Sign of the Times (The Belle Stars song) explained

Sign of the Times
Cover:Signofthetimes.jpg
Type:single
Artist:The Belle Stars
Album:The Belle Stars
B-Side:Madness
Released:December 30, 1982
Recorded:1982
Genre:New wave
Length:2:56
5:50 (Extended Remix)
Label:Stiff
Producer:Peter Collins
Prev Title:Mockingbird
Prev Year:1982
Next Title:Sweet Memory
Next Year:1983

"Sign of the Times" is a song by English pop/new wave band the Belle Stars, released as the fourth single from the band's self-titled only studio album. It was their seventh single overall and first single written by the band since 1981's "Another Latin Love Song". The single was the band's only top ten hit, reaching No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart in the week of 19 February 1983,[1] and was subsequently listed by the Official Charts Company as the 31st best-selling single of 1983 in the UK.[2] It also entered on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 75 in the week of 14 May 1983.[3]

The music video features the band wearing tuxedos and performing the song in a dark building with flashing blue lights.

Background

In 1982, the Belle Stars released three cover versions: "Iko Iko" by the Dixie Cups, "The Clapping Song" by Shirley Ellis, and "Mockingbird" by Inez & Charlie Foxx. Dave Robinson at Stiff Records, the band's record company, suggested that the band ought to perform covers to attract audiences, then after three covers write their own song, and it would be a hit. This happened to come true when the band released "Sign of the Times".

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1983)Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100[4] 75
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[5] 43

Year-end charts

Chart (1983)Position
Belgium (Ultratop Flanders)[6] 56
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[7] 66
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[8] 49

Notes and References

  1. http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/19593/belle-stars/ The Belle Stars – OfficialCharts.com.
  2. Web site: Official Top 40 Best Selling Singles of 1983 . UK Official Charts.com . The Official UK Charts Company . 19 March 2021 .
  3. https://web.archive.org/web/20180524203405/https://www.billboard.com/music/the-belle-stars/chart-history/hot-100/song/334299 "Sign of the Times" by The Belle Stars – Billboard Hot 100.
  4. The Belle Stars, HSI. Billboard. 26 October 2021. subscription.
  5. The Belle Stars, DSI. Billboard. 26 October 2021. subscription.
  6. Web site: Jaaroverzichten 1983. Ultratop. 26 October 2021.
  7. Web site: Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1983. Dutch Top 40. 26 October 2021.
  8. Web site: Jaaroverzichten – Single 1983. dutchcharts.nl. 26 October 2021.