"Does this all sound too familiar?" That is the question asked in the upcoming 25th anniversary version of Paul Hardcastle's stunning pop hit single "19." The title comes from a line in ABC Television's documentary about the Vietnam War titled Vietnam Requiem which claimed the average age of an American combat soldier in the war was 19. The song built around spoken word excerpts and sound effects was an international smash hit in 1985. "19" strongly critiqued US involvement in the Vietnam War and the treatment of returning veterans. It went to #1 across Europe. In the US it was a #15 pop hit and a #1 dance hit.
The new version of "19" takes on US and British involvement in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. A key excerpt from the new track is spoken, "My God, you know, I'm taking boys to war." A synthesized voice repeats, "Does this all sound too familiar?" The new version of "19" will be released April 19, 2010.
At the time Paul Hardcastle released the original "19," Simon Fuller, creator of American Idol, was his manager. In the wake of the song's success, Simon Fuller named his management and creative group 19 Entertainment.
- Watch the "19" Trailer
Follow Pop Music on Twitter
Comments