Donna Summer ruled the music charts in the 1970s, turning out hit after hit. She and her longtime producer, Giorgio Moroder, had perfected the formula for dance music of that era. In November 1979, they came out with “On the Radio”. The track was written for the Jodie Foster movie Foxes. It’s used throughout, sometimes with Donna’s vocals, other times with just the gorgeous melody providing the film’s score. In the song, her ex-boyfriend writes her a letter, but he loses it before it can be delivered. Luckily, someone finds it and reads it on the radio. Sure, why not. Donna instantly knows it’s from her ex. She’s been pining for him ever since they broke up and this opens up the door for a reconciliation. That’s the power of the radio. The lyrics aren’t really the important part here. It’s more about the feelings that Donna conveys. The song starts off slow like a ballad. Her voice is relaxed and subdued, pulling you in. Then the beat drops and you’re elated as her soaring vocals take you to the dance floor. It’s a fantastic mix of emotions. “Radio” went on to become Donna’s tenth top ten single on the Billboard 100, further cementing her status as the Queen of Disco. “Whoa, oh, oh…”
NostalGeoff 