Rihanna’s 2006 hit SOS was obviously based on a sample from Soft Cell’s Tainted Love. What’s long been less clear, is that the song’s second verse entirely exists of song titles from other ‘80s hits by a-ha, Cutting Crew, Tears For Fears, Kim Wilde/Diana Ross & The Supremes and Michael Jackson. Check this:

Take on me (uh-huh), you know inside you feel it right /
Take me on, I could just die up in your arms tonight /
I melt with you, you got me head over heels (over heels) /
Boy, you keep me hanging on, the way you make me feel.

Cynthia Nabozny (the full name of singer and composer Cyn) pulls the same trick on her new single. In fact, the title of the tune already gives it away. The song references several songs by The Smiths, like Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now, This Charming Man, The Queen Is Dead and There’s A Light That Never Goes Out. The Smiths being her ex’s favourites, the song depicts how a bad experience can ruin your relationship with a band. Just ask Morrissey and Johnny Marr…

Musically, the track has ‘80s written all over it as well. Not only The Smiths, but Pretenders and even The Cure shine through as well, so what’s not to like? Still, the song sounds very contemporary overall. It’s one of three new tracks on the ‘Extended Edition’ of Cyn’s album Valley Girl, which was released on Katy Perry’s label UnSub Records.

The Smiths by Cyn is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.

More Cyn @ Carte Blanche Music

Follow her on Facebook | Instagram | X | BS | Spotify

In the Wildcards 2024 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.

Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.