Story of Nu Shooz' Hook Laden 80s Classic That You Can’t Get Out Of Your Head | Professor of Rock

80s pop freestyle dance band Nu Shooz who are now Husband and Wife tell the story behind the 1986 smash hit I Can’t Wait which went to #1 on the dance club charts and crossed over to many charts. Valerie Day and John Smith tell the story of creating the song that would take their album Poolside to the masses.
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​#80s #Rock #Story
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 80s vinyl songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community.
If you’ve ever owned records, cassettes and CD’s at different times in you life or still do this is your place Subscribe below right now to be a part of our daily celebration of the rock era with exclusive stories from straight from the artists and click on our patreon link in the description to see our brand new show there.
By the way that intro came from our viewer SAR. If you want to be featured, think of a great memory for us to share in the comments below and we’ll likely use i!
It’s time for another edition of our series revelations where artist and writers take us through a deep dive into their greatest songs and albums. Where you’ll get never before shared details. 1986 was a wondrous year in pop culture, Especially the summer. It was the summer of Aliens. TOP GUN and karate kid part II For my birthday that summer I got to invite 6 of my friends to see the karate kid II and I was over the moon. About a week later me and a few of those friends snuck into a showing of Aliens…
As my parents wouldn’t let me see it. I think that’s actually the first time I’ve every told anyone I did that. Those were the days. Great summer blockbusters and all the great music coming over the radio. And it’s kind of interesting, because here we are decades later, Top Gun 2 is coming out and Cobra Kai is one of the biggest shows on Netflix. and Stranger Things has brought 80s music into the playlists of my kids and their friends.
That’s why the 80s rule, their impact is still felt everyday. One of the best songs of that amazing summer of 1986 was a little top 3 ditty that was a number one hit on the dance charts for some time, called I Cant Wait by Portland band NU SHOOZ. I've got to tell ya, Once you heard this part: You couldn’t get it out of your ever living head. To me it’s one of the catchiest hooks from the decade. I remember whistling it around the house all that summer. It was pure 80s Freestyle Synth Pop

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Over the course of your life so far, what is the catchiest song or songs of all time.? A song or songs that get stuck in your head for days, whenever you hear it. Please list both good and bad!

[@alliswede42]

Hmmm....Scatman, by Scatman John and We Like to Party by the Vengaboys, Take On Me by A-ha, Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson.

[@RFXLR]

The Knack - My Sharona, Maxine Nightengale - Right Back Where We Started From, Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs - Wooly Bully

[@trooperjoe73]

As soon as you hear the intro to Rumors by Timex Social Club.

[@javierortiz82]

The Ducktales song... ooo ooo damn, another two weeks with that bit ringing inside my head.

[@jasonwhite7452]

Ok I’ll give an example of what I hate getting stuck in my head! That Elvira song “Giddy up a oom poppa oom poppa mow mow”! I also have a good friend who worked as a Detective come up to me out of nowhere and went “You can dance if you want to”! That ear worm went on for dayyyyyyssss!

[@djobiwan47]

Late fall of 1984 I booked Nu Shooz to play our high school prom in Spring 1985. This was before the single had really broken through. Shortly after signing the contract the single catapulted them to regional stardom. They came back to Portland in the midst of a pretty big tour to fulfill their contract and played a great gig for us. I always have held them in high regard for that.

[@funkyfreshbboy]

Love that story my older brother Gary fountaine is there bass player

[@gdoggatl]

That was classy of them!

[@KaiserSoze-vx6vo]

That's so cool! I bet they put on on awesome show.

[@djobiwan47]

@ghost mall Catlin Gabel.

[@johnmijo]

Very nice, I do remember them and the MTV video too. Oh and Class of 1980, Benson ;)

[@notsogood9449]

Nu Shooz "I Can't Wait" was also a big hit on Black radio in 1986!

[@ChampLeads]

Omg didn't this song groove in our (black/urban) culture. I love this song 🎧 🎉

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

These interviews are what really makes Professor of Rock, well, Rock.

