Each Time You Break My Heart

Album: Nick Kamen (1986)
Charted: 5
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this synth-pop ballad, Nick Kamen struggles to hang onto his relationship with a girl who keeps breaking his heart. The first single from his debut album, it was originally intended for Madonna's True Blue album but didn't make the cut. At the time, Kamen was a hot commodity after appearing in a steamy Levi's ad where he stripped down to his boxers in a British Laundromat to the tune of Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."

    Madonna, Kamen's label-mate at Sire Records, wanted to work with the British model-turned-singer but couldn't find the time. She was busy shooting her movie Who's That Girl, so she gave him this song, which she wrote with her frequent collaborator Stephen Bray. She also provided backing vocals on the track.
  • Peaking at #5, this was Kamen's biggest hit in his native UK. In the US, a dance version by remix master Shep Pettibone peaked at #5 on the US Dance Club Songs chart.
  • Although the Levi's commercial made him an overnight sensation, Kamen said his modeling success made it difficult to transition into a music career because people only wanted to see him as the Levi's guy. Kamen only had a few more minor hits following "Each Time You Break My Heart" before falling off the charts completely in the late '80s. "It's still difficult for people to fully accept me as a singer," he explained in a 1989 interview.
  • The music video, directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, opens in a near-empty bar on a Wednesday morning at 4 a.m. Kamen takes the stage to perform the song for the few sleepy stragglers. That same year, Mondino directed the clip for Madonna's "Open Your Heart."
  • In a 1986 interview with BBC Radio One, Madonna said she was attracted by Kamen's charisma and beautiful voice.
  • Produced by Stewart Levine (who helmed the 1982 chart-topper "Up Where We Belong" by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes), the retro R&B-styled album also featured covers of Sam Cooke's "Win Your Love" and The Four Tops' "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever."
  • Nick Kamen died on May 4, 2021 after a long battle with bone marrow cancer. He was 59.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.