What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)

"What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)"
Single by Information Society
from the album Information Society
Released

April 26, 1988 (US)

June 21, 1988 (UK)
Format CD
Genre Synthpop, freestyle, new wave
Length 4:36
Label Tommy Boy - TB 911
Writer(s) Paul Robb, Kurt Harland
Producer(s) Fred Maher
Information Society singles chronology
"Running"
(1985)
"What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)"
(1988)
"Walking Away"
(1989)
Music sample
"Pure Energy"

"What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" is a song by American synthpop band Information Society that was released as a single in 1988. The "Pure Energy" subtitle derives from a sample of Leonard Nimoy's voice from the Star Trek episode "Errand of Mercy".[1] There is also a sample of DeForest Kelley's voice from the episode "I, Mudd". John Leland of Spin magazine called it a "pretty potent dance record".[1]

In 2009, VH1 ran a countdown of the 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders Of The '80s. Information Society's "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" placed at #74 on the countdown[2] despite the fact that the group had two other Top 40 hits: "Walking Away" (#9)[3] and "Think" (#28).[4]

The song was a big hit in the US, spending 25 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #3 in October 1988.[5]

The song was featured in Loverboy and American Psycho. A remixed version was included in American Psycho's soundtrack.

David Copperfield is known to use this song in his shows.

Track listings

1988

7": Tommy Boy * London / 886 420-7 (Netherlands)

  1. "What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (Pure Energy Radio Edit) - 3:35
  2. "What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (Club Radio Edit) - 3:15

12": Tommy Boy / TB 911 (US)

  1. "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (Club Mix) – 8:00
  2. "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (The 54 Mix) – 5:12
  3. "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (Percapella) – 4:09
  4. "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (Pure Energy Mix) – 4:33
  5. "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (What's on Your Dub Mix) – 6:22

12": London / LONX 211 (UK)

  1. "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (Club Mix) – 8:00
  2. "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (Pure Energy Mix) – 4:33
  3. "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (What's on Your Dub Mix) – 6:22

1998

12": Cleopatra Records CLP 0327

Side A

  1. "What's on Your Mind" (Girl Eats Boy Mix)
  2. "What's on Your Mind" (Remixed by David J of Love & Rockets)

Side B

  1. "What's on Your Mind" (Remixed by Christian B./Daren Kramer for CKB Production)
  2. "What's on Your Mind" (Remixed by Judson Leach and Exhibition)

2001

CD Single: Tommy Boy Silver Label

  1. "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (Pure Energy 2001 Edit) - 3:48
  2. "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (Boris & Beck Exit Edit) - 3:58
  3. "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (Junior's Blue Zone Club Mix) - 9:08
  4. "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (Boris & Beck Exit Mix) - 8:46
  5. "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (Sugarpussy Psychic Funk Mix) - 6:38

Charts

Chart (1988) Peak
position
Canada RPM Top Singles[6] 58
Ireland IRMA[7] 18
UK Singles Chart[8] 81
US Billboard Hot 100[9] 3
US Hot Dance Music/Club Play[9] 1
US Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales[9] 2
US Modern Rock Tracks[9] 10

See also

References