Hello (Turn Your Radio On)


"Hello " is a song by British-based pop duo Shakespears Sister, and was released in October 1992 by London Records as the fourth single from their second album, Hormonally Yours. The single peaked at number 14 and spent six weeks on the UK Singles Chart. Internationally, the single peaked within the top 40 in Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Background

The single was released in the UK on 26 October 1992. The album version of the song was remixed for its single release, featuring more bass and with drums added. The single version is also slightly extended, with a repeat of the chorus towards the end of the song. The single sleeve artwork was created by Laurence Dunmore, with photography by Derek Ridgers.

Critical reception

Tom Demalon from AllMusic described the song as a "stellar glam-tinged ballad with a dreamy chorus". Larry Flick from Billboard magazine called it a "Beatles-esque rock ballad". He added: "A soft, rolling piano line is surrounded by deep alto harmonies and nimble guitars. Booming, swaying, and completely memorable chorus is icing on the cake." The Daily Vault's Michael R. Smith stated in his album review that "the spellbinding grand finale of 'Hello ' is just icing on the cake." A reviewer from the Liverpool Echo wrote: "Songs that mention the radio always do well on the radio. It's because DJs are so big-headed. But this one – a re-mixed track from the Hormonally Yours album – does sound good on radio." Pan-European magazine Music & Media commented: "Hello out there in radio land, stay for a while for another ballad by the hippest sisters around." Pop Rescue said it is a "great" track.

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Hello " was directed by British director Sophie Muller and is made in black-and-white as an old movie. It depicts the duo performing inside what appears to be a closet that is being opened in the beginning and closed at the end of the video.

Track listings

7-inch single and cassette
  1. "Hello " — 4:24
  2. "Stay" — 4:28UK limited-edition CD single
  3. "Hello " — 4:23
  4. "Hello " — 4:23
  5. "Hello " — 4:06
  6. "Stay" — 3:49UK CD single
  7. "Hello " — 4:24
  8. "Black Sky" — 10:39
  9. "Goodbye Cruel World" — 7:06
  10. "Stay — 4:28European and Australasian CD single
  11. "Hello " — 4:23
  12. "Hello " — 4:23
  13. "Goodbye Cruel World" — 7:06
  14. "Stay" — 3:49

The Bates version

"Hello " was covered by German punk band the Bates, and was released as the group's lead single in 1994.

Track listing

CD single
  1. "Hello" – 3:21
  2. "All in All" – 2:28
  3. "It's a Heartache" – 1:52
  4. "Hello" – 3:14
  5. "Worse Than the Devil" – 1:51

Queensberry version

"Hello " was covered by German girl group Queensberry, and released as the lead single from the band's second studio album On My Own in October 2009.