Utopia (Utopia album)
Encyclopedia
Utopia is the second of two self-titled albums by the rock group Utopia. It was released in 1982 (see 1982 in music
). It was also their only album for Network Records
.
During recording while Kasim Sulton
had left to pursue a solo career, Doug Howard
from the band Touch
was brought in on bass. Despite having co-written several songs (for which he remains credited on the album), Howard stepped aside when Sulton decided to return.
Videos and singles were released for "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" and "Hammer in My Heart". Footage for "Hammer in My Heart" was recorded live on August 18, 1982 at MTV's official first birthday celebration hosted by VeeJay Nina Blackwood. The song peaked at #31 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. Both were featured on the VHS video release "The Utopia Sampler" nominated in 1983 for a Grammy for Best Short Form Video.
The album was released with a "bonus disc" of five additional songs (listed as Side 3 here). Rarely, if ever, has the album been seen in any format without these five songs.
1982 in music
This is a list of notable events in music from 1982. 1982 was a big year in music with Madonna making her debut as well as the year that Michael Jackson released Thriller which became the world's best selling album and it still holds that title today....
). It was also their only album for Network Records
Network Records
Network Records was a rave music independent record label, based in Birmingham, England, during the late 1980s and mid 1990s.The label concentrated on bringing Garage music to Britain & taking UK House music to a new level as well as playing a massive role in the development of Early Hardcore and...
.
During recording while Kasim Sulton
Kasim Sulton
Kasim Sulton is an American bass guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist. Best known for his work with Utopia, Sulton sang lead on 1980's "Set Me Free," Utopia's only top 40 hit in the United States...
had left to pursue a solo career, Doug Howard
Doug Howard (musician)
Doug Howard is an American bassist, vocalist and songwriter. He is best known for his work as a performing/recording musician and occasional co-writer with groups, and artists such as Touch, Stun Leer, Todd Rundgren, Utopia and The Edgar Winter Group...
from the band Touch
Touch (band)
Touch were a rock band from New York City formed in 1978. Mark Mangold , Glen Kithcart , and Craig Brooks had all previously been in the band American Tears . The lineup was completed by bassist Doug Howard.Their single, "Don't You Know What Love Is" only reached #69 on the Billboard Hot 100...
was brought in on bass. Despite having co-written several songs (for which he remains credited on the album), Howard stepped aside when Sulton decided to return.
Videos and singles were released for "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" and "Hammer in My Heart". Footage for "Hammer in My Heart" was recorded live on August 18, 1982 at MTV's official first birthday celebration hosted by VeeJay Nina Blackwood. The song peaked at #31 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. Both were featured on the VHS video release "The Utopia Sampler" nominated in 1983 for a Grammy for Best Short Form Video.
The album was released with a "bonus disc" of five additional songs (listed as Side 3 here). Rarely, if ever, has the album been seen in any format without these five songs.
Side 2
- "Call It What You Will"
- "I’m Looking at You But I’m Talking to Myself"
- "Hammer in My Heart"
- "Burn Three Times"
- "There Goes My Inspiration"
Side 3 (unlisted on album sleeve)
- "Princess of the Universe"
- "Infrared and Ultraviolet"
- "Forgotten But Not Gone"
- "Private Heaven"
- "Chapter and Verse"
Charts
Album - Billboard| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Pop Albums | 84 |