SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:11 Min.
Initially released as the theme song for 1985’s The Jewel of the Nile film, it has resurfaced as one of Billy Ocean’s greatest hits/best-of tunes. As a familiar mid-80’s radio hit, the song appears on the Billboard Top Hits:1986 album. Of note is that Ocean and the prolific Robert “John Mutt” Lange are among those credited with co-writing this pop/R&B-blended tune.
Also, the rollicking music video features the movie’s stars: Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas, and Danny DeVito clad in matching all-white tuxedos lip-synching as Ocean’s ‘back-up singers.’ Wearing sunglasses, DeVito even throws in a supposed ‘sax solo’ for good measure.
REVIEW:
This effervescent tune is about the only positive coming out of Jewel of the Nile – the lackluster and totally unnecessary sequel to 1984’s Romancing the Stone. Undoubtedly, this track also must rate among the most cheerfully upbeat show tunes of the era. Even if certain spots of the melody don’t age well, Ocean and his back-up singers imbue this song with a playfully endearing approach. For that alone, “When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going” is worthy of downloading to any number of playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
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