#62. The Bananarama Mega-Mix” (1988)
Remixed by Tony King
This 12” single was released in Spain, Japan, and Portugal with different covers. In the UK, there was no photo for the cover. This picture is of the Spanish version. The Mega-Mix includes “I Can’t Help It”, “Love In The First Degree”, “Some Girls”, and “I Heard A Rumour.”
#61. “The Greatest Hits Megamix” (1988)
This Megamix was released only in Spain as a 7” single. The Megamix includes “Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)”, “Venus”, “I Want You Back”, “Love In The First Degree”, “Love, Truth & Honesty”, and “I Heard A Rumour.”
*Remixed by Alan Coulthard
†Remixed by Dimitri
France #17
This megamix had 2 mixes in different regions. The Alan Coulthard Mix* was released in various parts of Europe. That megamix included: “Cruel Summer”, “Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)”, “Love In The First Degree”, and “Venus.” The Dimitri Mix† was released in France and had the songs in the same order except instead of “Love In The First Degree”, it had “Shy Boy.” The music video is for the Dimitri Mix.†
#59. “Venus (Boys Noize Rework)” (2023)
Written by Robbie van Leeuwen
Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman
Rework by Boys Noize
Basically this is a sped-up remix of the 1986 version by Bananarama. It has some added beats and electronic elements. It followed the Tik Tok trend of speeding up 80s classics. This mix appears on the new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#58. “Careless Whisper” (February 2001)
Written by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley
Produced by Pascal Caubet
Yes, this is a funky remix of the George Michael/Wham classic. It was the first promo released for their Exotica album, which was only released in France. The music video was filmed in Spain and it is quite good. Fun fact: Keren’s partner at the time (since 1992) was Andrew Ridgeley from Wham!
#57. “He’s Got Tact” (December 1982)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, and Keren Woodward
Produced by Steve Jolley and Tony Swain
This song was written to be a be a jingle for a Honda scooter that Bananarama starred in with actor Peter Fonda. The commercial and single were only released in Japan.
#56. “Cruel Summer (3am Mix)” (July 2023)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Steve Jolley, and Tony Swain
Produced by Ian Masterson
It was their third time releasing “Cruel Summer” as a single. At least this time, there were new vocals. The vocals also incorporate some of the additional lyrics used on the Exotica album Latin version, which is really awesome. The music for the 3am Mix is very ambient chill. We aren’t really sure why it is called a mix, when it is not a remix of the original, but a brand-new production. The lyric video has very vivid images that perfectly capture the mood. This is on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Steve Jolley, and Tony Swain
Produced by Jolley & Swain
Remix by The Reflex
This a remix of their 1984 hit. It takes the original vocals and mixes it with an acoustic guitar, funky bass, heavy percussion, and some light keyboards which may involve some horns. This mix was commissioned for the new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
Written by Norman Whittfield, William “Mickey” Stevenson, and Edward Holland, Jr.
Produced by Dave Jordan and Fun Boy Three
Remixed by Solasso
This was credited to Bananarama vs. Solasso. This promo release had an ugly yellow cover so we made this one from the US 12” cover. The remix uses the original vocal track and takes the song to a cool, dance place. There was even music video that feature models from a reality TV show. Sara and Keren are on the TV screens in the video. The long mix can be found on their album Drama.
#53. “Cruel Summer ‘89” (June 1989)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Steve Jolley, and Tony Swain
Produced by Jolley & Swain
Remixed by Hugh Atkins, Karl Atkins, and Pete Trotman
UK #19
In the summer of 1989, Bananarama were on their World Tour with no new music to promote. The record company decided to give the classic “Cruel Summer” a remix and release it a single. It was first thought that the vocals had been rerecorded with Jacquie as they seemed to be pitched higher and there were new lyrics/vocals. However, the new lyrics/vocals were from the original recording that never made it into the original release. It is thought that the reason the vocals are pitched higher is because Siobhan’s vocal track might have been removed from the release, but no official word. The music video is a montage of old clips mixed with new footage of Jacquie.