[@pdmullgirl]

YES!!! ❤️💜💚

[@billkeithchannel]

Yeah who other than Adam would have thought to interview these people and and who knew it was going to be so much fun and interesting to listen to?

[@kevinforth7618]

I'm an old hard rocker, but this song has been awesome from the start. Valerie's gaze would just pull you into the video. Still great 35 years later.

[@castle07dw]

Honestly one of my favorite songs ever. Absolutely love the vibe in her voice. Really reminds me of a great time

[@J.R.Steel85]

I was born in '85... this song was EVERYWHERE during my childhood! I don't think there is a more iconic 80's song. Definitely belongs on the soundtrack of the decade!

[@keithlamontdavis8047]

It's really a pop masterpiece. One of those songs you knew was great when you first heard it. And it sounds just as great now as it did then.

[@rickcarter4417]

Valerie Day is 61. Her complexion and appearance is radiant.

[@seanswinton6242]

Nu Shooz's song "I Can't Wait" was played everywhere on campus at university. That synth hook was infectious (barking seal). I bought the extended mix. It was a cool song to cover live in concert. Very fun. The entire album was awesome. Just love that sound and still play it decades later

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool! Were you in a synth band?

[@davee.9906]

I was only twelve but this song sticks out in a major way for me too. Trying to hook up with girls at the school dance or carnival in the Summer. That was such a great time as a kid.

[@seanswinton6242]

@@ProfessorofRock Yes. 1987-89. The band was called Everyone's Debonair. Suffering from stage fright, it was perfect. I didn't have to look up much. Dressed like short white jacket waiters in a fine dining restaurant, Modeled after Depeche Mode meets Bryan Ferry, we formed as the antithesis to the REM guitar driven and Hair Metal bands in the area. We covered many of the MTV bands like Roxy Music, New Order, Baltimora, Thomas Dolby, Pet Shop Boys and others. Fellow music major students would sit in from time to time. Dance songs of the day were unique to us as well.

[@seanswinton6242]

@@davee.9906 That was also part of why my band formed, and especially why I switched from clarinet to saxophone in junior high.

[@mooby4]

I always thought the synth hook sounded more like hens cakling when I would tell my friends this they smiled and agreed that it did sound like chickens. 😄

[@The1Nomad]

YES. Nu Shooz make such great music! "I Can't Wait", "Point of No Return", and "Should I Say Yes?" are absolute classics. Glad to see you agree, Professor!!!

[@lindseybsmith]

Point of No Return! God, I really miss the 80's! 😭😭😭😭

[@michaelb.1701]

I love both of those songs! I did hear a song of their 1st album called "Minor Yours" and I really like it. is totally different with a horn section and a 70's funk groove, excellent track!

[@StephieGsrEvolution]

"Don't let me be the one"

[@TCOLE-tc7vs]

I really loved this interview. This band is really incredible, loved hearing Valerie's musical influences and the way the song came together. All their tunes are funky and danceable, they are excellent musicians, excellent people, creative and humble. What a blessing.

[@surlechapeau]

Valerie's unique voice and each instrument was a hook!! Anyone who heard even 1 minute of this song was hooked and groovin'. She said "What's a single? "- priceless innocence.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Priceless innocence for sure!

[@chathamcrescent]

Always loved this song, and still do! He is so right: those were the times when songs were melodic (imagine that), and a lightning bolt of new sounds. The song is so multi-layered as well, which today’s music totally lacks.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

No, that music still exists but no one cares about it

[@mournblade1066]

Wow, these two were really fun to listen to. You can tell they really enjoyed this interview.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

They're surprisingly such soulful duo! Mad respect 🙌 for them!!

