Boys and girls - Mandy Smith

It's an amazing coincidence that I should buy two singles named 'Boys and girls' from the same (online) dealer, but here it is: after 'Boys and girls' by the Human League I found this one by Mandy Smith. 

The level of success that Human League achieved during the Eighties could not be replicated by Mandy, however. This single was the third one taken from her debut, and only, album 'Mandy', and it failed to chart. That in itself was quite amazing since the single was produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman who at the same time had a lot of success with acts like Mel & Kim, Rick Astley, Kylie Minogue and countless others. Mandy was probably just unlucky. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7133
Found: Discogs.com, received 28 February 2024
Tracks: 'Boys and girls' / 'He's my boy'

I just can't wait - Mandy Smith

Mandy Smith had a successful career as a model in 1987, while she was just 16 years old. By then, she already had a stop/start relationship with Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, whom she married as soon as she turned 18. That marriage only lasted for two years.

Her music career was equally short-lived, with just one album and a handful of singles, of which 'I just can't wait' was the first. Produced by Stock, Aitken and Waterman, the single did not chart in any territory, but hordes of pop lovers were already falling in love with this beautiful young woman.

My collection: 7" single no. 4340
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, December 1, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'I just can't wait' / 'You're never alone'

Positive reaction - Mandy Smith

Mandy Smith became a model during her early teens. In 1987 she was signed to PWL Records. The production trio Stock/Aitken/Waterman produced her first two singles, 'I just can't wait' and 'Positive reaction'. Neither single charted in the UK. The latter reached number 9 in Italy and number 11 in Switzerland.

Mandy Smith started dating Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman at age 13 in 1983. Six years later, they got married. In 1991, they divorced. In 2001, she was briefly engaged to Vanity Fair fashion model Ian Mosby with whom she had a son, Max Harrison Mosby. Smith now lives in Manchester. Having tried a career as a make up artist, Smith is presently training to be a counsellor.

My collection: 7" single no. 3836
Found: Zeeheldenfestival, Den Haag, July 4, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Positive reaction (Our Mandy's mix)' / 'Positive reaction (Amanda's mix)'

Don't you want me baby - Mandy Smith

Mandy Smith was born on July 17, 1970 and forged a career as a model from an early age. In 1987, she signed to PWL and released a handful of singles produced by Stock Aitken and Waterman. Her first single, 'I just can't wait' generated a lot of press attention, just like her relationship with Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman, who was more than 30 years older than her. They married in 1989 and divorced only two years later.

'Don't you want me baby' was released just weeks before her marriage. According to the press release that was included with the single I bought, Mandy covered the Human League track because it is 'one of her all time favorites'. Personally, I prefer the B-side, which is a bit more bouncy and poppy.

My collection: 7" single no. 3063

Found: London, May 9, 1999

Cost: 50p

Tracks: 'Don't you want me baby' / 'If it makes you feel good'

Download: here