Treat Me Right

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning "Treat Me Right" by Pat Benatar from her iconic album Crimes of Passion, and we've got some juicy trivia to share. This hard-hitting track, released as the third single on December 29, 1980, was co-written by Pat Benatar and Doug Lubahn. It’s a driving rocker with furious guitar lines that peaked at number 18 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and hit number 10 on the Cash Box Top 100 for two weeks. Fun fact: the song found its way into the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman, starring Richard Gere, adding to its cultural footprint. Interestingly, Doug Lubahn, the co-writer, also recorded "Treat Me Right" with his band Riff Raff for their 1981 album Vinyl Futures, giving the song a different spin in the same era.

Another tidbit about "Treat Me Right" is its origin story. The song was first released by a band called Bullseye in 1979, written by Doug Lubahn, before Benatar made it her own. Fans on platforms like Rate Your Music praise the track for its catchy chorus and Neil Giraldo’s stellar guitar work, with some calling it one of Benatar’s biggest classics. The song’s raw energy and Benatar’s powerful vocals helped cement her reputation as a trailblazer for women in rock, with Facebook fan pages buzzing about how it captures her tough, no-nonsense attitude. Posts found on X from accounts like @landofthe80s highlight the enduring love for Crimes of Passion, with "Treat Me Right" often cited as a standout track that defined the 80s rock vibe.

Now, let’s dive into how Pat Benatar got her start. Born Patricia Mae Andrzejewski on January 10, 1953, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, Benatar grew up in Long Island with a love for music sparked by her mother’s opera background. Initially, she pursued classical training as a mezzo-soprano, but her heart leaned toward rock. In her early 20s, she sang in a Richmond, Virginia lounge act called Coxon’s Army, honing her stage presence. Her big break came in New York City, not at a gritty rock club like CBGB, but at a comedy club, Catch a Rising Star, where she performed regularly and caught the attention of music industry folks. By 1978, she signed with Chrysalis Records, and her debut album, In the Heat of the Night (1979), featuring hits like "Heartbreaker," launched her into stardom.

Benatar’s rise wasn’t without challenges. She fought to maintain artistic control, especially during the recording of Crimes of Passion, where she and her lead guitarist (and future husband) Neil Giraldo clashed with producer Keith Olsen to preserve their vision. Her persistence paid off, as the album went multi-platinum and earned her a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1981. Fans can connect with her legacy through her official website, benatargiraldo.com, and follow her on social media at Facebook, Instagram, and X. For those craving more, check out fan communities like the Pat Benatar Fan Club on Facebook or explore fan-driven content on sites like The Real American Top 40 Wiki, where devotees keep the Zoo Freak spirit alive!