In the middle of the disco era (1975-83 or so), there was always room in the clubs for a danceable

Rock & Roll tune…and “Centerfold” not only filled the bill, it was a guaranteed floor filler!

It was the first single release from the J. Geils Band’s 1981 “Freeze Frame” album,and a stylistic departure for he group: more New Wave than straight Rock…and the subject matter–a man discovers his high school crush is now a centerfold in a girly magazine–was more fun than risque. In fact, at first, he’s shocked and saddened by the discovery…but later on, he changes his mind.

The video–which is also a lot of fun–follows the plot perfectly.

“Centerfold” quickly became J. Geils’ biggest hit, and it was a MONSTER, spending 6 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and 4 weeks on top in Canada.

The song also became a fun “go-to” song in films (like Charlie’s Angels: “Full Throttle”), and especially on TV, where it was used in episodes of ” King of Queens,” “My Name is Earl,” “The Office,” “Glee,” and “The Goldbergs.”

“Centerfold” was not just A Great Song of 1981-and 82, it , was arguably, a Great Song of of the entire decade!

— Mike cook