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Knee Deep in the Hoopla

by Jefferson Starship

Released: September 12, 1985

AOR, pop rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

"Knee Deep in the Hoopla" is the debut studio album by American AOR band Starship, which succeeded Jefferson Starship. Two songs sung by Grace Slick were recorded for the album but were left off: Slick's own "Do You Remember Me?" (released on The Best of Grace Slick) and the Peter Wolf–Jeremy Smith composition "Casualty" (included as a bonus track on the 1999 remaster). It was released on September 12, 1985, through Grunt Records.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The track "Desperate Heart," written by Michael Bolton…

The track "Desperate Heart," written by Michael Bolton and Randy Goodrum, also appears on Bolton's album Everybody's Crazy, which was released the same year.

Jeannette and Pete Sears wrote a song for…

Jeannette and Pete Sears wrote a song for the album called "One More Innocent," but it was rejected due to its political lyrics.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Jefferson Starship - Knee Deep in the Hoopla

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Then

Reception

The album produced four singles: the No. 1 hits "We Built This City" and "Sara," along with "Tomorrow Doesn't Matter Tonight," which reached No. 26 on the US Hot 100, and "Before I Go," which peaked at No. 68 on the US Hot 100. Cash Box commented on the track "Tomorrow Doesn't Matter Tonight," noting that "Mickey Thomas’ sensational lead vocal keeps this cut aloft with exhilarating sonic flight" and describing it as "slicing like a double-bladed sword, backed by searing rock guitars and a churning rhythm." Billboard referred to the song as "exemplary American AOR of the '80s, interrupted only by an ethereal bridge.".

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Knee Deep in the Hoopla" is the debut studio album by American AOR band Starship, which succeeded Jefferson Starship. It was released on September 12, 1985, through Grunt Records.

The track "Desperate Heart," written by Michael Bolton and Randy Goodrum, also appears on Bolton's album Everybody's Crazy, which was released the same year. Two songs sung by Grace Slick were recorded for the album but were left off: Slick's own "Do You Remember Me?" (released on The Best of Grace Slick) and the Peter Wolf–Jeremy Smith composition "Casualty" (included as a bonus track on the 1999 remaster). Jeannette and Pete Sears wrote a song for the album called "One More Innocent," but it was rejected due to its political lyrics.

Cash Box commented on the track "Tomorrow Doesn't Matter Tonight," noting that "Mickey Thomas’ sensational lead vocal keeps this cut aloft with exhilarating sonic flight" and describing it as "slicing like a double-bladed sword, backed by searing rock guitars and a churning rhythm." Billboard referred to the song as "exemplary American AOR of the '80s, interrupted only by an ethereal bridge."