Topic: Raf vs Laura Branigan

[LuigiLA]

In 1984 Italian pop singer RAF made the original version of the #1 Hit song "Self Control".
Less than a year later, in 1985, Laura Branigan made a cover. Raf made a mistake allowing Laura to sing a cover within 1 year, as a result at some point in 1985 both Laura and Raf were in the top 5 with the same song. I thought that was hilarious.

One more note. Laura Branigan must have a thing for the Italians, because she also made a English cover of Gloria in 1982, song originally sang by Umberto Tozzi (in Italian) in 1979.

 

[AndyR]

My mum likes that Gloria song.

I must admit to liking Laura Brannigans version of Self Control. It's the first thing I ever heard sampled on a computer (Commodore 64 demo around 1987)

[Irene89]

I'm Italian and I know those song, expecially I love Gloria and this is made by Umberto Tozzi first, for sure. In Italy nobody knows the cover of Laura Branigan, I think?

And now can I sing in Italian? Yes, I can.  
"Gloria, manchi più dell'aria, Gloria, manchi più del sole, ti aspetto Gloriaaaa!"

[Fatboy Ginge]

Strangely enough I can sing in Italian as well

Si lo so, Amore che io e te
Forse stiamo insieme
Solo qualche istante

Zitti stiamo ad ascoltare
Il cielo alla finestra, questo mondo che
Si sveglia e la notte è
Già così lontana... Già lontana

[Lefteris]

I have no doubt in my mind concerning two things:

1. Raff's version of the song wouldn't stand the same chances to become a hit,
    if it wasn't for late Laura Branigan's cover version &
 
2. Laura's version may not be italo disco, but it is clearly superior compered
    to Raff's version.

The two song versions were on the top of the German charts on July the 5th, 1984
     (#1 for Laura & #2 for Raff).

Laura had also a huge hit in my native Hellas with Tozzi's Ti amo,
not to mention other covers such as Forever young (Alphaville).

Is it a coincidence that the biggest hit for both Raff (or Raf as he is known today)
& Umberto Tozzi in Hellas is their duet Gente di mare (1987)?

Life moves in mysterious ways!
   

[RON]

the track ti amo and lauras other big hits self control and gloria are all on the same album ( i think it is called self control) it is a very good album . i think that ti amo is a great track lefteris .

[walvis]

Ohw I love Ti Amo by Tozzi e Raf. It was a big hit in the Netherlands, but Raf's version of Self Control did not chart here at all, Laura made it up to nr 7 in the chart.

[Onehitwonder]

gee's i got a reply ..and i had'nt even posted yet ! lol

but now i do    ....Laura B versions kicked arse !

my favs where: ......gloria .... solitaire ( fav) ...... Ti amo ........ self control !

" i know you by heart " ( an awkward sounding song - but it reminds me of her own passing   )

and obviously others thought the same.....just like the small tribute song to her, from her website. here

[Lefteris]

Laura's Self Control single sleeve:




Raff's Self Control single sleeve:




Laura's Self Control album sleeve:



Track list of this 1984 album:

1. The Lucky One 4:10
2. Self Control 4:08
3. Ti amo 4:18
4. Heart 4:08
5. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow 3:26
6. Satisfaction 3:56
7. Silent Partners 4:10
8. Breaking Out 3:50
9. Take Me 3:43
10. With Every Beat Of My Heart 4:12

Notice:
Gloria is from her debut album Branigan (1982), that was nominated from Grammy.

There are a few more Branigan songs among my favorites:
How am I supposed to live without you (1983 / written by Michael who has eventually released it too),
The lucky one (1984, from her Self control album) &
Spanish Eddie (1985, from her Hold me album)

[RON]

Laura was a beautiful woman . how did she die ?

[Onehitwonder]

check this thread out ! http://www.pure80spop.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?board=8;action=display;threadid=2425

[Shytot]

Laura was a beautiful woman . how did she die ?

Some more info here ron ...

http://www.pure80spop.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?board=8;action=display;threadid=2429

EDIT: Damn, I have been off here for a while, OHW beat me to the link by miles !!!
but mine was a different link

[RON]

thanks for that info OHW & SHY . for the record i've looked at both of your links so you don't have to fall out .lol

[Shytot]

thanks for that info OHW & SHY . for the record i've looked at both of your links so you don't have to fall out .lol

I hope you looked at mine first though ...

lolol

[retrobanana]

In 1984 Italian pop singer RAF made the original version of the #1 Hit song "Self Control".
Less than a year later, in 1985, Laura Branigan made a cover. Raf made a mistake allowing Laura to sing a cover within 1 year, as a result at some point in 1985 both Laura and Raf were in the top 5 with the same song. I thought that was hilarious.

One more note. Laura Branigan must have a thing for the Italians, because she also made a English cover of Gloria in 1982, song originally sang by Umberto Tozzi (in Italian) in 1979.

 

Actually, Laura Branigan recorded this for her 1984 album so it was probably before the RAF song! Her versions the classic. 

Laura Branigan Self Control Charted at No. 5 Jul 1984