Written and produced by Steve Jolley and Tony Swain
Remix by Krystal Klear
This is another remix that uses the original vocal and gives the song a new life. It has a great rhythm section that will make you want to dance. This mix was commissioned for the new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#51. “If” (June 2001)
Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Pascal Caubet
Produced by Pascal Caubet
This was the second and final promo for the Exotica album. This funky dance pop song a fun affair. It goes a bit wonky at the end, instead of repeating the chorus, it just repeats “Ain’t no big deal, just do as you feel” over and over again. Sadly, there was no music video.
#50. “King Of The Jungle” (August 1984)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Steve Jolley, and Tony Swain
Produced by Jolley & Swain
This single was only released in Japan, and no video or performances were made. The song is from their second album simply titled Bananarama. The single cover was a little foreshadowing of what to come.
#49. “Set On You” (1987)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman
Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman
This was originally a b-side to the single “A Trick Of The Night” on the special edition UK 7” and UK 12”. It is also one of those songs with the vocals cut from other Bananarama songs. Funnily enough, this song was issued as a 12” single in Canada with the same cover as “Do Not Disturb.”
#48. “It Ain’t What You Do (It’s The Way That You Do It)” (Feburary 1982)
Written by Sy Oliver and Trummy Young
Produced by Dave Jordan and Fun Boy Three
UK #4
US dance chart #49
This single came about after Fun Boy Three member Terry Hall saw Bananarama’s photo in The Face magazine. The Fun Boy Three invited Bananarama to sing on this remake of classic originally recorded in 1939. This was their first UK Top 5 hit. The music video features Bananarama sporting some punk looks.
#47. “Last Thing On My Mind” (November 1992)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, and Pete Waterman
Produced by Mike Stock and Pete Waterman
UK #71
This was the second single from their Please Yourself album. It definitely has an ABBA Christmas vibe to it. The song wasn’t a big hit for the duo, as the music video was banned from certain music channels because of the perceived lesbian theme. In 1998, Steps remade the track giving it a hi-nrg pop sound and took it #6 in the UK, #1 in Belgium, #2 in Scotland, and #5 in Australia. The song was hit! Just not by Bananarama. A new Electrified Version is on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#46. “Do Not Disturb” (August 1985)
Written and produced by Steve Jolley and Tony Swain
UK #31
In 1985, pressure was on with the group because their last two singles from their second album didn’t make the UK Top 20. Their producers Jolley and Swain wrote this song for them and they recorded it, but they didn’t want to release it as a single. The record company insisted, and the single didn’t set the charts on fire. It was their only release in 1985. The stylish video takes place in a hotel. This year, Bananarama released an updated remix! That remix is also on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#45. “Favourite” (2022)
Written by Alice Dallin-Walker and Oscar Scheller
Produced by Ian Masterson
This was the teaser track first released from their album Masquerade. It is a remake of a song by Alice D, and Alice even sings back up here. Sara and Keren split the verses. They even performed it with Alice at their Masquerade album launch shows.
#44. “Dance Music” (2019)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Ian Masterson
Produced by Ian Masterson
This was the teaser track first released from their album In Stereo. It’s very slinky and cool. It’s sort of a relaxed dance song with a chorus that will happily get stuck in your head. The teaser track didn't have a cover so we made this one.
#43. “I Found Love” (July 1995)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Tetsuya Komuro
Produced by Tetsuya Komuro and Gary Miller
This single only released in Japan, and this was not the official single cover. It had the same photo as the single for "Every Shade Of Blue," So we made this one. There are 2 versions of the song. The ROZI-Mix sounds like the Real McCoy’s 1993 megahit “Another Night.” Producer Gary Miller changed the music (Original Mix) into a more pop sound. The Original Mix appears as a bonus track of their album Ultra Violet. Fun fact: in Asia, the album was called I Found Love. A video was filmed in London, but not released until YouTube came along. We wished the video was the Original Mix.
#42. “Hot Line To Heaven” (November 1984)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Steve Jolley, and Tony Swain
Produced by Jolley & Swain
UK #58
This was another song with heavy lyrical content wrapped up in a pop song with lovely melodies and harmonies. Even the single with a jigsaw puzzle couldn’t raise sales enough to help the song in the UK charts. The video is cute as they talk over a record company.
