The Number One Song In Heaven

The Number One Song In Heaven is the title of a song recorded and released by American group Sparks. The song was written by group core members Ron and Russell Mael together with Giorgio Moroder who also produced the record. It was released as a single on 23 February 1979, their first release on Virgin, and is featured on the group's album No.1 In Heaven released shortly afterwards.

The song was the first new material to be issued featuring Sparks' collaboration with disco and electronic music maestro Giorgio Moroder, who had already made a name as producer and writer with Donna Summer, Japan, Munich Machine and as a solo artist.

Single release
The single made slow progress on its release in February although eventually reached the UK Top 30 in May after being featured on Top of the Pops on 10 May 1979 when the single was at no.34. It reached its peak position of no.14 after being featured on TOTP for a second time on 31 May 1979. It was the group's first chart success after a successful run in 1974 and 1975, their last UK hit being Looks, Looks, Looks in October 1975.

Typically for Moroder's 'disco' productions, the single was remixed as a longer version which was released as the B side. Both 7" and 12" versions were released, although feature slightly different 'long' and 'short' versions. Limited numbers of both formats were released on coloured vinyl. A: The Number One Song In Heaven (3:48)
 * 7", Virgin VS 244

B: The Number One Song In Heaven (Long Version) (6:56) A: The Number One Song In Heaven (Short version) (4:02)
 * 12", Virgin VS 24412

B: The Number One Song In Heaven (Long Version) (7:27)

Connections

 * 7" in my record collection (one of first 7" singles bought)
 * Top 50 singles