fun, unexpected light, showcasing her playful side to a broad audience. The song's enduring appeal is evidenced by its continued play on 80s radio and its status as a fan favorite in live performances years later.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)" was shot entirely in black and white.
- The video is a humorous spoof of classic horror films, featuring Sheena Easton being pursued by iconic monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
- In a surprising twist, King Kong eventually comes to Easton's rescue in the music video.
- Sheena Easton herself noted that the video's horror theme was a complete departure from the song's lyrical content, which is about waiting for a phone call from a lover. She jokingly recalled thinking, "Oh yeah that really was what I had in mind whenever I recorded the song."
- The video emphasizes the visual aspect of music promotion, a growing trend in the 80s, with Easton stating that artists "have to think visually" and that "kids out there expect to see an interesting video along with the new song."