July 1987: Laura Branigan Releases TOUCH Album

Laura Branigan and her ever changing moods were in full effect all over her fifth studio full-length, Touch. The album, released July 7, 1987, veered from funky dance-floors workouts to soaring and heart-wrenching ballads. Kicking off the Touch campaign was first single, "Shattered Glass," produced by UK dance-pop legends, Stock Aitken Waterman. The percolating track was a chart disappointment, stalling at #48 on the Hot 100. It fared better on the dance chart, where the tune peaked at #13. 

The second single from Touch, an epic cover of Jennifer Rush's "The Power of Love" that beautifully showcases Branigain's incredible vocal prowess, had a better chart run, peaking at #26 on the Hot 100. While the album's final single, "Cry Wolf," failed to chart in America, it was covered by Stevie Nicks for her 1989 solo album, The Other Side of the Mirror. Album tracks like "Spirit of Love" incorporated a moody, dramatic approach and arrangement reminiscent of Pet Shop Boys. Released on July 7, 1987, Touch was a strong artistic achievement, peaking at #87 on the Billboard 200.