Was It Just For Fun 8 O’Clock Date by Barbara Gorman & Sister Viv – A Retro Gem That Still Hits
Alright, let’s talk about this little slice of 1957 magic. Was It Just For Fun 8 O’Clock Date by Barbara Gorman and Sister Viv is one of those albums that feels like stepping into a time machine. Released on Arrow Records, it’s got that classic Rock vibe with a heavy dose of Doo Wop charm. Directed by Herb Larson, this thing has a certain je ne sais quoi—okay, who am I kidding? I don’t speak French, but you get the point. It’s good.
Now, I gotta say, there are only two tracks here: “8 O’Clock Date” and “Was It Just For Fun.” But man, do they pack a punch. Let’s dive in.
First up, “8 O’Clock Date.” This track is straight fire… well, as much fire as you can get from a 1957 doo-wop jam. The harmonies? Tighter than your jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. There’s something about the way Barbara and Sister Viv bounce off each other vocally—it’s smooth, kinda sweet, but not too sugary. You can almost picture yourself cruising down some old-school American street in a convertible, wind in your hair, thinking life doesn’t get better than this. It’s catchy without trying too hard, y’know? Like, if someone played this at a sock hop (do people still have those?), everyone would be out on the floor doing... whatever dance move was cool back then.
Then there’s “Was It Just For Fun.” Oh boy, this one sticks with ya. The melody sneaks up on you, slow at first, then BAM—you’re hooked. The lyrics hit different; they feel real, raw even. It’s like eavesdropping on a heart-to-heart between friends over milkshakes at a diner booth. Did she really mean it when she said she loved him? Was it all just a game? These are the deep questions we’re dealing with here, folks. And honestly, the way Barbara belts out certain lines gives me goosebumps every time. Sister Viv chimes in perfectly, adding layers to the story. It’s short, sure, but it leaves an impression.
What makes these tracks stand out isn’t just the music itself—it’s how authentic they feel. No fancy production tricks or auto-tune nonsense. Just pure voices singing their hearts out. In today’s world of playlists stuffed with forgettable bops, this album reminds you what music used to be about: connection. Real human emotion poured into every note.
So yeah, listening to Was It Just For Fun 8 O’Clock Date feels like finding an old photograph in your grandparents’ attic. It’s nostalgic, kinda quirky, and maybe a little dusty—but damn, does it make you smile. Funny thing is, while writing this review, I realized I’ve had “8 O’Clock Date” stuck in my head for days now. Can’t decide if that’s a blessing or a curse, but hey, at least it’s memorable.
Final thought: If aliens ever invade Earth and demand proof of our artistic achievements, I’d hand them this album. Then again, they might think we’re weird for loving songs about dates and teenage drama. But hey, isn’t that what makes us human?
