Song Stories: Blondie: Dreaming

By 1979, Blondie had firmly cemented their place as one of the biggest bands in the world. After the massive success of their 1978 album 'Parallel Lines', which produced two UK Number One singles: 'Heart of Glass' and 'Sunday Girl', along with a Number One album, the band was on top of the world. In fact, 'Parallel Lines' went on to become the best-selling album of 1979. Blondie were not just popular, they were a global phenomenon.

In this context, 'Dreaming' released as the first single from their fourth album 'Eat to the Beat', had the difficult job of following up two chart-toppers. But Blondie had proven time and again that they were capable of defying expectations. On 'Parallel Lines', they had shifted away from their punk roots, embracing a more polished new wave pop sound, and 'Dreaming' continued this evolution.

While 'Eat to the Beat' carried forward the band’s signature new wave pop sound, it also saw them venture into funk and disco territory. In fact, it’s been said that Blondie were influenced by ABBA, particularly the infectious rhythms and melodies of 'Dancing Queen', when writing 'Dreaming'. Yet, true to their innovative style, Blondie didn’t simply mimic; they took these influences and fused them with their unique pop-punk edge. By integrating the emerging electronic and synthesizer-driven sounds of the late '70s, they once again proved their ability to blend genres in exciting and unexpected ways.

From the moment 'Dreaming' begins, it’s clear that this is one of Blondie’s more experimental tracks. The smooth, rolling instrumental intro slowly builds into an upbeat rhythm, setting the stage for the song’s vibrant journey. With swirling guitars, dreamy synthesizers, and a pulsating bassline, the track effortlessly transports the listener into a surreal dreamscape. Exactly as the title suggests. Elements of disco, rock, and late '60s psychedelia merge seamlessly, making 'Dreaming' feel both futuristic and nostalgic.

The song’s most striking feature is its almost hypnotic melody, which immediately hooks the listener. The dynamic guitar riffs combine with Debbie Harry’s ethereal yet grounded vocals, creating an atmosphere that feels both otherworldly and intimate. While tracks like 'Atomic' may have garnered more attention for their disco influence, 'Dreaming' takes a different route, blending multiple decades’ worth of sounds into something that feels new, fresh, and timeless.

Lyrically, 'Dreaming' captures the essence of escapism and a sense of blissful detachment. Harry’s voice, both playful and captivating, invites listeners into a dreamlike state. The lyrics are a poetic reflection on the dreamy state of mind, where reality fades away, and emotions come to the forefront. In a sense, the song feels like a love letter to the freedom and whimsy that come with losing oneself in thought, separated from the constraints of the real world.

The chorus is unforgettable: “Dreaming is free, dreaming is free.” It’s a reminder that in the realm of dreams, there are no limits, anything is possible, and the imagination can roam freely. This ties perfectly with the recurring themes of personal liberation and defiance of norms that Blondie often explored in their music. Debbie Harry’s ethereal vocals, smooth and precise, elevate the song’s sense of wonder. She is, undoubtedly, one of the most unique and captivating frontwomen in rock history.

'Dreaming' had the nearly impossible task of following in the wake of two Number One singles. Despite the odds stacked against it, the song managed to climb to Number Two on the UK Singles Chart. It’s a testament to Blondie’s incredible staying power and their ability to evolve while maintaining the qualities that made them a global sensation. The song showcased the band at their best: a seamless blend of catchy pop melodies, psychedelic textures, and thoughtful lyrics, all wrapped in a carefree, infectious energy.

What Blondie accomplished in those few short years is nothing short of extraordinary. Their run of hit singles remains one of the most impressive in pop history. 'Dreaming', though it might not have reached the commercial heights of 'Heart of Glass' or 'Call Me', has remained a fan favorite for decades. The song has been featured on numerous compilation albums and remains a staple in the band’s live performances

In many ways, 'Dreaming' epitomizes what made Blondie such a groundbreaking band. They weren’t afraid to push boundaries, to experiment with sounds, and to weave together diverse influences into something uniquely their own. It’s a song that still feels fresh and exciting, even though it’s nearly four decades old.

It's definitely one of my favourites. 

Thank you for reading 

Jack