[@Dooblecaine]

In the '80s there was no spotify or streaming. When you traveled (by car), you had to search the FM band for radio stations. It was a discovery. That was one of my favorite things about traveling -- Each city had it's own personality and part of that personality was in it's radio stations and music. I remember tuning in to a station maybe in Chicago or Milwaukee and "I Can't Wait" was playing as we approached the city. It sounded so fresh and modern. I don't remember a lot about the trip itself, but the memory of listening to this song as we entered the city still makes me smile. Music then was 'better' simply because of what John speaks of here -- the technical constraints enhanced creativity. And you had artists that were willing to dig deep and explore sound.

[@osaji922]

"the technical constraints enhanced creativity." The exact same can be said for movies.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Technical constraints? People had over a million dollars worth of keyboards, drum machines and recording equipment in their home studios in the 1980's lolololol

[@davidellis5141]

This sounded so fresh on the 📻 in the summer of 1986. I always thought they were from Europe !

[@ProfessorofRock]

Fresh is exactly right. Love the emojis you used. Nostalgia!

[@billkeithchannel]

@ghost mall Leviticus is my favorite 80's Swedish rock band (R.I.P. Bjorn Stiggson) . I would say Martin Molin of Wintergatan is my fave of the the current day.

[@ddillas]

1980's PDX music scene was an almost hidden gem. Nu Shooz, Quarteflash (nee Seafood Mama), Meridith Brooks (& the Angels of Mercy), The Dan Reed Network, Curtis Delgado... What a great time to hit clubs! I remember going to the Pool Side album release party at the downtown Portland Marriott and seeing the band hanging out... The champagne was following. I'm still amazed that no one fell into the pool! Thanks for the great interview.

[@jefff2223]

I was in college in ‘86 and remember this song so well! Great time in my life. Professor, you turn songs that I love from the one dimensional feeling of hearing them come out of the speakers on a radio into multi-dimensional layers of so much more than just the song. The stories, the artistic process to make them, the artists all weaves into something amazing. Thanks for what you do!

[@kathrynkluth]

These 2 are a class act! They did another interview recently..it was live online. Afterwards they went through the live chat history and answered all the fan's questions that were missed during the broadcast. Also loved the Top of The Pop performance from the 80s that is on KZbin. Really do appreciate their kindness to their fans.

[@EvolutionStoneware]

'I Can't Wait' is one of my all time favorite songs - not just favorite of the 80's! So glad you did this segment. I really enjoyed the interview.

[@michaelhorning6014]

I was in Basic Training at Ft. Benning, Georgia in the spring of 1986. We were allowed to listen to the radio when cleaning the barracks and Sunday mornings, and the top 40 songs of that time are burned in my brain. I Can't Wait, Something About You, Life In A Northern Town, Live To Tell, The Greatest Love of All, Let's Go All The Way, Rock Me Amadeus, West End Girls, and so on. Great times.

[@misterwombat]

This song always makes me think about roller skating. The groove is so infectious!

[@ProfessorofRock]

It always get stuck in your head!

[@williamellis8593]

I was enthralled with this song. I was listening to it on Casey Kasem when I found out John and Valerie were married, and I thought that was really cool, even if I was a little jealous of John, because of how cute Valerie was. And still is. Such a fun song.

[@hbofbyu1]

Super catchy song that was unique. Same with Point of No Return. Valerie Day's voice was perfect for mixing with the synth sound.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. Her voice seemed to cut right through. Always good to see you here. I've always wondered what your screen name means?

[@scottstalcup6980]

They've both aged so well, but hand on heart, I looked at the thumbnail and thought, "Why is Adam talking to Donnie Iris and Terri Nunn together? What's the connection?"

[@GGiblet]

You aren't alone!

[@larryk9966]

Another great 80s song that aged very well. Amazing interview. The music box reference and influences (Tears for Fears, Nile Rodgers, Grand Master Flash etc.) was interesting.

[@tedlogan5628]

Great song that I forget about, but once i hear it I fall back in love with it all over again!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool! Thanks for watching.

