Joe Dolce - Shaddap You Face

Ultravox would never reach number one in the UK. Despite the popularity of ‘Vienna’ in 1981, allowing it to claim the top spot in Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium, it was unable to be a sales leader in Britain. Midge Ure and his chums will still undoubtedly say Joe Dolce‘s name with contempt, as it was his novelty hit that would steal the limelight from the New Wave group.

‘Shaddap You Face’ knocked John Lennon‘s ‘Woman’ from top spot on February 21st, 1981, and would stay on top for three weeks before Roxy Music did what Ultravox couldn’t, hitting number one with ‘Jealous Guy’ on March 7th. Weirdly enough, it would be another female-titled song – ‘Woman in Love’ by Barbra Streisand – that would be replaced in Australia’s charts by Joe Dolce. Seven weeks later, Lennon would again impress, this time with ‘(Just Like) Starting Over’.

The whole experience proved that novelty tunes never really lose their charm. Sung in an Italian style – in a questionably stereotypical way, if anything – ‘Shaddap You Face’ had a catchy chorus that spawned dozens of spin-offs. In the end, it would grab number one in 11 countries and led to around 50 foreign language cover versions. The original release sold well over six million copies and is still the most successful Australian-produced single in the nation’s music history, becoming Australia’s first triple-platinum record.

It may not be the most mind-blowing tune of all time, but it’s a perfect accompaniment to a drunken night out or boozy evening at home. Regale yourself once more with this so-bad-it’s-good one-hit wonder.

By Matt Gardner