Debbie Gibson "Foolish Beat"

By Mark Nobes, chief editor

Debbie Gibson's fourth single release, "Foolish Beat", was a melancholic affair (with a beautiful opening sax solo), and became her first chart-topper on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., and gave the American singer her fourth consecutive top 20 hit here in the UK.
Released from her debut album Out Of The Blue, the single entered the UK singles chart at No.34 on 3rd July 1988, and peaked at No.9 for two weeks starting 17th July, while Glenn Medeiros was at No.1 with his only hit of the 80s, "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You".
Gibson was just 17 at the time of release, making her the youngest person ever to write, produce and sing a single all by herself.  

The Video

Directed by Nick Willing and filmed in New York City, the video features a number of scenes filmed in both colour and black and white, with the latter relating to the past. Gibson plays the role of a performer who has split-up from her boyfriend.
The opening scenes (while the haunting sax solo plays) shows scenery of New York and also Debbie on a stage in front of fans. The main scene is set in a cafe where we see Debbie and her boyfriend enjoying life together. Gibson sings about her first experience of heartbreak as the scene plays out in the background. She also sings in the cafe itself and later on in a make-up room in front of a mirror.

Formats

7 inch vinyl - UK (Atlantic) A9059

A. Foolish Beat

B. Between The Lines

12 inch vinyl - UK (Atlantic) A9059T

A. Foolish Beat (Vocal/Extended Mix)

B1. Between The Lines

B2. Shake Your Love (Live)

7 inch vinyl U.S. (Atlantic) 7-89109

A. Foolish Beat

B. Foolish Beat (Instrumental)

12 inch vinyl U.S. (Atlantic) 0-86556

A1. Foolish Beat (Extended Mix)

A2. Foolish Beat (Instrumental)

B1. Only In My Dreams (Dream House Mix)

B2. Medley: Out Of The Blue / Shake Your Love / Only In My Dreams (Debbie Gibson Mega Mix)

Debbie's first and biggest hit in the UK was "Shake Your Love" (also from the Out Of The Blue album) which reached No.7 during 1987.

Lyrics for Foolish Beat

Debbie Gibson Concert Tour Program 1988 front cover - Out Of The Blue Tour
A young-looking Debbie on the front cover of her 1988 Out Of The Blue concer tour program.