In Private

Dusty Springfield

About In Private

"In Private" was the third single in a row to be a charting success for British singer Dusty Springfield, after an absence of nearly two decades from the charts. Both "In Private" and Springfield's previous single, "Nothing Has Been Proved" were produced by Pet Shop Boys, who helped return Springfield to prominence with their 1987 hit collaboration "What Have I Done to Deserve This?". Both Springfield singles were included on her 1990 British album Reputation.


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Dusty Springfield

Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien OBE (16 April 1939 – 2 March 1999), known professionally as Dusty Springfield, was an English pop singer whose career extended from the late 1950s to the 1990s. With her distinctive sensual sound, she was an important blue-eyed soul singer, and at her peak was one of the most successful British female performers, with six top 20 singles on the United States Billboard Hot 100 and sixteen on the United Kingdom Singles Chart from 1963 to 1989. She is a member of both the US Rock and Roll and UK Music Halls of Fame. International polls have named Springfield among the best female rock artists of all time. Her image, supported by a peroxide blonde beehive hairstyle, evening gowns, and heavy make-up, made her an icon of the … more »

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20 facts about this song

Song's Origins
"In Private" was written and produced by the British team known as Pet Shop Boys. This signifies a successful collaboration between Dusty Springfield and the electro-pop duo.
Chart Performance
The song was a huge hit in the United Kingdom where it peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart in December 1989.
Album Inclusion
"In Private" is the third single from Dusty Springfield's comeback album, "Reputation" in 1990.
Genre of Music
The song is classified as a pop and synth-pop song, characterized by Springfield's soulful voice over the lush, synthesized tracks created by the Pet Shop Boys.
Collaboration with Pet Shop Boys
"In Private" wasn’t the only successful collaboration between Dusty Springfield and the Pet Shop Boys. They also worked together on "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" which reached number 2 on both the UK and U.S. charts.
Lyrics Interpretation
The lyrics are widely interpreted as a commentary on closeted gay relationships, more specifically as a conversation between a gay man and his female best friend. Pet Shop Boys are known for their subtle lyrics related to LGBT issues.
Remix Version
There is also a remix version of "In Private" dubbed "In Private (Remix)," which features Elton John.
Later Releases
Following her death in 1999, “In Private” was re-released on numerous Dusty Springfield compilation albums, keeping her music and her legacy alive.
Music Video
The song's music video, directed by Derek Jarman, was dramatic and visually striking, featuring Dusty in a series of glamorous outfits amidst evocative backdrops.
Cultural Impact
"In Private" helped cement Dusty Springfield's status as a gay icon, and the song remains popular in the LGBT+ community.
Song Composition
"In Private" was written and produced by the British writing duo, Pet Shop Boys, which consists of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe.
Song Genre
Dusty Springfield's "In Private" is a synthpop song. It showcases her powerful vocals over the genre's characteristic synthesizer-based sound.
Chart Performance
"In Private" did quite well on the charts. It reached No. 14 in the UK Singles Chart in December 1989, making it Springfield's biggest hit in over a decade.
Album inclusion
The song is included in Springfield's album "Reputation", which was released in 1990. This album marked her return to the music scene after a substantial break.
Music Video
The music video for "In Private" was directed by Philippe Gautier. It presents Dusty Springfield performing the song while interspersing scenes of a man and a woman in a strained relationship.
Cover Versions
The song "In Private" was covered by Swedish band "The Real Group" in their 2005 album "Julen Er Her". Furthermore, "In Private" was also covered by French artist Amanda Lear.
Meaning of the Song
"In Private" narrates a story about a love triangle. It talks about a woman who is reportedly in a covert relationship with a man who also has a girlfriend.
Re-release
"In Private" was re-released in the year 1990 and it was remixed by Shep Pettibone.
Versions
Besides the original version, "In Private" has an '80s remix, a 12-inch remix, and a dub version. It also has a remixed version by Stuart Crichton.
Legacy
"In Private" is widely considered a classic. It led to a revival of Springfield's career and cemented her legacy as one of the best blue-eyed soul singers of all time.

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