[@heidichristensen7919]

Man, what a great interview. These two are probably the most personable couple you’ve had on, Adam. I can only imagine singing along to a song on the radio and then suddenly realizing it’s me 😂. And being a Seattlite, can totally see why they are so cool - Portland!

[@clydecrashcup2708]

Fun Facts: Stevie Nicks debuted on the Hot 100 with "I Can't Wait" (different song) about two weeks before the Nu Shooz single hit the chart -- and it was distributed by the same record company (Atlantic) -- but Stevie's song only made it to #16. Nu Shooz's song was definitely the better of the two, imo.

[@RBS_]

....aw, MAN, I was gonna mention THIS!! ...ya beat me to it! ..ha-HAA!! ...s'all good, you GOT it, Buddy.... ; )

[@davidgeisler9885]

I’m a huge fan of Stevie’s “I Can’t Wait” and do prefer a more rockier song so I’d put that ahead of this one.

[@lotus30com]

I have the Emulator II disk of samples that has the drum sequence that inspired Steve's "I Can't Wait".

[@ibelieveicansoar]

Stevie made a huge error around this same time when she rejected a song called “These Dreams,” which Heart accepted, catapulting them (back) to arena stardom.

[@alliswede42]

My brother and I loved this song! It's one of the happy memories I have of being a little kid and listening to this, the Thompson Twins, Psychedelic Furs...stuff he listened to that my parents didn't! Happy Friday Professor 🙏

[@ProfessorofRock]

Happy Friday indeed!

[@doc2kiwidig663]

Ahh, the Thompson Twins ❤️💜

[@Terri_MacKay]

I LOVE the Thompson Twins. One of my favourite concerts from the 80's was Thompson Twins and OMD!! 🎶🎹🎶

[@javigomez1697]

@@Terri_MacKay I went to that concert in Las Vegas in 1986!

[@Terri_MacKay]

@@javigomez1697 🎶😃🎶

[@chuckthurmond]

The store where I worked while I was in college played top 40 radio instead of Muzak. This song, along with Something About You by Level 42, West End Girls by the Pet Shop Boys and Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer, were basically the soundtrack for 1986. Great memories.

[@larrylambert1220]

I would add Berlin's "No More Words" to that epic list. Maybe even Mike and the Mechanics' "Taken in" and "All I Need is a Miracle".

[@chuckthurmond]

@@larrylambert1220 I meant to type "my soundtrack" instead of "the soundtrack." I heard those three songs continually while at work. And yes, you are correct. Mike and the Mechanics were all over the radio that year.

[@larrylambert1220]

@@chuckthurmond Your soundtrack is better than any movie soundtrack.

[@eduardogonzaleznieto729]

I wanna cry. It’s too much nostalgia.

[@musclecarmitch908]

I loved this song Professor! 1986 was a great year in my life and hearing this song always takes me back! Thanks for keeping the music alive Professor!

[@oliveb.]

Ah yes, 1986 was an amazing year! I remember driving with my friend with this song blasting. I really love this song, great memories attached too.

[@Cicilo1983]

What a fantastic interview. So great of you to reach out to musicians whose work has been somewhat overlooked over time. Always liked "Poolside", thought it was a strong dance/pop album. These two people are articulate, intelligent and interesting to listen to. Kudos !

[@MPcb40]

Great song and album. The follow up, Told U So was another good one of similar style and sound. Being a teenager from Oregon at the time, it was cool to have a “local” band make it big 🙂. Quarterflash would make another great story! Thanks Professor for another awesome video and history lesson!!

[@jaytrace1006]

I remember one day where the song I couldn’t get out of my head was ELO’s “I Can’t Get It Out Of My Head”. True story…

[@kurtkensson2059]

Well... isn't it ironic? Don't you think?

[@davoshaunessy7481]

I can’t tell you why is one of my favourite eagle songs And I really can’t ...........

[@gaden002]

No! No!