#41. “Prove Your Love” (1995)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Gary Miller, Paul Berry, and Steve Torch
Produced by Gary Miller
This was the last promo from the album Ultra Violet as remixes were commissioned. But the commercial release never happened. There was a live performance in Japan with a fun jumping dance routine.
#40. “Take Me To Your Heart” (July 1996)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Gary Miller, Paul Berry, and Steve Torch
Produced by Gary Miller
This was the final single from the Ultra Violet album. The album version (which appears on their new compilation Glorious: The Ultimate Collection) is very adult contemporary sounding. The single version was remixed into a glorious feel-good dance-pop song. The single version also omitted the second verse. It had a fun remix package with the song getting disco, reggae, and techno makeovers. The music video is quite charming as it is day in park with Keren and Sara as they walk around having fun.
#39. “Supernova” (February 2024)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Ian Masterson
Produced by Ian Masterson
This is the second single from their compilation Glorious: The Ultimate Collection. Although the song starts off like a banger, it quickly turns into a haunting space age dream pop song. There is an official lyric video.
#38. “Help!” (February 1989)
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman
UK #3
British comedic duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders enlisted their friend Kathy Burke to do a spoof of Bananarama for their TV show in December of 1988. Their group was called Lananeeneennoonoo. Well, Bananarama saw the humor in it and the two groups got together to make a charity record for Comic Relief. They chose to cover “Help!” originally recorded by The Beatles. Bananarama sang lead and Lananeeneenoo were actually on backing vocals. There were 2 versions made, one with talking ad libs from Lananeeneenoo, and one without. The music video is funny with the two groups having similar outfits and the Lananeeneenoo dancers not as buff as the Bananarama dancers.
#37. “Cheers Then” (November 1982)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, John Martin, and Terry Sharpe
Produced by Barry Blue
UK #45
This was their first ballad, and their first flop. In the UK, it was their first single that they penned. The music video had a rather large budget as Bananarama went to Austria to film scenes where The Sound of Music was filmed. There was even a helicopter filming them. This stalled in the UK charts failing to reach the Top 40.
#36. “Feel The Love” (October 2023)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Ian Masterson
Produced by Ian Masterson
This uplifting feel-good track is about self empowerment. It was the first single for their compilation Glorious: The Ultimate Collection. The music is very dream pop. The music video features Sara and Keren in a starry night.
#35. “Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)” (February 1983)
Written by Gary DeCarlo, Dale Frashuer, and Paul Leka
Produced by Jolley & Swain
UK #5
US #101
This pop remake of the 1969 classic by Steam brought Bananarama back to the UK Top 5. It was their last single from their debut album. The music video featured Bananarama going to the gym with some buff guys and had a cute dance routine.
#34. “Aie A Mwana” (September 1981)
Written by Daniel Vangarde and Jean Kluger
Produced by Paul Cook, John Martin, and Sara Dallin
UK #92
US dance chart #66
This was the group’s first-ever single and it is a cover of a song in Swahili. Fun fact: They didn’t have the lyrics when they recorded it, but they did have the 7” single by Black Blood from 1975. They listened to the record and wrote down the lyrics phonetically. Sadly, there is no music video.
#33. “Running With The Night” (October 2022)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Ian Masterson
Produced by Ian Masterson
This was the third and final single from the Masquerade album. It is almost a throwback to their 90s Eurodance sound, but updated in a way that sounds modern. This has an edge to it. The music video visualizer is a walk in a park, which is and reminiscent of their music video to “Take Me To Your Heart”, except in black and white. Looks like not enough footage was filmed as it was repeated several times.
