Falling In & Out Of Love

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Falling In & Out Of Love" by Femme Fatale, from their self-titled debut album, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this glam metal gem. One juicy piece of trivia about the song comes from its music video, which was a staple on MTV in 1988. The video, featuring lead vocalist Lorraine Lewis under vibrant blue and purple stage lights, was shot to capture the band's raw energy, with Lewis later recalling in a 2016 interview with Get Ready to ROCK! that the shoot was a "whirlwind of hairspray and leather." She shared how the band had to perform the song repeatedly to get the perfect take, with guitarist Bill D'Angelo playfully complaining about his fingers cramping from the riff-heavy track. The song itself, co-written by Lewis and guitarist Mazzi Rawd, was a top 40 single, and its infectious hook helped the album sell nearly 225,000 copies, though the band felt the pressure of competing with bigger names in the hair metal scene.

Another tidbit about "Falling In & Out Of Love" is its unique promotional release. A 1988 12-inch vinyl promo, as noted on yperano.com, featured a version of the song different from the album cut, with a slightly extended intro and punchier mix. This promo came with a massive poster—46 by 23 inches—showing the band in their full glam glory, which became a collector’s item for fans. Lorraine Lewis mentioned in a 2022 Facebook post that she still gets messages from fans who have the poster pinned up in their garages, calling it a "time capsule of the '80s." The song also got a second life on VH1 Classic’s Metal Mania and satellite radio’s 1980s-themed stations, keeping the Zoo Freaks headbanging years after its release.

Femme Fatale got their start in 1987 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before making the leap to Los Angeles, the heart of the glam metal scene. Formed by Lorraine Lewis, a powerhouse vocalist with a knack for commanding the stage, the band quickly caught attention with their high-energy performances. According to a bio on Last.fm, they secured a deal with MCA Records after a standout showcase in L.A., where Lewis’s raspy, sensual vocals and the band’s tight sound won over label execs. The quintet, including guitarists Bill D’Angelo and Mazzi Rawd, bassist Rick Rael, and drummer Bobby Murray, honed their craft in sweaty clubs, drawing comparisons to contemporaries like Vixen. Their 1988 debut album, featuring "Falling In & Out Of Love," peaked at No. 141 on the Billboard 200, but despite MTV airplay, the band struggled to break through the crowded hair metal landscape. Lewis reformed the band in 2013 with an all-female lineup, and in 2019, she joined Vixen, cementing her legacy in rock.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, you can follow Femme Fatale on Facebook, where Lorraine Lewis shares updates and throwback photos. Their Instagram is packed with behind-the-scenes shots and tour memories, while their X account keeps fans in the loop on new projects. The band’s official website is listed on their socials, but no direct link is currently active—check their Facebook for the latest. Fans can also connect on the Femme Fatale Fan Club on Facebook, a group where Zoo Freaks swap stories, trade vinyl, and celebrate the band’s legacy. For collectors, Discogs is a go-to for tracking down rare releases like that iconic 1988 promo vinyl.