My Kinda Lover

The Zoo Crew is spinning Billy Squier’s “My Kinda Lover” from his 1981 album Don’t Say No, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this classic rock gem! This swagger-filled track, with its unforgettable chorus, has some cool stories behind it. In an interview with Mark Zander, Squier revealed he channeled the bold, charismatic vibe of Tom Jones when crafting the song, especially on the opening line, “You got me runnin’ baby,” where he stretches out “baby” with playful confidence. The song’s simple yet effective performance video, shot in a single day alongside videos for “The Stroke” and “In the Dark,” helped propel its popularity when MTV launched just months after the album’s release. The heavy rotation on MTV gave “My Kinda Lover” a huge boost, contributing to Don’t Say No selling over 3 million copies. Fun fact: the song’s B-side was Squier’s holiday tune “Christmas Is the Time to Say ‘I Love You’,” which became a festive favorite after MTV used its video as a Christmas card to viewers. The track also found new life when Eminem sampled it in his 2014 song “Shady XV,” and it appeared in the Mötley Crüe biopic The Dirt, during a scene where Vince Neil performs it with a cover band.

Another tidbit about “My Kinda Lover” comes from fan reactions and podcast discussions. On the “Songs of the Knight” podcast from the Pods & Sods Network, hosts humorously noted that Squier’s unique vocal style makes it sound like he’s singing “My Kinda Lava,” adding a lighthearted twist to its legacy. Fans on Reddit have praised the song’s catchy pop-rock blend, with one calling it their favorite Squier track for its “literate” lyrics that evoke a poet-on-the-road vibe. The song peaked at #45 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #31 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, cementing its place as a staple of early ‘80s rock radio. Its lyrical charm, like the line “you give me something way beyond revenue,” has sparked playful speculation among fans, with some jokingly wondering if it’s a love song to an accountant.

Billy Squier’s journey to rock stardom began in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he was born on May 12, 1950. Growing up as an only child, he started piano lessons at age eight but found them tedious until his grandfather bribed him to continue. His passion for music ignited at 14 when a classmate sold him a guitar for $90, leading him to form his first band, the Reltneys. Discovering John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton in 1966 was a turning point, inspiring him to take music seriously. In the 1970s, Squier fronted the power-pop band Piper, which gained underground fame and opened for KISS in 1977. After Piper disbanded, he launched his solo career with 1980’s The Tale of the Tape, a modest success that paved the way for the massive breakthrough of Don’t Say No in 1981. Squier’s blend of hooky pop and hard rock, along with his skills as a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, made him a defining figure of early ‘80s arena rock.

Fans can stay connected with Billy Squier through his official channels. His official website offers lyrics, liner notes, and tour updates, while his Facebook page shares news and nostalgic posts. You can also follow him on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and on X for direct updates. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the fan community, check out the Billy Squier Fan Club on Facebook, where fans share memories and discuss his music. Another great resource is the Billy Squier Fan YouTube channel, which compiles live footage and rare clips for dedicated listeners.