Imagination "Just an Illusion"

by Mark Nobes, chief editor

With their slinky attire, and smooth post-disco sound, 80s pop trio Imagination enjoyed a run of eight consecutive top 40 hits in the UK between 1981 and 1983. "Just and Illusion" was the lead single from the group's second studio album In The Heat of the Night, and became their highest-charting single. It entered the UK singles chart at No.40 on February 28th 1982, reaching No.2 for one week on 28th March, being held off the top spot by Goombay Dance Band's "Seven Tears". The B-side featured an instrumental version.
"Just and Illusion" was the lead single from the group's second studio album In The Heat of the Night, and became their highest-charting single. It entered the UK singles chart at No.40 on February 28th 1982, reaching No.2 for one week on 28th March, being held off the top spot by Goombay Dance Band's "Seven Tears". The B-side featured an instrumental version.

 

The song was also a big hit across Europe, reaching No.1 on Spain's AFYVE chart, No.2 on Switzerland's Hit Parade chart, No.2 on Italy's FIMI chart, No.3 on the IFOP chart in France, No.3 on Sweden's Sverigetopplistan chart (also No.3 on the Springbok Radio chart in South Africa), No.5 on Norway's VG-Lista chart and No.6 on Austria's Top 40. 
The song was penned by the songwriting duo Steve Jolley and Tony Swain, and also lead singer Leee John and band member Ashley Ingram. It was released by R&B Records, which closed down in 1987 after Imagination joined RCA Records. 
The 12 inch was the longest of all the versions released, lasting for 8 minutes and 12 seconds, with the original album version lasting 6:12, and the single 3:55.
The band's second single from the same album "Music and Lights" was also a major hit, reaching No.5 in the UK. Another three singles were released from the album in 1982. The title track reached No.22, "Burnin' Up" failed to chart in the UK (it reached No.6 on the US Dance Chart) and "Changes" reached No.31. 
Imagination's debut single, "Body Talk" reached No.4 in the UK during 1981.
Just an Illusion (1982) UK vinyl 7

 

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