2 April 1988
Here’s Tiffany back at number one, but in the two months since ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ things had changed. Now Kylie Minogue and the Goss twins, all still only 19 in early 1988, were the new teen pop sensations on this side of the Atlantic, and Kylie in particular had become everyone’s favourite girl-next-door. Tiffers, her American arch-rival Debbie Gibson and other US teens would continue to have hits in the UK and Ireland this year, but firmly as supporting cast to the starlets of SAW and Bros.
‘Could’ve Been’ is another of those romantic ballads that, to my young and impatient brain, always seemed to be at the top of the charts in my childhood. Anyone thinking Tiffany is a bit young to be reflecting on lost love is forgetting that maudlin, ugly-cry heartbreak is the baseline emotional state of the vast majority of teenagers at any time. It’s a solid piece of songwriting well delivered by a more-than-competent singer, and hearing a real actual piano on a number one single in 1988 is a refreshing novelty, but ultimately this is just another romantic ballad. Still, next time you hear Tiffany being called a one-hit wonder, you have proof to the contrary.
