Jason Donovan - When You Come Back To Me
Former star of Australian TV soap opera Neighbours, Jason Donovan had made quite an impact on the music scene in 1989, which is in no small part due to the continued success of the writing and production team of Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman. With When You Come Back To Me, the three producers clearly contrived to make a Christmas song without it actually referring to the season. Whilst it features the usual Stock Aitken Waterman hallmarks of synth brass and electronic percussion, it has a very seasonal feel to it; it's underpinned with timpani, swirling strings and prominent backing vocals, with chimes and tubular bells sprinkled on top. There's a nod to the time of year in the lyrics, with references to people having "armful(s) of presents", and there being a "chill in the air". It's a tale of separated lovers, which of course resonates deeply in the Christmas season. It’s a typically melodic song from the hit-making trio—it’s full of hooks and has a killer chorus—and is perhaps one of the best tracks they came up with for Donovan. In addition to the main single release, a second 7" was released featuring The Yuletide Sleigh List Mix—this very much turned the track into a Christmas song; opening up with a spoken intro by Donovan, the track removes most of the frenetic percussion and synths which adorn the main version, replacing them with choral backing vocals, tinkly bells and plucked strings. Given both Donovan and Stock Aitken Waterman's huge success in 1989, this would have likely been a Christmas number one—had it not been for the rush-release of Band Aid II.
Written by: Mike Stock, Matt Aitken & Pete Waterman
Produced by: Mike Stock, Matt Aitken & Pete Waterman
PWL Records PWL 46 / #2
From my Kindle book "80s UK Christmas Singles" -- a bargain at 99p!
