Nu Shooz: The Portland R&B and Pop Funk Phenom

Nu Shooz is an American R&B and pop-funk band best known for their infectious 1986 crossover hit "I Can't Wait." Hailing from Portland, Oregon, the group, led by husband-and-wife duo John Smith and Valerie Day, achieved international success with their album Poolside, which was certified gold in the United States.

Early Career

Nu Shooz formed in Portland in 1979, centered on the creative partnership of vocalist Valerie Day and trumpeter/keyboardist John Smith. The band's early sound was a blend of jazz, funk, and pop, cultivated through years of performing on the local club circuit. Their independent 1982 single, "I Can't Wait," initially gained traction on Portland dance floors but failed to attract major label attention at first.

Breakthrough

The group's breakthrough came in 1986 after a remixed version of "I Can't Wait" was licensed by the Atlantic Records subsidiary, Atlantic/PolyGram. The re-released single became a massive hit, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. This success propelled their major-label debut album, Poolside, to gold status, selling over 500,000 copies.

Key Tracks

I Can't Wait - This signature song defined the band's career, becoming a global dance-pop anthem and their highest-charting single.

Point of No Return - The follow-up single from Poolside also found success on the dance charts and received significant radio play.

Should I Say Yes? - This track further showcased the band's polished blend of pop hooks and sophisticated R&B rhythms.

The momentum from Poolside led to a second Atlantic album, 1988's Told U So, which featured the single "Are You Lookin' for Somebody?" While they did not replicate the chart dominance of "I Can't Wait," Nu Shooz maintained a dedicated fanbase. After stepping back from the major-label scene, the core duo of Day and Smith continued to write, record, and perform, later releasing new music independently that stayed true to their funk and soul roots.

Fans of Nu Shooz who appreciate 80s pop-funk and sophisticated R&B may also enjoy the sounds of The Time, which shares a similar emphasis on tight, danceable grooves. Kool & The Gang also parallels their crossover appeal from funk to pop. For the jazz-inflected pop style, listen to Sade, and for another iconic 80s synth-funk act, explore The Gap Band.

The music of Nu Shooz, particularly their classic 80s hits, remains a staple on classic pop and rock FM stations as well as dedicated retro dance music channels. Their enduring track "I Can't Wait" is frequently featured in rotations that celebrate the defining sounds of the 1980s.

Listeners can discover the vibrant catalog of Nu Shooz, from their chart-topping singles to their deeper album cuts, through the radio stations featured on onairium.com.