On this day, January 31, 1981, Blondie’s hit single The Tide is High became the #1 song in America, holding the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 from January 31 to February 6. Originally a reggae track by The Paragons, Blondie’s version brought the song international acclaim with its unique blend of reggae and pop.
The song also topped the charts in the UK, Canada, and New Zealand, showcasing Blondie’s global appeal during the early 80s. Featured on their fifth studio album, Autoamerican, The Tide is High further cemented Blondie as one of the most versatile bands of the era.
Fun Fact: Blondie’s The Tide is High was one of the first mainstream hits to incorporate reggae influences, paving the way for similar sounds in pop music throughout the 80s.
Trivia Question: What other #1 hit from Blondie was the first song featuring a rap section to top the Billboard Hot 100?