#32. “Baby It’s Christmas” (December 2010)
Written by Sara Dallin and Ian Masterson
Produced by Ian Masterson
This festive single was a surprise for fans. While it is their only holiday song in their repitoire, Bananarama were the only group to be on both records of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid, as well as the 1989 version by Band Aid II. “Baby It’s Christmas” is wonderful tears-on-the-dancefloor moment with lyrics that are a bit sad, but the music is definitely uplifting. Sadly, there is no music video. This is also on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#31. “Shy Boy” (June 1982)
Written and produced by Steve Jolley and Tony Swain
UK #4
US #83, US dance chart #14
This was their first single that wasn’t a cover. Producers Jolley and Swain wrote the song for them, but it was originally called “Big Red Motorbike.” Bananarama didn’t like the lyrics, so they were reworked. In the US, the song was mixed differently and given a longer title: “Shy Boy (Don’t It Make You Feel Good).” The music video has a storyline of how they fix up the Shy Boy to be a Tough Guy and another woman steals him away. But not so easily!
#30. “Really Saying Something” (March 1982)
Written by Norman Whittfield, William “Mickey” Stevenson, and Edward Holland, Jr.
Produced by Dave Jordan and Fun Boy Three
UK #5
US dance chart #16
After the success of their pairing with “It Ain’t What You Do”, the two trios (Fun Boy Three and Bananarama) decided to make another record together. This time it was a remake of The Velvettes’ classic from 1964. This was their second UK Top 5 hit. The US version was a different mix and reverted to the original title of the song: “He Was Really Sayin’ Something.” The music video is super cute with their sets that were drawn. This is featured on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#29. “Forever Young” (August 2022)
Written by Sara Dallin, Alice Dallin-Walker, and Ian Masterson
Produced by Ian Masterson
This was the second single from the Masquerade album. It has a retro sound and big chorus. Sara wrote this with her daughter Alice during the pandemic. The song is about Sara and Keren’s long-lasting friendship. There is an official lyric video that is very well done. This is also on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#28. “Masquerade” (June 2022)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Ian Masterson
Produced by Ian Masterson
This was the first single from their album Masquerade. They called it gothic disco pop, but we preferred epic electronica dream pop. It definitely had a Pet Shop Boys vibe to it, which was a bit different for a Bananarama lead single. The music video was filmed in a castle and Sara and Keren look absolutely stunning. Fun fact: Watch for Sara’s daughter Alice in the music video.
#27. “Now Or Never” (September 2012)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Ian Masterson
Produced by Ian Masterson
US dance single sales chart #4
In the fall of 2012, Bananarama toured North America at Hard Rock Café locations in support of Pinktober, a breast-cancer awareness promotion. An EP called Now Or Never was released with the title track being the main single. The music was trance-pop and it was euphoric. The lyrics are about taking a chance for love. While there was no official music video, there is a fan-made video that took footage from their tour and it is fabulous. Another glorious one on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#26. “I Want You Back” (March 1988)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman
Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman
UK #5
This was the first single with Jacquie in the group. They quickly rerecorded the WOW! album track and it was given a fresh mix for the single version. The video is quite fun and a bit controversial at the same time. Like in many Bananarama videos, the women dressed up in costumes. In the video, they even dressed up as The Supremes! No disrespect was meant. Still, there is a lot of fun in the music video and the addition of Jacquie brought a new energy to the group.
#25. “Looking For Someone” (May 2019)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Ian Masterson
Produced by Ian Masterson
This was their second single from their In Stereo album. It is a bit a pop rock affair that gives Blondie vibes. Keren sings the first verse, and Sara sings the second verse. Sadly, there was no music video, but there is an official lyric video. This is on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
Written by Gregg Diamond, Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, and Pete Waterman
Produced by Mike Stock and Pete Waterman
UK #24
Portugal #8
This remake of the 1976 disco classic by Andrea True Connection is a bit like no other remake of the song. You see, the original version repeated the same verse twice. Bananarama wrote a second verse giving their personal touch on the song (and a writing credit, too!). The music video was shot on a budget, but it did the job well. This would be the last single released from their long record label contract with London Records.
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Ian Masterson
Produced by Ian Masterson
UK #114
This epic disco ballad was the second single from their Viva album. The glorious strings make this tears-on-the dancefloor song soar. The music video features Keren and Sara with some neon lights.
