“Right Back Where We Started From” is a classic, upbeat single by the British R&B/soul singer Maxine Nightingale, released in 1975 (UK) / 1976 (US).
Key Information and Significance
- Genre: Northern Soul, Pop-Soul, Proto-Disco. Its infectious, danceable beat and classic Motown-inspired structure made it a standout hit.
- Writers: Pierre Tubbs and J. Vincent Edwards.
- Production Note (The Backstory):
- The song was written in about seven minutes by Tubbs and Edwards while driving to a hospital for the birth of Tubbs’ daughter.
- Maxine Nightingale, who had been working as a session singer, initially disliked the song’s “bubble-gum” sound, especially the keyboards and heavy handclaps, and only agreed to record it if it was released under a pseudonym.
- Ironically, the final chart-topping track was actually the original demo recording, which was quickly released by United Artists under her real name when they realized its hit potential. She was also convinced to accept a royalty payment instead of a flat session fee, a very fortunate decision.
Chart Performance
The song was a massive international success, propelling Maxine Nightingale to global fame:
- US Charts: It was a crossover hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1976 and reaching No. 1 on the Cash Box Top 100 chart. It was certified Gold for sales of one million units.
- UK Charts: It was first released in the UK in 1975, where it reached No. 8 on the Singles Chart.
Legacy
The song is one of the most recognizable and enduring pop hits of the era, celebrated for its optimistic mood and the strong, soulful vocal delivery by Maxine Nightingale. It has maintained its popularity through frequent use in movies (e.g., Slap Shot) and television, cementing its status as a timeless piece of upbeat 1970s soul-pop.