Richard Marx – Right Here Waiting 7-Inch Vinyl Single: A Timeless Classic

When Richard Marx released Right Here Waiting in 1989, it quickly became one of the defining ballads of the late 80s. Featured on his second album, Repeat Offender, the track soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved massive international success. But for vinyl collectors and music enthusiasts, the 7-inch single of this song holds a special place, offering a slice of nostalgia with a tactile connection to the era.

What Makes the 7-Inch Vinyl Special?

  1. Iconic Artwork
    The 7-inch single features a minimalist yet evocative design. Depending on the country of release, the artwork might include Marx’s brooding portrait or a simple textual design, both of which encapsulate the song’s melancholic tone.
  2. Exclusive B-Sides
    One of the charms of 7-inch singles lies in their B-sides. For Right Here Waiting, many pressings included the track Wait for the Sunrise, a more upbeat, rock-infused number that contrasts beautifully with the ballad. This track remains a hidden gem for fans who know Marx primarily for his softer hits.
  3. Collector’s Item
    Original 1989 pressings, particularly from limited runs or specific regions (like Japan and Germany), are highly sought after. Japanese pressings are known for their superior sound quality and often come with unique sleeve designs and lyric inserts.

Little-Known Facts

  1. Written in a Hotel Room
    Marx wrote Right Here Waiting while on tour, in a hotel room in London. The song was initially a personal letter to his then-girlfriend (and now wife) Cynthia Rhodes, who was working in South Africa at the time. He never intended to release it publicly, but after playing it for friends, they convinced him otherwise.
  2. A Global Chart-Topper
    While the song’s success in the U.S. is well-documented, it also topped charts in multiple countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It even became a top ten hit in markets like the UK and Germany, where ballads sometimes struggled to gain traction during that period.
  3. Popular in Unexpected Places
    The song has been a staple at weddings and proms, but it also found an unlikely audience in China. In the early 90s, during the country’s growing openness to Western music, Right Here Waiting became one of the most played Western songs, helping to introduce Richard Marx to a new generation of fans.
  4. Covered by Many Artists
    The song has been covered by artists across multiple genres, including R&B legend Monica and pop stars like Shayne Ward. Each cover brings a unique interpretation, but few match the emotional resonance of Marx’s original.

The Legacy of the 7-Inch Single

For vinyl enthusiasts, the Right Here Waiting 7-inch single is more than just a record; it’s a piece of history. It represents an era when love ballads dominated airwaves, and the tangible format of vinyl allowed fans to feel more connected to their favourite songs. The crackle of the needle on this single adds a warmth that digital formats can’t replicate, making it a must-have for collectors and romantics alike.

Whether you’re a fan of 80s ballads, a vinyl collector, or simply someone who appreciates timeless love songs, the Right Here Waiting 7-inch single remains a beautiful artifact of music history.

You Find our Huge Range of 7 Inch Records here.

Colin Davenport
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