Artist Spotlight | Back to the ’80s with World Goes Round
World Goes Round was the moniker worn by Frank Musker, Elizabeth Lamers, Jeff Hull and Marty Walsh in 1989. The outrageously talented friend group, consisting of songwriters, singers and musicians from the late ’80s LA music scene, pooled their skills and resources in Laurel Canyon to create music. For reasons not entirely clear, be it personal or contractual, World Goes Round’s musical endeavours remained unheard—a supergroup that never was.
Fast forward thirty-one years to 2020 and the public is witnessing this group’s work for the first time. World Goes Round is finally out in the world. ‘Big House’ and ‘Round the World’ have made their mark and found eager fans and listeners, many of which wouldn’t have been around when the songs were written.
‘Put It On The Line’ is the third offering from this group. The track comes with a message that is possibly even more poignant now than in 1989. Overcoming fear and self doubt is the central theme of the song. World Goes Round have dedicated the song to “ordinary everyday heroes”; nurses, doctors, health workers, firemen, soldiers, and all those who are overcoming limitations and obstacles in this unprecedented time. The inspiring message is so apt to the current times that one might forget when the track was written.
The message aside, ‘Put It On The Line’ is undeniably ’80s. The production, the feel, the groove—World Goes Round assembled all the ingredients of an ’80s power hit. Whilst the single’s origins are clearly dated in the ’80s, this does not mean the track itself is dated! There is a modern edge and freshness akin to what one might find listening to other lasting classics from World Goes Round’s contemporaries such as Peter Gabriel or Prince. Did the track age like a fine wine or were this group ahead of their time? Regardless of the reason the listener is the real winner here.
‘Put It On The Line’ is not the last release coming from World Goes Round. Pandora’s box truly has been opened. Fans spanning many generations are ready to hear more of this supergroup that never was.
