You Should Be High, Love

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "You Should Be High, Love" by Billy Squier from his debut solo album, The Tale of the Tape. This high-energy track, co-written with Desmond Child, was a standout when the album dropped in 1980, becoming the number-one most requested song on rock radio nationwide for nearly two months. Its infectious riffs and singalong chorus helped propel the album onto Billboard's chart for three months, peaking at #169. While it didn’t crack the singles chart, the song’s radio dominance laid the groundwork for Squier’s later success with hits like "The Stroke." Fun fact: The Tale of the Tape was recorded in Woodstock, New York, at Eddy Offord’s remote studio, with the entire band, including future KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, jamming in one big room alongside Offord’s Midas console, capturing a raw, communal vibe.

Another gem from the album, "The Big Beat," overshadowed "You Should Be High, Love" in the long run, becoming one of the most sampled tracks in hip-hop history, used by artists like Jay-Z in "99 Problems" and Alicia Keys in "Girl on Fire." Squier himself was blown away by this legacy, joking in an interview that he’s like the “Robert Johnson of hip-hop” for providing the beat that fueled a genre he didn’t even know existed in 1979. He’s expressed gratitude to the artists who’ve woven his work into theirs, noting it’s both humbling and gratifying. The album’s re-release by Rock Candy in England, remastered by John Astley, included a booklet Squier helped craft, which he called one of the best representations of his early work. Posts on X, like one from @EddieTrunk in 2020, celebrate the album’s 40th anniversary, highlighting its enduring influence, especially "The Big Beat"’s hip-hop legacy.

Billy Squier’s journey to rock stardom kicked off in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he was born on May 12, 1950. As an only child, he started piano lessons at age eight, nudged by his grandfather, who even bribed him to keep going when he got bored. By 11, his interest shifted to guitar after a classmate sold him a Danelectro for $90. Inspired by John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Eric Clapton, Squier got serious about music in his teens, forming his first band, the Reltneys, at 14. His debut public performance came in 1968 at a Boston nightclub, the Psychedelic Supermarket. After high school, he bounced between Boston and New York, playing in short-lived bands like Magic Terry & the Universe before finding traction with Piper in the mid-1970s.

Piper, managed by KISS’s Bill Aucoin, released two albums for A&M Records and opened for KISS on their 1977 tour, but despite rave reviews, they disbanded in 1979. Squier, feeling time was ticking, went solo, signing with Capitol Records that year. His debut, The Tale of the Tape, marked his arrival, though it was his 1981 album Don’t Say No, produced by Reinhold Mack, that skyrocketed him to fame with hits like "The Stroke" and "Lonely Is the Night." Squier’s arena rock sound, blending power pop and hard rock, defined the early ’80s, amplified by heavy MTV rotation. Though his career hit a snag with the infamous "Rock Me Tonite" video in 1984, he continued releasing music into the ’90s and remains a beloved figure, with fans still championing his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Stay connected with Billy Squier through his official website for the latest news, lyrics, and tour updates. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and fan interactions. On X, he shares occasional updates and engages with fans. For deeper dives, check out the Billy Squier Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can join passionate discussions and share their love for his music. The fan-run Billy Squier Fan YouTube channel also offers rare live footage and exclusive clips to keep the vibes alive.