#22. “Movin’ On” (August 1992)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, and Pete Waterman
Produced by Mike Stock and Pete Waterman
UK #24
Finland #6
This was the first single as a duo and it is from their album Please Yourself. They had also returned to Stock and Waterman, who were also now a duo. The music was inspired by ABBA since Bananarama was now a blonde (Sara) and brunette (Keren) like ABBA’s singers. Many thought the lyrical content was about Jacquie leaving. Some even thought it might be about Siobhan leaving. The music video is very campy with the red dresses and shirtless men dancing with feathered fans. Watch Sara and Keren walk down the stairs trying not to fall and laughing. Classic. A new version called Disco Chic is on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Steve Jolley, and Tony Swain
Produced by Jolley & Swain
UK #23
After the group’s first album, they were labelled as bubblegum pop. It didn’t help that 4 out of their first 6 singles in the UK were cover versions. Bananarama wanted to prove they could write a lyrically heavy song. But it was a strange combination to sing about “children starving on the street” while dancing to a happy beat. The music video is hilarious as they take over a news station.
#20. “Stuff Like That” (March 2019)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Ian Masterson
Produced by Ian Masterson
Seven years was far too long to go between new music. In all fairness, this might have come out in early 2017, but they put music on hold to do the Original Lineup Tour with Siobhan, as she had quit the group before they ever did a world tour. After the tour, Bananarama went back to being a duo and released their 11th studio album In Stereo, and this was the first single. It is a very happy song with lots of horns. A great comeback, indeed. Keren and Sara look great in the music video.
#19. “The Wild Life” (October 1984)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Steve Jolley, and Tony Swain
Produced by Jolley & Swain
US #70
This song was written especially for the movie The Wild Life as it was the theme song to the movie. This single was only released in North America and Japan. Bananarama’s second album was quickly repackaged in the US with this song added to the tracklisting. The movie tanked at the box office, and the song stalled in the charts. The music video has clips of the movie in it.
#18. “Long Train Running” (April 1991)
Written by Tom Johnston
Produced by Andy Caine, Robin Goodfellow, and Youth
UK #30
Ireland #18
This flamenco remake of The Doobie Brothers 1973 classic was the last track recorded for the Pop Life album as the group found it in Youth’s record collection. We think they didn’t have the official lyrics handy when they recorded the vocals because there is a strange pronunciation of “Illinois.” To give the song a more Spanish feel, they enlisted The Gypsy Kings to play guitars and backing vocals, only they went by the name Alma De Noche. The music video had them dressed up in Spanish dresses having a blast.
#17. “More Than Physical” (August 1986)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman
Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman
UK #41
US #73, US dance chart #5
This was the follow-up single to “Venus.” It was the first song that they wrote with Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW). The album version was down-tempo and a bit more slinky than the hi-nrg version. The song features a strong similarity to Janet Jackson’s “What Have You Done For Me Lately?” with the “oooh oooh oooh yeah” parts. The music video didn’t have the big budget that “Venus” had, but it did the job. Fun fact: Keren is a just a bit pregnant in the video.
#16. “Every Shade Of Blue” (August 1995)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Gary Miller
Produced by Gary Miller
US dance chart #41
#15. “Nathan Jones” (November 1988)
Written by Kathy Wakefield and Leonard Caston
Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman
UK #15
This remake of the 1971 song by The Supremes was originally recorded with Siobhan for the WOW! album. It was rerecorded with Jacquie and given a complete pop makeover for the single version. However, this wasn’t technically a single from WOW!, it was added to The Greatest Hits Collection and it is considered a single from that. The music video was quite innovative at the time with spinning fruit and other items across the screen.
#14. “Love, Truth & Honesty” (September 1988)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Jacquie O’Sullivan, Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman
Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman
UK #23
US #89, US dance chart #26
This was lead single for The Greatest Hit Collection, which was launched just after Jacquie joined the group. In fact, it was her her second single with the group to promote an album with Siobhan on the cover, not her. The song is great. The melody is ace, the lyrics are a little bitter, and the music is uplifting. A tears on the dancefloor kind of vibe. The music video was a bit simple, but it has that Bananarama charm.
