Second appointment dedicated to Blondie: today we talk about "Parallel Lines"

 

Third studio album, "Parallel Lines" represents the band's most successful project: it reached the top position in the UK charts and ranked sixth in the United States, where it remained among the best-selling records for two years, making Blondie a world-famous band. After the second album, "Plastic Letters," the production of the new project was entrusted to Mike Chapman, who was impressed after listening to the first recordings of "Heart of Glass" and "Sunday Girl." Aware of being in front of the embryo of a masterpiece, Chapman pushed the band to work methodically and professionally, sometimes leading to clashes in pursuit of perfection. The album's name was taken from the lyrics of a song by Harry that was not included on the album, while the iconic cover was the result of an idea from manager Peter Leeds, who, despite an initial rejection by the band, convinced the male members to pose in elegant suits and broad smiles, while Debbie, in a white dress, gazes challengingly at the camera. The album opens with "Hanging On The Telephone," a cover of the California group The Nerves, followed by the famous "One Way Or Another," which, inspired by Harry's experience with a stalker, immediately captures attention with its iconic riff, created by bassist Nigel Harrison. The singer's voice becomes more intense and emotional in "Fade Away and Radiate," then returns lighter in the next track, "Pretty Baby." The album continues with some of the catchiest tracks: "11:59," "Will Anything Happen," and the single "Sunday Girl."
However, it is with "Heart of Glass" that the album takes an unexpected turn: the song is a fusion of disco and new wave that surprises listeners with its innovative and experimental sound. Starting from a demo recorded in 1975, Blondie, upon Chapman's advice, produced a more electronic version. The result, combined with Harry's ethereal voice, turned "Heart of Glass" into a global hit, reaching the top position in over ten countries. "Parallel Lines" was enthusiastically welcomed by both the audience and critics and managed to incorporate the styles and genres that were prevalent in New York at the time, establishing itself as a rock music masterpiece.

Today, we leave you to listen to the aforementioned Heart of Glass!