Who is it - Michael Jackson

'Who is it', to me, is one of the standout tracks on Michael Jackson's 1991 album 'Dangerous'. Michael Jackson sang it a cappella during his 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, and the positive reaction to this prompted Sony to issue it as a single in the U.S. instead of the planned 'Give in to me'. The single peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 10 on the UK singles chart and number 15 on the Dutch Top 40.

Vinyl pressings exist from various countries, but this limited edition from the UK is by far the most interesting. It contains a free-standing cutout portrait of Michael, like it says on the sleeve. In the days after Michael's death, the price of this item shot up to 20 pounds, so I was very relieved to find a more reasonably priced copy in an online shop.

My collection: 7" single no. 3852
Found: Disc Covery records, received July 15, 2009
Cost: 4 pounds
Tracks: 'Who is it' / 'Rock with you (Masters at Work remix)'

The first picture of you - The Lotus Eaters

'The first picture of you' was the debut single by the Lotus Eaters. The song was first recorded during a John Peel Radio 1 session in 1982 and when aired, stimulated a bidding war between major UK record labels. It took some time for the band to find the right producer for this delicate, acoustic sound, but they eventually teamed up with Nigel Gray, who had previously produced The Police and Siouxsie & the Banshees.

The song, after its release, received more UK radio plays in 1983 than any other song. It becpeaked at number 15 in the UK singles chart after the band had appeared on 'Top of the Pops' twice.

My collection: 7" single no. 2169
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, September 26, 1994
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'The first picture of you' / 'The lotus eaters'

I call your name - A-ha

'I call your name' was released as the second single from A-ha's fourth album 'East of the sun west of the moon'. As a single release, it was another disappointing one for the fans because it only contained two album tracks. At this point in the band's career, they were very greedy with bonus tracks and remixes.

Maybe this is why the sales were disappointing: the single only charted in France, Germany in the UK, reaching number 45, 37 and 44 respectively.

My collection: 7" single no. 1367
Found: Melody Maker, December 29, 1990
Cost: 6 guilders
Tracks: 'I call your name' / 'The way we talk'

Boogie nights - Heatwave

'Boogie nights' was released in 1976 as the debut single by British band Heatwave. The band consiseted of Americans Johnnie Wilder and Keith Wilder, Spaniard Mario Mantese, Czechoslovakian Ernest Berger, Jamaican Eric Johns plus British members Rod Temperton and Roy Carter.

The song became their signature song, peaking at number 2 in the UK and America, and number 17 in the Neherlands.

My collection: 7" single no. 960
Found: All that music, Leiden, August 10, 1989
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Boogie nights' / 'All you do is dial'

See the day - Dee C. Lee

Dee C. Lee was born as Diane Catherine Sealey in Balham, South London on June 6, 1961. She was a backing vocalist for Wham! in the early Eighties, but left the group when she joined Paul Weller's new band the Style Council. At the same time, she launched a solo career. She later married Weller (although they have already divorced again by now), and they have two children, Nathaniel and Leah.

The self-penned ballad 'See the day' was released in 1985 and peaked at number 3 in the UK singles chart, the first and biggest hit of her solo career. The song was covered in 2005 by Girls Aloud.

My collection: 7" single no. 381
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'See the day' / 'The Paris match'

Only the rain - Dolly Dots

Angela Groothuizen, Angéla Kramers, Anita Heilker, Esther Oosterbeek, Patty Zomer and Ria Brieffies were brought together by a producer who had witnessed the success of Luv', and thought he could improve on the formula by putting six instead of three women on stage. In a way, he was right, although artistically it didn't really get any better.

'Only the rain' was released at a time when the band was still going strong in 1985. The single was released in a limited edition pressed on white vinyl, which became the main reason for me to buy it - albeit seven years later. The single peaked at number 13 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1635
Found: April 20, 1992
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Only the rain' / 'Loverboy'

Hands to heaven - Breathe

'Hands to heaven' was the breakthrough hit single by Breathe, released in 1988. The song was written by group members David Glasper and Marcus Lillington. Ian Spice and Michael Delahunty completed the line-up.

The single reached number 4 on the UK singles chart, while in the USA the single even made number 2 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart that same month This song was one of a number of singles, many by British and Australian bands, that helped to shape the smooth jazz radio format in the US in the mid to late 1980s. Other associated artists include Swing Out Sister, Johnny Hates Jazz, Icehouse and Sade.

My collection: 7"single no. 1049
Found: Record Exchange, London, October 17, 1989
Cost: 80p
Tracks: 'Hands to heaven' / 'Life & times'