#13. “Tripping On Your Love” (August 1991)
Written by Sara Dallin, Andy Caine, Martin Glover, and Danny Schogger
Produced by Youth
UK #76
US dance chart #14
Initially, this was to be the second single from the Pop Life album in the fall of 1990. However, Sara got sick with meningitis and the single was delayed while “Preacher Man” would be the second single. It was the first single release in the US from the album. When they filmed the music video, Sara was pregnant so she was filmed in a way that you can barely tell. By the time the single was released, Jacquie had been let go from the group, as well as their manager. With Sara very pregnant, Keren was the only one who could go out and promote it on TV and radio. Fun fact: This had the most commissioned remixes of a single. In fact, George Michael loved the song so much that he remixed it, too.
#12. “Love Comes” (September 2009)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Ian Masterson
Produced by Ian Masterson
UK #44
The first single from their Viva album had an electro wall of sound. Also, this was their first single with obvious solo vocals. Keren takes the first part of the first verse, and Sara takes the second part. On the second verse, the order is flipped. Fun fact: The album version has Keren singing the all of the first verse solo, while Sara sings all of the second verse solo. The music video is visual delight. This has to be the record for the number of outfits they have on in one video. The looks are AMAZING! This is on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#11. “Move In My Direction” (July 2005)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, David Clewett, and Ivar Lisinski
Produced by David Clewett and Ivar Lisinski (Mute 8)
UK #14
Belgium #10
US dance chart #14
This was their big comeback to the UK charts after 12 years and their first single from the album Drama. They even made a triumphant return to Top Of The Pops. Some fans have noticed that the intro is very similar to the into to “Ride It” by Geri Halliwell. Similar, but not the same. In the US, the Bobby Blanco and Miki Moto Radio Edit was the version that was played on US dance radio stations. It was also the second single from Drama in the US in 2006.
#10. “A Trick Of The Night” (December 1986)
Written and produced by Steve Jolley and Tony Swain
UK #32
US #76, US dance chart #39
This ballad was initially only produced by Jolley & Swain for the album version. The US version was an edit of the album version. London Records had Bananarama re-record the vocals for a Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) production of the song, but Bananarama wasn’t thrilled about that version. Apparently, the lyrics are about a male prostitute. There were two music videos made. One for the US, and one for the UK. Keren was very pregnant at the time both videos were shot. The video for the US is considered the main video. This is another one on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#9. “Robert De Niro’s Waiting” (February 1984)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Steve Jolley, and Tony Swain
Produced by Jolley & Swain
UK #3
US #95
This was the second single from their second album. However, in the US, it was their first single from that album. It was one of their biggest hits in the UK, but not in the US. Actor Robert De Niro phoned them up in London and wanted to meet them because of the song. The music video features an actor that looks more like John Travolta than Robert De Niro. Of course, this is on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#8. “I Can’t Help It” (December 1987)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman
Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman
UK #20
US #47, US dance chart #7
This was the third single from WOW! in the UK, and it was the second in the US. It was the last single with Siobhan. The song got great reviews but it wasn’t promoted very much because Siobhan was very pregnant at the time of release. Fun fact: Because Siobhan was pregnant during the filming of the music video, she did not partake in the scenes with the milk and fruit bath with the men.
