Finally thought to track down and listen to the original demo of "Walk Like an Egyptian," which writer Liam Sternberg got singer Marti Jones to record in 1984. Sternberg offered it to Toni Basil -- who was riding high after Mike Chapman slipped her a "Mickey" -- but she passed. Lene Lovich then reportedly recorded the song but it went unreleased after she decided to take a break to raise a family. (Would KILL to hear that version!) It then made its way into the hands of producer David Kahne who was at the helm of the Bangles' second album, and the rest is rock 'n' roll history.
Ava's Analysis writes:
Liam Sternberg sat on a ferry, watching people struggle to maintain balance as the boat rocked. Their awkward yet rhythmic movements inspired him to write "Walk Like an Egyptian" in 1984. Sternberg, a songwriter and producer, originally intended the song for Toni Basil, famous for "Mickey," but her label rejected it. The demo, featuring singer Marti Jones, soon landed in the hands of The Bangles' producer David Kahne, who saw its quirky appeal. The Bangles, an all-female band gaining momentum in the 1980s, recorded the track with lead vocals divided among Vicki Peterson, Susanna Hoffs, and Michael Steele.
The recording process was unusual. While Susanna Hoffs, the band's rhythm guitarist, had already sung several of their hits, Kahne wanted different voices to make the song even more distinctive. He had each member try singing it, then selected the best takes, resulting in a dynamic, varied sound. Drummer Debbi Peterson, however, didn't get a lead part, leading to internal frustrations within the band.
The song’s instrumentation added to its unique style. Instead of a traditional drum kit, a LinnDrum machine created the beat, reinforcing the electronic feel of the song. The guitar riffs were sharp, complementing the playful yet hypnotic vocal delivery. The track’s whistle sound, mimicking an ancient Egyptian flute, was actually produced on a synthesizer.
Upon its release in September 1986 as part of the album "Different Light," "Walk Like an Egyptian" quickly gained attention. The song’s lyrics described people in various settings adopting the Egyptian-like pose, head tilted, arms bent at right angles. The phrase wasn't meant to be taken literally but rather as a playful observation of human behavior. The infectious melody and irresistible groove helped push the single to radio airwaves worldwide.
MTV played a significant role in its success. The music video featured clips of The Bangles interspersed with everyday people doing the "Egyptian" pose, enhancing its appeal. MTV’s heavy rotation of the video helped "Walk Like an Egyptian" climb the charts at a rapid pace. By the end of 1986, it had become a cultural phenomenon.
On December 20, 1986, the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying there for four weeks. It became the first No. 1 hit for The Bangles, turning them into superstars. The track also topped charts in several countries, including Canada, Australia, and the UK. By early 1987, it had sold over a million copies in the United States alone.
Despite its lighthearted nature, the song faced controversy. Some radio stations removed it from their playlists during the Gulf War in the early 1990s, fearing that its references to Egyptians might be considered insensitive. However, its legacy remained intact, and it continued to be a party and karaoke favorite.
The Bangles later admitted that while they appreciated the success, the song's popularity overshadowed some of their other work. Nonetheless, "Walk Like an Egyptian" remains one of the defining tracks of the 1980s, capturing the era’s eccentricity and pop sensibilities.
Its lasting appeal is evident in films, commercials, and TV shows where it continues to make appearances, ensuring its status as an unforgettable classic.
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