[@adampoll4977]

It is truly wonderful to watch interviews conducted by someone who truly loves and knows what they talking about and genuinely respects the artists. So many great 80s classics from my youth explored here :)

[@tonytheHAT]

Am I the only one making a "Revelations" playlist? With all these songs Adam breaks down, it makes them all so NEW again. Plus, I look so smart when listening to my Playlist with friends thanks to our Professor. 😀

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. Very cool. Where are you doing your playlist? Spotify or here?

[@tonytheHAT]

@@ProfessorofRock Thank you for replying Adam! You're amazing! It's actually on my Amazon music account.

[@kcindc5539]

You’re not alone

[@maxcactus7]

1986 was an absolutely AMAZING summer!! Great music, great movies, great memories. I remember VERY clearly dancing to Nu Shooz that summer with friends. Wonderful times! I still love Valerie's voice and man, she's still gorgeous!!

[@eduardogonzaleznieto729]

This is a great moment you caught with Nu Shooz. It’s great how you make people recall 80’s. Big hugs from me from Mexico City.

[@1flybyguy]

That opening bass line up to the "Baby, I-I-I can't wait" is my favorite part. Got a lot of house parties jumping back then... and Point of No Return was lit, too.

[@mattf49006]

Moved to Portland mid 80s and met them while they were playing locally..nice folks ...part of the soundtrack of the 80s..awesome Prof..thanks for featuring them

[@ProfessorofRock]

Yes they are very cool! Thanks for sharing.

[@mattf49006]

@@ProfessorofRock ...keep up the awesome work...headed to the merch store this weekend for a wardrobe freshen up

[@teodrumz4life]

Great song! “I can’t wait” came out when I was 16. I danced to this song a countless amount of times. 😎

[@tristramcoffin926]

For how great the single is it is amazing how Nu Shooz too often gets lost in the 80s pop milieu. This song was the soundtrack to everyone's summer of '86. Even if you happened to be listening to other things you remember it. It was ubiquitous and a delightful slice of synth pop.

[@osaji922]

They're underrated. I found out about them just last year. I've been hooked to Poolside since. The album that followed it, I Told You So, is another banger too. They're a definite go to for that 80s sound in my book.

[@sc0176cec]

As a keyboard player back then I spent hours trying to figure out how to reproduce that sampled voice sound. I came close with what I had but never quite the same. Fun memories. Thanks for this interview Professor.

[@UnderTheMillkyWay]

This song is on my 80's playlist. I remember skating to this song and when it would get played by the DJ even the non skaters would get up and hug that back wall. My 80's playlist is the most diverse and longest. I still add songs that I can't believe that I didn't add. Right now it's 27 hours and 16 awesome minutes. The 80's will always be the best decade of music.

[@musmodtos]

_Poolside_ is one of my favourite albums on a hot sunny day like today. It's a really underappreciated little pop marvel.

[@sabrinagese8571]

Was one of my favorites when it came out and used in a love letter to my boyfriend at the time (now my husband). I still play it and it has a prominent place on my 80s playlist :D

[@Holidaygirl7]

Valerie is an amazing artist.!!! I just love her so much!! And that song was and still is an all time fav of mine 🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊

[@lincarrey]

She looks great. Great voice.

[@mrcaps1971]

My favourite 80's group and song. Still listening to them in 2024. My teenage and 21 year old love it. 😊

[@arianaalvarez6579]

I grew up in the 90s I heard a lot of music in the radio. I started to really pay attention to the 80s music when I turned 18 and I love this song.

[@DJAvalonArizona]

I love them so much. both of their albums are fully listenable. It's rare to have that anymore. My producer's producer produced them (Jeff Lorber) ha ha, follow that!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Jeff Lorber is quality! Tell me about your stuff? Producer... as in music?

[@mutazah]

Fusion jazz Jeff Lorber?

