Gloria: The 80s Anthem That’s Still On Repeat
How This Song Became a Personal and Cultural Staple
Let’s talk about "Gloria" by Laura Branigan—because this song is like finding a forgotten $20 in your old jeans and realizing, damn, it still hits.
Picture it: It’s 1982. Shoulder pads are in style (thank goodness I was just a kid), everyone’s sweating through jazzercise classes, and then "Gloria" drops into the scene like a glitter bomb. It’s the kind of track that kicks the door down and says, “I’m here to make everything fabulous—deal with it.” And really, who the hell are we to argue?
Laura Branigan wasn’t here to play. She took an Italian pop tune, injected it with pure American adrenaline, and created a track that shot up to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 like a damn rocket. This song’s got an energy that’s impossible to ignore—like your best friend dragging your ass out for a night on the town when all you want to do is chill with your cat. But once you’re out, you’re damn glad you went. That’s "Gloria."
It’s practically a feminist anthem wrapped in bright lights.
I don’t care what you say —this song isn’t just a catchy beat. It’s practically a feminist anthem wrapped in bright lights. Gloria’s on the run, but she’s doing it on her own damn terms. She’s like, “Yeah, I’ve got problems bitch, but watch me dance right through them.” And honestly, isn’t that the dream? Facing down the chaos, throwing our best outfit, and owning every second of it?
For me, "Gloria" isn’t just some 80s relic—it’s got a special place in my life. Flashback to 2003: my cousin and I had just moved to NYC. It was our first day in our apartment, and because nothing ever goes smoothly, we had no power. In the dim light of that first night, I casually asked him how his sister Gloria was doing. And out of nowhere, we both started whisper-singing the song (cause we had no access to anything - for you youngsters - there were no smartphones, just regular cell phones that made calls & texts). It was like this ridiculous, spontaneous moment that somehow stuck with us. From that night on, "Gloria" became our unofficial anthem, and honestly, it’s perfect because the song somehow captures his sister’s spirit. Even now, whenever we hear it, we can’t help but grin and sing along. "Gloria" isn’t just a song for us—it’s a vibe that’s lasted through the years.
And let’s be real, "Gloria" didn’t just stay in the 80s. It ripped through time, influencing artists and other mediums today who love covering it in some ironic, lo-fi way. It’s been remixed, reimagined, and yet, the original still stands as the gold standard.
So, the next time you’re feeling a little off your game, tell Google to play "Gloria." Let Laura Branigan remind you that sometimes “those voices in your head” are calling and you might have to answer. So dance like nobody’s watching.
Now, go ahead—press play.