"Right on Track" is a 1987 hit single by the American band Breakfast Club. Written by the band's lead singer and drummer, Dan Gilroy and Stephen Bray respectively, the single climbed to number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart on May 30, 1987

"Right On Track" is a song that is surrounded by surprising facts.

Surprise #1: This was their only charting hit.

Surprise #2: This was their only album. This is probably why today when you say "Breakfast Club," everybody thinks of the 1985 John Hughes film.

Surprise #3: Madonna used to play drums and guitar for them. Yes, we mean that Madonna! Bet you didn't even know she could carry a beat! Many fans forget that she was in Breakfast Club and then a band called Emmy & The Emmys before releasing her debut solo album in 1983. Stephen Bray was also her bandmate in Emmy & The Emmys.

Surprise #4: Many of their music videos, including the one for "Right On Track," were directed by Jeff Stein, who also directed the Who documentary The Kids Are Alright.

Surprise #5: Dan Gilroy (not to be confused with the screenwriter) also went on to an acting career, playing parts in children's shows such as 1990's Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme and the 1990s TV series Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. Both of these projects involved Jean Stapleton and Shelly Duvall.

Written by band members Stephen Bray and Dan Gilroy, this song is an intriguing one lyrically, as it's unclear if the dance club is a metaphor or a literal place. Gilroy sings about his attempts to sidle up next to a girl in the club, but despite his very best dancing, she won't acknowledge him. He doesn't get that she's not interested, and keeps trying different moves to no avail. He's definitely delusional, but we're not sure if the club is real or imaginary.

The big-voiced soul singer Jocelyn Brown does backing vocals on this track. She can also be heard on the Snap! hit "The Power," where she is sampled for the "I've got the power" line.

Comments:

Brendan Marx

We should never have allowed the 80s to end. 

Freddy Caruso

Who’s rockin this jam in 2021 ?!?!

ponyboy314

Damn.  I miss the 80s.  You know why?  If you just watched this video, then you don't need me to tell you.  This video was flashy, over the top, didn't make a lick of sense, and we were all perfectly okay with that.  We really didn't care.  Anything was possible then.  Everything was fun.  We didn't take everything so seriously. 

Mike Jones

I am so glad that I was a teen in the 80's.

peacheslovesjesus

I dedicate this to my HUSBAND in heaven. No reason, I just like it and HE likes it when I am happy. :-)

Starry Wizdom

Don't mind me, I just came for the backup chickens...

Doctormario4600

I wonder if it's physically possible for anything to get more 80s than this

bebomac5

Sometimes I need to be reminded how much I loved the 80's!

Michael Berry

When music was fun and creative

PAUL FT

people say the 80's were corny.  Yes, sometimes it was.  I will take that over annoying, obnoxious  and overbearing,    like the 21st century has been.

longlivethe80s

This guy can dance.  Has a little ghetto step in his moves.  Ahead of his time if you ask me.

greenberet61

truly one of the most sincere songs of the 80s,,,,lots of talent

Scott Ross

God! What a GREAT tune!! LONG LIVE THE 80s!!

Garrick Douglas

The Drummer wrote a lot of Madonna's songs in the '80's.

Anthony Williams

Had no idea Madonna was a member of this band in 79 as a drummer. She dated Dan Gilroy who is the lead singer in this song.