When Australian Rick Springfield topped the pop charts in 1981 with "Jessie's Girl," many people assumed it was due to his exposure as a star on the daytime, television drama "General Hospital." The high-profile he had on the popular show no doubt helped his recording career gain traction, but he had actually been a musician for far longer than an actor (even having a Top 20 hit in the US with "Speak To The Sky" in 1972). Springfield proved to be far more than a flash in the pan, though, and throughout the early '80s was one of the most successful pop acts in the US.

Following the release of his platinum-selling album Living In Oz in 1983 and its subsequent tour, Springfield made the leap to the big screen with his first feature film, "Hard To Hold." The film was, not surprisingly, savaged by critics by did fair business at the box office. It's soundtrack also provided Springfield with his last Top Ten hit (to date) when the lead single, "Love Somebody," entered the US pop charts in March of 1984.

"Love Somebody" was one of Springfield's most powerful rockers which led to airplay on AOR stations that were usually cool to Springfield's efforts. In fact, the song almost reached the Top Ten on AOR charts, as well, reaching #13 as it was peaking at #5 on the pop charts. Although the "Hard To Hold" soundtrack would spawn two more Top 40 singles for Springfield, neither would be as successful and it would mark the beginning of his decline as a bonafide pop star.

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