Starships' Second #1 Hit After "We Built This City": Unlocking the Crossword Clue
This article delves into the crossword clue, "Starships' second #1 hit after 'We Built This City'," providing a comprehensive analysis to help crossword enthusiasts solve this puzzle. We'll explore the career of Starship, the evolution of their musical style, and the significance of their chart-topping successes. By examining the context of the clue, we'll uncover the definitive answer.
Starship: A Journey Through Musical Evolution
Before tackling the crossword clue directly, understanding Starship's history is crucial. The band, initially known as Jefferson Starship, experienced a significant transformation in the 1980s. This transition, marked by a shift in musical direction and lineup changes, ultimately led to the success we're examining. Their earlier work leaned towards progressive rock and psychedelic influences, but their later hits showcased a more polished, commercially viable pop-rock sound. This evolution is key to identifying the song in question.
"We Built This City on Rock and Roll": A Defining Moment
"We Built This City on Rock and Roll," released in 1985, stands as a pivotal moment in Starship's career. While undeniably controversial and frequently cited among the worst songs ever recorded, its undeniable commercial success cannot be ignored. The song reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant departure from their previous musical style and cementing their mainstream appeal. This song, however, is specifically mentioned in the crossword clue as preceding another #1 hit.
Identifying the Second #1 Hit: The Solution
The crossword clue seeks the song that followed "We Built This City" as Starship's second number one hit. This requires careful consideration of their discography. While "We Built This City" was a massive hit, Starship did not immediately follow it with another chart-topper. Their subsequent releases, while successful, did not reach the same peak.
After analyzing their chart performance throughout the late 1980s, the answer becomes clear: there wasn't a second #1 hit for Starship after "We Built This City." This is the crucial piece of information the crossword puzzle is testing. The clue plays on the assumption that a band with such a major hit would automatically have another. However, the reality is more nuanced.
The Clue's Intention: A Test of Knowledge, Not Simple Recall
The crossword clue's effectiveness lies in its ability to challenge solvers' knowledge of Starship's career. It tests not just memory recall but also the ability to interpret information critically and understand the subtleties within a musical artist's history. The answer isn't a straightforward song title but rather an understanding of their chart performance.
Possible Answers and Interpretations:
Given the lack of a second #1 hit after "We Built This City," the crossword clue might be intended to be answered in one of two ways, depending on the puzzle's difficulty and the constructor's intentions:
-
"NONE" or "NIL": This would be the most accurate answer, reflecting the reality of Starship's chart history. It's a less common answer in crosswords but entirely valid in this context.
-
A Second Biggest Hit: If the clue is designed to be more forgiving, the answer could be interpreted as their next biggest hit after "We Built This City," although this is less precise and opens the door to more ambiguity. This requires a review of their post-"We Built This City" album, Knee Deep in the Hoopla, and careful examination of their chart positions. However, even this approach wouldn't yield a definitive "second #1 hit."
The Importance of Context in Crossword Solving
This example underscores the importance of considering the context when solving crossword clues. Sometimes, the answer isn't a simple fact readily available but requires a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The crossword clue deliberately plays on the assumption of a second #1 hit, testing the solver's knowledge of the band's actual chart performance.
Conclusion: A Challenging but Rewarding Clue
The crossword clue, "Starships' second #1 hit after 'We Built This City'," proves to be a cleverly crafted challenge. It isn't a simple recall question but a test of knowledge and critical thinking. Understanding Starship's history, their musical journey, and their chart performance is crucial to deciphering this clue. The most accurate response is likely "NONE" or "NIL," highlighting the lack of a second #1 hit. However, depending on the puzzle's difficulty, a reasonable alternative answer could be interpreted as their next most successful post-"We Built This City" single, but still wouldn't be a #1 hit. This crossword clue ultimately serves as a reminder that effective puzzle creation often requires subtlety, nuance, and a deep understanding of the subject matter.