Girl Talk (duo)

Lore & Background

Girl Talk were formed by Karen Wright and Leigh Pearce, who were 14 and 13 years old at the time of their debut single "Can the Rhythm" in 1983 on Park Records. After Pearce left, Karen's sister Julie Wright joined the group. In March 1984, the duo participated in the Irish National Song Contest, the heat for Eurovision, with the song "Problems". Later that year they signed to Innervision Records and released "Marvellous Guy", produced by Peter Collins, which failed to chart.

Their only UK hit was a re-recorded version of "Can the Rhythm", released as their second Innervision single in October 1984, reaching #92. This track was produced by Peter Collins and Mike Stock, and predates the formation of the Stock Aitken Waterman team. "Can the Rhythm" was also released in the United States through Geffen Records, where it reached #26 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1985.

In 1987, the sisters moved to WEA and released two further singles, "Falling for You" (produced by the Quick) and "I Will Give You Love" (produced by John Rocca), both of which failed to chart. Unlike most girl groups of the era, one of their singles was written solely by a group member—in this case, by Karen Wright.

Reader's Guide

Girl Talk occupy a small but distinctive place in 1980s British pop history. Formed by schoolgirls Karen Wright and Leigh Pearce, the group underwent an early lineup change when Pearce was replaced by Karen's sister Julie. Their debut single "Can the Rhythm" initially went unnoticed, but a re-recorded version in 1984 became their only UK chart entry, peaking at #92. That recording is notable as an early production by Stock Aitken Waterman, who would go on to dominate the pop charts later in the decade. The song also found success in the United States, reaching #26 on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart. Perhaps most significantly, Girl Talk were unusual among contemporary girl groups in that three of their singles were written solely by a member—Karen Wright—giving them a degree of creative control rare for the time. Despite subsequent singles on WEA failing to chart, the group's brief career offers a glimpse into the pre-fame work of Stock Aitken Waterman and the challenges faced by young female artists in the 1980s music industry.

Did You Know?

• Girl Talk were formed by Karen Wright and Leigh Pearce, aged 14 and 13, in 1983.
• The re-recorded 'Can the Rhythm' was produced by Peter Collins and Mike Stock, predating the formation of Stock Aitken Waterman.
• One of their singles was written solely by group member Karen Wright.