For fans of 80s music and pop culture, the February 1989 issue of UK Smash Hits holds a special place in their hearts. This iconic magazine captured a pivotal moment in music history, showcasing the biggest hits and the hottest artists of the time. This article dives into the nostalgia, exploring the magazine's content and the cultural significance of that particular edition.
While I can't provide a scan of the magazine itself (due to copyright restrictions), I can offer an in-depth look at what likely graced its pages, based on the charts and cultural events of February 1989.
What Were the Biggest Hits in February 1989?
February 1989 saw a fascinating mix of pop, dance, and new jack swing dominating the UK charts. The number one spot likely featured a major player, possibly a song that continued its reign from the previous month or a fresh new hit that quickly climbed the ranks. Remember, chart positions can vary slightly depending on the specific week within the month. To pinpoint the exact songs, researching the official UK Singles Chart for the relevant weeks in February 1989 would be necessary. However, we can speculate on artists who were prominent at the time:
- New Kids on the Block: Their infectious pop sound was hugely popular, and they likely featured prominently.
- Jason Donovan: He was a major force in the UK pop scene at this time, so it's almost certain he was in the magazine.
- Rick Astley: Still riding high on his previous success, Astley would likely have had coverage.
- Bananarama: This iconic girl group always had a strong presence in Smash Hits.
- Kylie Minogue: Her star was rapidly rising, making her another highly probable inclusion.
What Other Features Would a February 1989 Smash Hits Issue Include?
Beyond the charts, Smash Hits was renowned for its engaging features. We can expect the February 1989 issue to have included:
- Artist Interviews: In-depth interviews with the biggest stars of the moment, likely filled with gossip, behind-the-scenes stories, and fun facts.
- Posters: Large pull-out posters of heartthrobs like Jason Donovan and Rick Astley were a staple. The quality of the paper and the posters themselves are often fondly remembered by readers.
- Quizzes & Games: Smash Hits always included interactive elements to engage readers, like quizzes testing their pop knowledge.
- Star Fashion & Style: Fashion spreads showcasing the latest trends worn by pop stars.
- News & Gossip: The latest news from the world of pop music, including rumours, break-ups, and behind-the-scenes drama.
Where Can I Find More Information About the February 1989 Issue?
Unfortunately, finding a digital scan of the exact February 1989 edition is likely challenging due to copyright. However, you might find success searching online forums dedicated to 80s music and nostalgia. Connecting with other fans could lead to someone who owns a copy and is willing to share images of specific pages. Online auctions and used bookstores specializing in vintage magazines could also be worthwhile avenues to explore.
What other Smash Hits magazines were popular?
While the February 1989 issue holds a special place in many hearts, Smash Hits consistently produced popular editions throughout its run. The specific appeal of any particular issue often hinges on the featured artists and the cultural trends of that time.
How did Smash Hits impact the music industry?
Smash Hits played a significant role in shaping the youth culture of the 80s and early 90s, profoundly impacting the music industry by influencing chart positions and creating a fervent fan base for many artists. Its unique blend of news, interviews, and fun features made it a cultural phenomenon.
By combining research into the music charts of February 1989 with knowledge of Smash Hits' typical content, we can build a reasonably accurate picture of what this much-loved edition contained. Though a scan remains elusive due to copyright, the memories and cultural impact remain strong.
