The twelve-inch single (often written as 12-inch or 12″) is a type of vinyl record with wider groove spacing and shorter playing time with a “single” or a few related sound tracks on each surface. This allows for louder levels to be cut on the disc, which in turn gives a wider dynamic range, better sound quality, commonly used in disco and dance music for DJs in clubs.
“Be With You” is a single by the American pop-rock band The Bangles, released in 1989 from their third studio album, “Everything.” The song was co-composed by drummer Debbi Peterson and Walker Igleheart, and produced by Davitt Sigerson. Peterson took the lead vocals on the track, showcasing her dynamic vocal range.
Alongside Peterson, Davitt Sigerson, Susanna Hoffs, Michael Steele, and Vicki Peterson contributed backing vocals. The song’s infectious melody and energetic performance contributed to its success, peaking at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, and number 23 in the UK, solidifying The Bangles’ place in the late 1980s music scene.
The UK 12″ single version included “Be With You” (3:02) album version, “Let It Go” (2:28) album version, and “In Your Room” (5:10) extended version. “Let It Go” is a track by the American pop-rock band The Bangles, featured on their second studio album, “Different Light,” released in 1986. The song was written by Susanna Hoffs,
Debbi Peterson, Vicki Peterson, and Michael Steele, showcasing the band’s collaborative songwriting efforts. Lead vocals are handled by the entire group. Produced by David Kahne, “Let It Go” contributed to the commercial success of “Different Light,” which peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. The song was not released as a single.
In Your Room (Extended Version) was included as side two of the UK 12″ Single. “In Your Room” is a track by the American pop-rock band The Bangles, featured on their third studio album, “Everything,” released in 1988. The song, written by Susanna Hoffs, Tom Kelly, and Billy Steinberg, showcases the band’s melodic pop-rock sound with its catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics.
Matthew Greenwald’s retrospective review for AllMusic praised the band’s rhythm section (Debbi Peterson and Michael Steele) for the song’s dynamics in the chorus and bridge sections, as well as Vicki Peterson’s “simulated sitar riffs.” He also noted that “Lyrically, the song is a perfect vehicle for lead singer Susanna Hoffs’ kittenish sexuality.”
Produced by Davitt Sigerson[1], “In Your Room” achieved commercial success, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and further solidifying The Bangles’ prominence in the late 1980s music scene. The song’s memorable melody and infectious energy continue to resonate with audiences. The extended mix was by Daniel Abraham, sound engineer, mix engineer and producer.
He started as a staff engineer at Studio Davout, Paris and relocated to the US in the mid-80s where he was mostly hired for remixes duties for many mainstream / commercial pop releases. The UK 12″ inch single sleeve design was by Tomcat with photos by Randee St. Nicholas. It is on CBS records catalog number BANGS T6.
Be With You written by Walker B. Igleheart and Deborah Mary Peterson
Out my window
The rain starts to fall
And the wind blows
Through an empty hall
In the mirror
Reflections of you
In the distance I hear a sound
Is that you coming around
Oh, what you gonna do
I think I should be with you
A love that's overdue
Oh I think I should be with you
Thought I saw you
In a stranger's face
Should I call you
Or should I walk away
'Round the corner
Is around the world
Is that you looking at me
Or am I living a dream
And when I'm lost in a dream
You are all I can see
All alone in the night I'm waiting for you
Every moment I'd die
Just to look in your eyes
The dream is alive
I'm waiting
Oh my, how I try
To make you see that
I should be with you
Footnotes
- In the ‘80s Davitt Sigerson released two solo albums for Ze/Island Records; wrote songs for or with Philip Bailey, Eddie Money, Kiss and Loverboy; and produced records for David & David, John Doe, Olivia Newton-John, the Bangles, and Tori Amos, among others. He became president of Polydor Records in 1991; president of EMI, Chrysalis and SBK Records in 1994; and chairman of Island Records in 1998. He left at the beginning of 1999, after Polygram was sold to Seagrams. Sigerson’s first novel, Faithful was published in 2004 by Doubleday in the US and Serpent’s Tail in Britain. [Back]
Further Reading
Sources
- Wikipedia “Twelve-inch single” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-inch_single
- Wikipedia “Different Light” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Different_Light
- Wikipedia “Be with You (The Bangles song)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Be_with_You_(The_Bangles_song)
- Wikipedia “In Your Room (The Bangles song)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Your_Room_(The_Bangles_song)
- Discogs “Bangles – Be With You” https://www.discogs.com/release/310460-Bangles-Be-With-You
- Rock’s Backspages Library “Davitt Sigerson” https://www.rocksbackpages.com/Library/Writer/davitt-sigerson
- Allmusic “Be with You” https://www.allmusic.com/song/be-with-you-mt0012383299
- Song Meanings “Be With You” https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/12831/