#7. “Only Your Love” (July 1990)
Written by Sara Dallin, Andy Caine, and Martin Glover (Youth)
Produced by Youth
UK #27
Bananarama had been off the music scene for a year and a half before this release. This was the first single from their Pop Life album and their big comeback with new producers giving them a modern sound in the new decade. The music has some similar sounding elements from other songs: “Loaded” by Primal Scream, “Fool’s Gold” by The Stone Roses, and “Funky Drummer” by James Brown. The “Woo Woo” vocals are very similar to the “Sympathy For The Devil” by The Rolling Stones. However, the lyrics and melody are all their own. While it did receive positive critical reviews, it didn’t do all that well in the charts, as 80s groups really struggled in the early 90s. The music video is quite the visual treat! The single version is on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#6. “Look On The Floor (Hypnotic Tango)” (November 2005)
Written by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, Henri Korpi, Mathias Wollo (Blackcell), Mauro Malavasi (Ginko), and Stefano Micheli (Tayx)
Produced by Korpi & Blackcell
UK #26
Spain #12
US dance chart #2
This was the second single from Drama. The chorus and part of the music is from “Hypnotic Tango” by My Mine in 1983. Sara and Keren wrote new verses, including Sara getting solo vocals on the vocoder. In the US, the Angel City Remix was the first single promoted on dance radio stations in 2006. Fun fact: The dance music station in San Francisco, California stated "Look On The Floor" was the most requested song in 2006. WOO! Keren and Sara look stunning in the music video. This is also on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#5. “Cruel Summer” (June 1983)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Steve Jolley, and Tony Swain
Produced by Jolley & Swain
UK #8
US #9, US dance chart #11
This was the first single from their second album, and it is probably one of their most remembered songs. While it was a hit in the UK in the summer of 1983, it was featured in the film The Karate Kid and released in the US in 1984 where it was their first US Top 10 hit. The music video was shot in New York City. In 1998, the Swedish group Ace Of Base covered this song and it was a massive worldwide hit for them, too (UK #8, US #10). Of course, this is on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#4. “Love In The First Degree” (September 1987)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman
Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman
UK #3
US #48, US dance chart #10
The second single from their WOW! album was one of their biggest hits in the UK. It was the third single in US, and released after Siobhan had left the group. The chord structure is very similar to Pachelbel’s Canon. Also lyrically, it has some of the same lines as Alabama’s 1980 country hit of the same name: “Love In The First Degree.” Having said that, both songs sound very different. The music video features Bananarama in jail surrounded by male dancers in skimpy outfits. Fun fact: You can just barely make out that Siobhan is pregnant in the video. This is also featured on their new album Glorious: The Ultimate Collection.
#3. “I Heard A Rumour” (June 1987)
Written by Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Keren Woodward, Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman*
Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman
UK #14
US #4, US dance chart #3
This was the first single taken from the WOW! album. The reason there is an asterisk on the writing credit is because it was later learned that Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) lifted part of the music and melody from Michael Fortunati’s 1986 Italian hit “Give Me Up.” SAW were later sued, but settled out of court. SAW also recycled a synth line that they had used for a song they wrote for Samantha Fox called “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now.” Still, Bananarama’s song was a big hit around the world. The music video shows the Nanas in costumes and a fun dance routine.
#2. “Venus” (May 1986)
Written by Robbie van Leeuwen
Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman
UK #8
US #1, US dance chart #1
Bananarama had finished recording their third album, and the record company was worried as they didn’t hear any hits. Their last three singles in the UK had not managed to break the Top 20. A change was needed. Bananarama liked the song “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)” by Dead Or Alive and they asked their producers Jolley & Swain to do “Venus” in the same hi-nrg style. They said they couldn’t. So Bananarama went to the producers Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) and presented their idea. SAW weren’t sure this 1969 cover of the Shocking Blue’s classic could be given such an overhaul. Bananarama insisted, and it was as sure fire hit around the world. It gave them a #1 hit in the US, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Bananarama were back in a big way! The music video was full-on camp!
#1. “Preacher Man” (December 1990)
Written by Sara Dallin, Andy Caine, and Martin Glover (aka Youth)
Produced by Youth with additional production and remix by Shep Pettibone
UK #20
Ireland #11
Our #1 single with the most votes was the second single from their Pop Life album. This glorious track has a funky bass, soaring strings, and a dance beat that will get you going, and just when you least expect it … a harmonica solo by Johnny Mars. It also has a great melody and an awesome chorus. This should have been a smash hit everywhere, but it was released on Christmas Eve and got lost in the holidays. The music video is shot in black and white, and it doesn’t feature the fun dance routine they performed on various TV shows.
There you have it! All 52 single ranked. We hope you went out and purchased the new album by Bananarama called Glorious: The Ultimate Collection. We've made a video playlist of these singles in order of our ranking, check it out on Bananarama Singles Ranked by Poptastic Confessions.
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