Stop (Give it up) / Paul Rein (#27, 1986)

In the synth-drenched soundscape of 1980s pop, where catchy melodies often masked deeper lyrical currents, emerges a compelling artifact from Sweden. This wasn’t just another dance track; it was a pulsating beat of betrayal, a danceable lament wrapped in the quintessential Italo-Disco and synth-pop sounds of the era.

Paul Rein, born Pauli Kaj Olavi Reinikainen, a Swedish musician with Finnish roots, was carving out his niche as a singer in the 80s, releasing a string of Italo-Disco singles. But “Stop (Give It Up)” holds a special place, not just for its infectious rhythm, but for its raw, relatable emotional core. It’s a song that confronts infidelity head-on, with lines that cut deep: “I know you’ve been cheating on a friend with your lies”. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship crumbling under the weight of deception, culminating in a poignant realization: “There are tears in your eyes / Now I’ve seen through your disguise / Let it go / We both know / Your love was just a show”. This juxtaposition of heartbreak with an energetic, danceable beat was a signature move of 80s pop, allowing songs to resonate on multiple levels – as club anthems and as emotional touchstones.

While many knew Paul Rein as a performer, his story takes an even more fascinating turn. He would later transition to a highly successful songwriter and producer, penning hits for global superstars like Christina Aguilera and Victoria Beckham. “Stop (Give It Up),” then, becomes a foundational piece in his artistic journey, a testament to his early identity as a recording artist and a glimpse into the versatile talent that would soon dominate the charts from behind the scenes. He even co-wrote the song with Roy Colegate, a UK-born songwriter who, interestingly, relocated to Stockholm, highlighting the city’s burgeoning importance as a creative hub in the European music scene.

The song’s Swedish roots run deep. Released on Alpha Records, a Swedish label, it was mastered at the prestigious Polar Studios in Stockholm and pressed by Audiodisc AB, both local entities. The producers, Christer Sandelin and Tommy Ekman, were influential figures in Swedish pop themselves. This concentration of Swedish talent and infrastructure paints a compelling picture of Sweden in the mid-80s, not just as a consumer, but as a sophisticated creator and exporter of pop music, laying the groundwork for the globally recognized “Swedish sound”.

Beyond its Swedish origins, “Stop (Give It Up)” embarked on an international journey. It saw a Benelux release through CNR Records under the Injection Disco Dance Label, a clear sign of early international marketing efforts. Crucially, a video clip of the song was broadcast on the influential Dutch pop music television program “TopPop” in August 1986. For synth-pop and Italo-Disco artists, such television exposure was vital for breaking into new territories and building a following, underscoring the interconnectedness of European music markets at the time.

And what about its chart performance? “Stop (Give It Up)” enjoyed a respectable run on Trackslistan, Sweden’s influential listener-voted top-20 radio program. It spent six weeks on the chart in 1986, peaking at number 5, and even made it to number 27 on the Trackslistan year-end list for 1986. This suggests that while it might have been more of a genre-specific hit, perhaps thriving in clubs or among a niche audience for Italo-Disco and synth-pop, it certainly resonated with Swedish listeners.

Paul Rein’s “Stop (Give It Up)” is more than just a song; it’s a vibrant echo from the past, a Swedish synth-pop gem that continues to resonate with its tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of a catchy beat.

My copy: 7″, 45 RPM, Sweden, 1986, Alpha Records
Trackslistan (Swedish radio chart): 6 weeks, peaked at #5, #27 on year-end list 1986