[@DJAvalonArizona]

@@mutazah The one & Only

[@DJAvalonArizona]

​@@ProfessorofRock rumble.com/vi93iz-american-rocker-music-video.html < My Music Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZXImnaaiMqglbc < Short Promo for a rock song. I do "New Classic Rock" It fits snugly into all the stuff our tribe listens to. I did one rockabilly song for a movie soundtrack & Jay Soto my Producer who does "New Yacht Rock" was beside me in the video. I was 30 Lbs heavier when we shot this (ha). My style is melodic power rock except for that one lonesome rockabilly piece. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3i4qa13n92bqqc

[@mutazah]

@@DJAvalonArizona The rap group Junior Mafia (Lil Kim, Lil Cez ft. Biggie Smalls) used a sample from Lorber's Rain Dance on their hit Crush on You. Great song on both ends.

[@geoffreymaher7169]

A 24 minute video about a band and song I barely remember? Yes, please. Before I knew it, I had watched the whole thing and was riveted. One of the best breakdowns of a song I've seen on this channel. Well done.

[@peturkristinsson2021]

The Bass line from that song has been used as in-game music in the NBA and is still used today. Underlines that this song has many great melodies in it. Greetings from a music fan in Reykjavík Iceland.

[@soapytiger]

I have a very vivid and resonant memory of being on a road vacation in 1986 with my family traveling west in an RV. It was dusk, mountains silhouetted by sunset in the background, and I was in the back with the large slide window open as my dad drove us through Denver. This black convertible sports car (with neon ground effects, if memory serves) comes from behind on the parallel lane with this song cranked. It was a moment of pure bliss, filled with aspiration for me as a 15 yr old kid. It looked and sounded perfect. I thought, "if that's the future, I'll take it!" To this day, this song hits every spot, renewing that aspiration and dimming everything else around; problems, stress. It's one of those songs that I don't hear very often, but when I do, it's like...stop everything! Brilliant track. I seriously thought they were European. Such an good and enlightening interview.

[@islandbee]

Awesome interview and *Nu* perspective of this song. 😎

[@mtngirlatheart]

Takes me back to when I was a new mom running around dancing with my baby boy to this song! Great memories!

[@danellis-jones1591]

I always thought it was British. Her voice has that Anglo-tone. Although they said their influences were very American, to me it's got Ultravox, and Tears for Fears in it too. Although definitely got late 70s/early 80s rap. Always loved it.

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

They were massive in Europe. They definitely have a Euro pop tone

[@deanrobert9953]

Great interview. Have always loved the song. Unique and just so damn catchy. Interesting to hear how it all came together. Especially that crisp beauty vocal. Perhaps the renewed interest these past few years shows people are starving for unique original crafted songs... or a big part of the world finally caught up with this fun song. I'm Grad '86 so we were all over this. Funny enough one of my top mixed tapes back then had Everybody Wants to Rule the World and Can't Wait on there. They do sound good together!

[@bicyclist2]

I love this song so much. I remember it was on heavy rotation on my northern Michigan radio station (106KHQ) in the 80's and early 90's. This song is apart of the soundtrack of the 80's. Such a great interview. I don't care for any of these modern remakes. Thank you.

[@alecj3454]

I Cant Wait has been on the tip of my tongue, and a song i would instantly sing... the minute anyone said the words "I cant wait".....for the last 35 years. I was a tiny lad when it came out but its been part of my vernacular as long as its existed. It was a genius musical creation that perfectly encapsulated the era it came from but could not be pigeon holed in it. Thats almost impossible to do and totally impossible to do on purpose. I had no idea who was in the band other than that beautiful creature in the video that we all had a childhood crush on. She just seemed to much cooler than those lame singers that just stood there at a microphone and sang. She was a huge part of the songs popularity on MTV, i bet. That voice was so powerful and cool. Anyway. Loved this interview. Well done Professor.

[@johanprx7985]

I was 16 back then. Untill i heard this song in 1986 i never listened to any music. But this song was so special that it transformed my life. 6 months later i did my first DJ gig. About year later i started making my own music. To this day i am still professional DJ and music producer. I basically owe my music career to Nu Shooz.

