Story Behind The Song

Released in 1989, “Looking For Linda” was one of the standout singles from Hue And Cry’s acclaimed second album, Remote. Written by brothers Pat and Greg Kane, the song reflected the duo’s growing confidence as songwriters, blending sophisticated pop with soul, jazz and contemporary dance influences. Produced by Harvey Jay Goldberg, it showcased a polished, mature sound that helped establish Hue And Cry as one of Scotland’s most distinctive bands of the late 1980s.

The song tells the story of a man searching for someone who has drifted out of his life, using the mysterious figure of Linda as a symbol of lost love, regret and longing. Pat Kane’s expressive vocal performance captures both vulnerability and determination, while the band’s smooth instrumentation creates an atmosphere that is reflective yet uplifting. Rich keyboards, understated guitars, crisp percussion and soulful backing vocals combine to produce a warm, sophisticated arrangement, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to take centre stage without sacrificing the song’s infectious melodic appeal.

“Looking For Linda” demonstrated Hue And Cry’s ability to write intelligent, emotionally engaging pop music that balanced commercial appeal with musical sophistication. Its memorable melody and polished production made it one of the highlights of Remote, an album that broadened the band’s audience and strengthened their reputation for thoughtful songwriting. Today, the song remains a favourite among fans, admired for its heartfelt lyrics, elegant arrangement and timeless sound. It stands as one of Hue And Cry’s finest recordings and a lasting example of the duo’s unique contribution to British pop music during the closing years of the 1980s.

The song peaked at No. 15 in the UK charts on 4th March 1989.

Eighties Archive Song Number

EA-0095

Highest Chart Position

No. 15

Date Released

16th January 1989

Genre

Funk, Soul, Pop, Ballad

Date Of UK Top 40 Entry

4th February 1989

Record Label

CIRCA RECORDS

Catalogue Number

YR 24

ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.

Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.

A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS

Hue And Cry - Looking For Linda - UK 7'' Cover - Front
UK 7'' Cover - Front
Hue And Cry - Looking For Linda - UK 7'' Cover - Back
UK 7'' Cover - Back

TRACK LISTING

A-SideLooking For Linda (3:49) 
(Pat Kane/Greg Kane)
Produced By Harvey Jay Goldberg, James Biondolillo & Gregory Kane
B-SideHe Won’t Smile (2:58)
(Pat Kane/Greg Kane)
Produced By Gregory Kane

CHART PERFORMANCE

UK Top 40 Chart Run [7 Weeks] – 4th February 1989 – 18th March 1989
31
23
18
16
15
23
34

OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS

Looking For Linda (Single Version) (3:49)
Looking For Linda (The Slow Train Home Mix) (6:18)
Looking For Linda (Gospel On The Track Mix) (4:23)

See ALL releases of ‘Looking For Linda’ on Discogs.

OFFICIAL VIDEO

LYRICS

I was not looking for Linda
But Linda found me
Hiding away on the slow train home
Is this one for Paisley?
Oh you’ve got to help me
She used to work there a long time ago
She spent thirty-five pounds on one pack of ciggies
Running an errand for, him indoors
But then she kept running
Straight down to Leeds Central
Took Inner-City
And left her remorse

I’m looking out for Linda
Never stop looking
Never stop looking for Linda
(Looking out for Linda)
Never stop looking
Never stop looking for Linda
(Looking out for Linda)

I was looking at Linda
Linda was pleased
She’d been fighting firewater all that day
She said, “Me and drinking means only one thing”
Then whispered that she was too polite to say
The train door was jammed
But the time wasn’t right
Some guy was holding her back from the window
I said, “a fine man”
She said “So arrogant!”
“I will decide when I go, or I don’t go”

I’m looking out for Linda
Never stop looking
Never stop looking for Linda
(Looking out for Linda)
Never stop looking
Never stop looking for Linda
(Looking out for Linda)

I was kissing with Linda
As Paisley came closer (closer)
She’s wiser than alcohol, master of men
Such a connection is finer than true things
I’ll always be looking for Linda, again
I’m looking out for Linda
In the rain
I’m looking out for Linda

Never stop looking
Never stop looking for Linda
(Looking out for Linda)
Never stop looking
Never stop looking for Linda
(Looking out for Linda)
Never stop looking
Ah, never stop looking (ah the sweet girl)
(Looking for Linda)
Looking for the girl, yeah
(Looking for Linda)
Looking for the girl, yeah

Written By Pat Kane, Greg Kane

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