1987 No. 1, Which You Probably Didn't Realize Was A Cover, Rose To The Top 39 Years Ago Today
You would be forgiven for thinking that "I Think We're Alone Now" is Tiffany's original song. After all, her version topped the Billboard charts in 1987 and became one of the decade's defining pop tracks. The hit also made Tiffany one of the musical prodigies who received a No.1 before turning 20, as she was 15 years old at the time. However, "I Think We're Alone Now" was originally recorded by Tommy James and the Shondells, with the track enjoying some chart success back in 1967.
The hit song was written by Ritchie Cordell, who penned and produced several tracks for Tommy James and the Shondells. The original is a jangly, garage-rock number with a catchy pop sheen. Meanwhile, Tiffany's cover of the beloved '60s hit is more dance-oriented. That said, both versions boast the same catchy melodies and vocal patterns — Tiffany's just ups the bubblegum pop factor.
These days, "I Think We're Alone Now" remains Tiffany's biggest hit, so she made the right decision to record the track. Be that as it may, the pop star had reservations about making the song at first, as she felt that it didn't align with her musical sensibilities.
Tiffany has concerns about I Think We're Alone Now
Tiffany started her music career with the goal of becoming a country star. She looked up to singers with strong voices and wanted to prove that she could hang with them. "I Think We're Alone Now" is pretty far removed from country music, so what made Tiffany agree to record the track?
"It was dancey, and I worried that it wasn't going to show that I could actually sing. I was 14, and I had this vision of me being Stevie Nicks or Janis Joplin," Tiffany told The Guardian. "Then, one afternoon, I had my girlfriends over to do homework. I put it on and they immediately started dancing around. I realized there is something about this song that makes people feel good."
"I Think We're Alone Now" continues to make listeners swoon 39 years later, with the song re-entering the charts in 2026 after being included in an episode of "Stranger Things." It's one of many near-perfect '80s songs that most people agree on, but the original also deserves to be remembered as a classic.