Barry Blue: If I Show You I Can Dance Single (1975)

A Glam Pop Dancefloor Sizzler

Barry Blue’s “If I Show You I Can Dance” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 4, 1975, on Bell Records (catalogue: BELL 1452). Backed with “Rosetta Stone,” this funky glam pop track, written by Barry Blue and Lynsey de Paul, was a standalone non-album single following the success of his debut album Hot Shots (1974). Produced by Blue, the A-side’s infectious groove and catchy chorus aimed for the dancefloor, but it failed to chart, marking a dip in Blue’s commercial run. Housed in a vibrant picture sleeve with Blue’s stylish image, the single is a nostalgic relic of ‘70s glam pop.

Single Overview

A-Side: “If I Show You I Can Dance” (3:36)

Written by Barry Blue and Lynsey de Paul. A bouncy, R&B-infused pop rocker with driving bass, handclaps, and Blue’s smooth vocals, building on his "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)" formula with flirtatious lyrics about showcasing dance moves for romance. Produced by Blue, it blended glam energy with dance appeal.

B-Side: “Rosetta Stone” (3:52)

Written by Barry Blue and Lynsey de Paul. A mid-tempo, soulful ballad with orchestral touches and Blue’s emotive delivery, exploring themes of enduring love. Also produced by Blue, it offered a romantic contrast to the A-side’s upbeat vibe.

Release Details:

Label: Bell Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl (BELL 1452): “If I Show You I Can Dance” / “Rosetta Stone.” In a picture sleeve with Blue’s image.

No cassette or CD formats for this single.

Notes: ℗ & © 1975 Bell Records. Matrix numbers (e.g., BELL 1452 A-1U) confirm authenticity. Released as a standalone single, not tied to an album.

Country Variations

The single was released in several countries with variations:

UK (Bell BELL 1452): Released October 4, 1975. Tracklist: “If I Show You I Can Dance” / “Rosetta Stone.” Picture sleeve with Blue’s photo.

Germany (Bell 2008 332): Released October 1975. Same tracklist, catalogue 2008 332, German sleeve with localized text.

Netherlands (Bell 2008 332): Released October 1975. Same tracklist, catalogue 2008 332, Dutch sleeve.

France (Bell 2008 332): Released October 1975. Same tracklist, catalogue 2008 332, French sleeve.

Australia (Bell K-6071): Released late 1975. Same tracklist, catalogue K-6071, company sleeve.

US: No confirmed single release; Blue’s success was primarily European.

Production and Context

Recorded in 1975 at Audio International Studios, London, the single was produced by Barry Blue, with arrangements by Gerry Shury and session musicians including a brass section for the A-side’s funky groove. The A-side’s danceable rhythm continued Blue’s songwriting partnership with Lynsey de Paul, while the B-side’s balladry added depth. Released as glam rock waned and punk emerged, it followed Blue’s 1973–74 hits like “Dancin’ (On a Saturday Night)” (No. 2) and “Do You Wanna Dance?” (No. 7), but struggled against new wave acts like The Stranglers and The Jam.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

“If I Show You I Can Dance” was a standalone single, not tied to an album:

Chart Performance:

UK: Did not chart (Official Singles Chart).

Germany: Did not chart (GfK).

Netherlands: Did not chart (Single Top 100).

Australia: Did not chart (Kent Music Report).

Ireland: Did not chart.

Belgium: Did not chart (Ultratop Flanders).

France: Did not chart.

Other Countries: No chart entries in US, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, New Zealand, or Japan due to limited distribution and Blue’s declining popularity.

UK Chart Data:

Entry Date: N/A (failed to chart).

Peak: N/A.

Weeks on Chart: 0.

Note: Blue’s earlier hits included “Dancin’ (On a Saturday Night)” (No. 2, July 7, 1973, 14 weeks), “Do You Wanna Dance?” (No. 7, October 20, 1973, 11 weeks), and “School Love” (No. 11, May 25, 1974, 8 weeks), but “If I Show You I Can Dance” marked his commercial fade in 1975.

Single Chart Performance

“If I Show You I Can Dance” failed to enter the UK Singles Chart or any international charts, reflecting Blue’s diminishing chart presence as punk and new wave took over in 1975.

Legacy and Collectibility

“If I Show You I Can Dance” is a lesser-known glam pop gem, echoing Blue’s earlier dancefloor hits, while “Rosetta Stone” adds soulful depth for collectors. Streams on Spotify via Barry Blue compilations preserve the analog bounce. This single is a vibrant relic of Blue’s glam era.

Have you snagged this Barry Blue rarity in your vinyl collection? Does “If I Show You I Can Dance” get your feet moving? Share in the comments!