Funkatropolis: "Lucky Number" by Lene Lovich

Thursday, January 9, 2025

"Lucky Number" by Lene Lovich

New wave artist Lene Lovich had her big breakthrough with the hit “Lucky Number,” released on January 26, 1979. The track made Lovich a major figure in the burgeoning post-punk movement of the late ‘70s and part of the UK's pop-culture landscape.

Lovich co-wrote“Lucky Number” with her longtime music collaborator and life partner guitarist/songwriter Les Chappell, who also produced the song. In 1978, an early version of the song was released as the B-side of Lovich’s cover of Tommy James & the Shondells’ 1967 pop smash, “I Think We’re Alone Now.” The single, released on London-based independent label Stiff Records, failed to chart. “Lucky Number” was re-released by Stiff in 1979 as an A-side. Music lovers enthusiastically embraced the song, and it landed in the top 10 in several countries, including the UK (#3), Australia (#2), Belgium (#5), New Zealand (#3) and the Netherlands (#4). It was also included on Lovich’s debut album Stateless (1978).

“Lucky Number” has a zany, slightly unhinged charm and loads of manic energy. It’s an exciting mix of new wave and punk rock. Lovich brings her signature quirky vocal style to the track, replete with hiccups, trills, and squeaks. The frenetic groove features a driving beat, cool guitar licks, and an energetic bass line.

The song begins with Lovich espousing the joys of single life and how it gives her the freedom to do as she pleases and not have to answer to anyone. But her attitude abruptly changes when she falls hard for a guy.

“Lucky Number” was covered by German singer-songwriter Nina Hagen, known as “The German Godmother of Punk." It has been sampled on two songs, “Having So Much Fun” (Tiga) and “Preplex” (Plunderphonics). The song has been featured on the soundtracks of several television series and feature films, including the highly acclaimed TV series Black Mirror (season 6, episode 5, titled “Demon 79,” originally aired on June 15, 2023).

The song's personnel are Lene Lovich (lead vocals), Les Chapell (guitar, background vocals), Ron François (bass, background vocals), Bobby Irwin (drums), and Nick Plytas (keyboards).

“Lucky Number” is an influential classic that helped define the sound of early new wave music and is Lovich’s most well-known song. Also, Lovich’s unique vocal style has influenced many female artists in new wave, pop, rock, punk, and alternative music.