Back in 1985, Mr. Mister were blowing up the Billboard Hot 100.  All of it a result of one song…”Kyrie”.  “Kyrie” is off the album ‘Welcome to the Real World’ and the song went all the way to #1 in the U.S.  Not just the U.S., it was #1 in Canada and Norway as well.  Mr. Mister were a four-piece band out of Phoenix, Arizona with lead singer Richard Page.

The song, “Kyrie”, was written by Richard Page, Steve George & John Lang.  John wrote the lyrics while Steve and Richard wrote the music.  “Kyrie” means Lord, Have Mercy in Greek and the song actually feels like a prayer. It was inspired by John Lang’s time in church as young child.  It was believed that the song was written due to a traumatic incident with Richard Page, but thankfully that is not the case and it is only an urban legend.

Richard’s vocals on this uptempo song are so smooth and so powerful.  When I said it felt like a prayer that is what it feels like.  Richard is screaming out to God to have mercy on him during his travels.  It was so impactful, it helped drive this song to the top.  However, people didn’t realize at the time that it was religious (even though Mr. Mister are not a Christian band).  People thought he was singing about a girl named Kyrie.

The song opens with some otherwordly sounds, but mostly it opens with keyboards mixed with some guitar then Richard’s vocals.  A minute in and BAM!!, the drums kick in and the song kicks in to gear.  The song really gets you moving and you get lost in the music and Richard’s voice.  This was one of many songs on an incredible album by the band.

Here is the 45 Single that I have, but the label has seen better days.  Thankfully, it still sounds great.

The B-Side of the single was also on the album.  It is the song “Run To Her”.  It is a much different song as it is a really slow ballad.  With Richard’s heartfelt vocals, you feel the love and passion in the song.  There isn’t much to the song, but it is impactful nonetheless.  Songs like these, no wonder they were a hit on pop radio back in the day.

Check out the video for Kyrie and let me know what you think.  It isn’t rock, but it is still pretty dang great!!  80’s Pop ruled!!!

Okay…if you want to listen to “Run to Her”, here it is as well…

“Kyrie”