[@mililaniman]

"Staying Alive" is the catchiest song I know because it is something I strive to do everyday. I also love "Whip It" by Devo.

[@johnnycashlives316]

Professor of Rock thank you so much for this channel. I was also an 80s kid.

[@ProfessorofRock]

VERY COOL!

[@GoldGauntletComix]

This song inspired me musically and artistically. It was a great to throw it in a mix as well as grab ideas from the video for paintings etc. Very cool to see them doing well all these years later

[@JenX_1973]

This song came out the Summer before my 8th grade year. It was played on the jukebox at our local pool, over and over and over! I don't think I have met one person who does NOT love this song! It personifies, and embodies the essence of the 80's!!

[@Angarsk100]

OMG, this is such and underrated song! I had completely forgot about it and it just brought so many memories... Also, the artists are so nice and down to earth, really great people (First time I've heard them in an interview)

[@losthomas7589]

I was 16 and man I loved that song. Still do!!! John Smith sounds just like John Malkovich’s character Marvin Boggs in the movie Red!

[@9ZERO6]

And, McDonald's was selling the McDLT that summer too. Hot on one side, cold on the other. My favorite summer of all time.

[@marcoperez6599]

What a great show! I love artists who are still grounded and real. Thanks for the memories!

[@01FozzyS]

Still one of my favorite jams and bands. I had the 12in remix vinyl, transferred it to cassette, and jammed it in my old Plymouth Sapporo.Those were the days!

[@raindog8684]

In 1986, I lived in Portland. " I Can't Wait " was a huge song over the summer of 1986. Z100 played the song, seemly hourly. I loved the song then, and belt it out to the embarrassment of my children, now. It is only my driving and dishwashing mixes. I" I Can't Wait "is a song of pure joy.

[@davidl570]

Still happily married after all these decades............................that's awesome! Such a cute couple. (Oh, and a great musical duo to boot!).

[@amorylovin2137]

Great interview! Loved that song back then and still do! So glad to hear they are still out there creating and performing!

[@cpearson7372]

THANK YOU, THANK you, thank YOU, Professor!! I am a music, and everything I can learn about bands, artists and their history, junkie. I ADORE what you bring to these interviews, and the smooth friendship-style conversations that occurs. I also, love the artists that you're able to bring these interviews. You're giving this world 🌎, a rare and most wonderful gift, Adam. I am grateful for you, and those who are helping you :)

[@terryhollifield9343]

Yes! This is one of my all-time favorite feel-good songs. The first time I heard it was at a Hot Dog King restaurant in Asheville, NC. I went to the jukebox to play SuperBowl shuffle featuring the Chicago Bears and the person in front of me had selected 'I Can't Wait'... and it was one of the coolest things I'd ever heard! I played 3 times in a row while at the restaurant until my mom made me stop. Thanks so much for doing the interview!

[@joycegeertsma7115]

"..The little song that could.." Love it. The song & the story. Great interview.

[@genlockian]

What a great interview, thank you very much!

[@MBeczkowski]

The song epitomized the beginning of the summer of 1986--so much to look forward to in senior year of high school. I couldn't wait for the fun to begin!

[@scottcanann]

That was a lot of fun. Thanks for all you do

[@ka7exm]

I grew up in Portland and DJ'ed dances @ Oregon State in the middle 80's. I managed to snag a demo of the EP when it was just taking off....we'd fill the dance floor every time it was played. Great back story. Congratulations Nu Shooz for keeping Portland on the map!

[@MsDee_777]

Graduated from high school in '86. This song totally takes me back. The world was my oyster 😃

[@cheby56]

Have to agree about the vocals, that’s what hooked me. Clean and crisp.

[@masmith0512]

I just love it when I get some time with nothing else to do but relax and spend time tuning in to this show . One of my favorite VH1 programs was “ Behind the Music “ IT was probably the last breath of the bygone music television era . Professor of Rock in a huge way , reminds me of all that . Always relevant, and always interesting . I appreciate that . Thank you .

