'Why Wasn't This a Huge Hit?': Juliana Hatfield's 'Universal Heartbeat'

Juliana Hatfield turned 40 last Friday, which — under the heading of belated birthday wishes — gives me the perfect excuse to ask why her delightful single “Universal Heartbeat” wasn’t one of the biggest pop hits of 1995. A combination of clever lyrics, explosive guitars, and a chorus that sticks like Glad Cling Wrap have kept “Universal Heartbeat” in regular rotation on my stereo for almost a dozen years. And while I suspect the first 10 seconds of the corresponding video, with Hatfield’s strung-out aerobics instructor spitting and popping pills, might’ve scared the suits at VH1 back in the day, if you stick with it till the end, you’ll see the clip is a low-budget charmer. Avril’s jank “Girlfriend” has nothing on this! So am I the only one who thinks Hatfield should’ve conquered mainstream radio with this one? Please vote yay or nay in the comments section below.

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