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Why (Carly Simon song)
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Wikipedia article
"'Why'" is a song written by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards and performed by American singer-songwriter Carly Simon. Recorded for the film 'Soup for One' in 1982, the film was a commercial flop but the soundtrack album was a success. One of many film-inspired singles by Simon, the song became a Top 10 hit in the U.K., and was successful throughout Europe.
Background
The song, like the rest of the soundtrack, was produced by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers of Chic. This was a move away from the usual guitar-based hits of Simon's past. The bittersweet reggae-tinged ballad became a hit in Europe, hitting No. 10 in the UK, and staying on the British charts for 18 weeks. The song peaked at No. 74 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100, and remained on the chart for 6 weeks. The song has been included on several of Simon's compilation albums, including the three-disc 'Clouds in My Coffee' (1995), the single-disc 'The Very Best of Carly Simon: Nobody Does It Better' (1999), and the two-disc 'Anthology' (2002).
Reception
'Cash Box' said that "Simon's vocal and Chics polyrhythm street groove proves just the right formula."
Later significance
In 1989, the song re-surfaced on the Ibiza "Hacienda" scene, and cemented its status as a Balearic classic. Known for its bass-line and funky drums, it was then that the growing hip-hop scene in the USA began to pick it up seven years after its original release. The song re-entered the UK charts the same year, reaching No. 56. In 1990, A Tribe Called Quest would heavily sample the song for a remix of their hit single, "Bonita Applebum".
Track listings and formats
;7" single
*"Why" 3:33
*"Why" (performed by Chic) 3:33
;12" single
*"Why" (Extended Version) 8:11
*"Why" (Instrumental) 7:06
Charts
Music video
Simon released a music video for the song, which was filmed on the streets of New York City in 1982. Simon's daughter, Sally Taylor, also appears in the video, seen pouring a bottle of wine over a man's head.
References
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