[@juliusdream2683]

My bad for so many comments I just can’t believe you picked one of my all time favorite songs especially from the best time ever the 1980,s in America 🇺🇸 especially Long Island 🏝 was the best sorry to all the people who missed that magical time in history. 60,s yea I’m sure they were cool but I’m going 80,s all the way thanks nu shooz awesome song.

[@janet4498]

Great song! and fun (kind of related) fact: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (mentioned in the interview above) had a hand in another big 1986 hit, "Human" by Human League - and of course the hits from Janet Jackson that same year (from the Control album).

[@jeffe4297]

Any time I hear this song, it immediately takes me back to my teenage years.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same ! I was little younger but still.

[@jeffe4297]

@@ProfessorofRock To be fair, I was 14 in 1986, so I was just starting my teenage journey. Lol.

[@amyrussell860]

Where I live, the legal drinking age in 1986 was 19, so my friends and I enjoyed dancing to this song (and many of the other ones mentioned) when we went out. Needless to say, right now I'm trying not to while I'm listening to this 😁

[@thejonathandoan]

Never saw the video, but the song definitely resonated with me. Had that distinctly 80s vibe that was just so damned catchy. I really love the story behind it, and how you put your spin on the content. So cool to see the creators and how they experienced the resurgence of their song in modern times. Thanks so much for bringing this to the world!!

[@ricojsuave]

She's like 1000 times more beautiful now than even back in the 80s. Wow!

[@class3times]

Thanks for another awesome episode! I lived in Portland in 1986. It was a magical time for me with my new found independence. My favorite music at the time was from Janet Jackson and Nu Shooz! When ever I Can't Wait or Point of No Return played on the radio or MTV, I had this sense of home town pride. Looking back, I Can't Wait was really ahead of it's time as it seems more in line with 90's music with it's slower groove and instrumentation. Whereas Point of No Return is unapologetically upbeat 80's pop. BTW - I've watched some live performances of Nu Shooz here on youtube and they are fantastic live!

[@AnonYmous-jp8uu]

Great coverage on a great song! You rock, professor!

[@GhostofSicklesleg]

Reminds me of dance clubs in San Diego area, I was in the navy stationed at Naval Air Station North Island, and used to go to Mexican Village. Met my future wife there in 86 so it was a special year! And this song was huge! Also so many great memories, and still with my wife all these year! Thanks professor

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

If I had a time-machine, I’d go back and re-live the summer of ‘86 often. I was 16 & meeting the world. In my first band … got my driver’s license... Cherry-Cola Slice … The world wasn’t burning. The music was amazing

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

I was driving us someplace and I played Nu Shooz's "Should I Say Yes" in the car for my mom. She was looking at the CD. My mom said, "she's really cute and her voice is exactly like how she looks."

[@ambadale]

Nice focus on this lite pop confection, which you’ve revealed is so much more complex. So glad Valerie mentioned how the dog came to appear in the video - I was curious about that. MTV was my soundtrack during the 80’s, too, but the song that continues to this day to stick in my head is a blazing rock ballad by .38 Special which predated MTV, ‘Hold On Loosely.’ Every time I hear Hold On Loosely, it reminds me of a girl I used to know, whom I dated briefly in the summer of ‘81 and chased for the next 2-3 years while away at college. Turned out that no matter how loosely I held on, she was never gonna be my girl because she eventually realized she was gay. We reconnected a few years ago on social media, but I’d love if you looked up Donnie Van Zant or Don Barnes for an interview, either about that song, or their overall work. That song still resonates with me.

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

I was watching hot tub time machine last night, and this was one of the songs on the movie. When they're in that SKI lodge and just realised that they had just travelled back in time to the 80s. Fantastic. 😂

[@ProfessorofRock]

Oh ya! I forgot about that. Thanks for the reminder.

[@keithj6251]

Such nice people and a great job by the interviewer. You're the best, Professor.