Touch by Touch
Touch by Touch is a Eurodisco song by the Austrian band Joy, released in November 1985 as the second single from their debut studio album Hello (1986). Written by band members Andy Schweitzer and Freddy Jaklitsch, and produced by Michael Scheickl, the track features upbeat synth-driven melodies and romantic lyrics about deepening intimacy in a relationship.[1][2][3] Joy, formed in 1984 in the small town of Bad Aussee, Austria, by school friends Schweitzer (vocals and guitar), Jaklitsch (keyboards), and Manfred Temmel (bass), quickly rose to prominence in the European pop scene under the guidance of producer Scheickl, a former Eurovision contestant. Their sound blended italo-disco influences with accessible pop hooks, making Touch by Touch a standout in the mid-1980s Eurodisco wave. The single's B-side, "Heartache No. 1," complemented its style but received less attention.[4][5] The song achieved considerable commercial success across Europe, peaking at number one on the Austrian Ö3 Top 40 chart for one week, while reaching number 18 on Germany's GfK Entertainment charts in 1986. It also charted in other countries, contributing to Joy's breakthrough and helping propel their album Hello to strong sales in Central Europe. This hit established Joy as a notable act in the Eurodisco genre, alongside contemporaries like Modern Talking and Fancy.[6][7] In the years following its release, "Touch by Touch" has endured as a nostalgic 1980s anthem, inspiring numerous remixes, including a 2011 version by Joy themselves, and appearing in compilations of Eurodance classics. The band's continued activity, with occasional live performances and reissues, underscores the song's lasting appeal in retro music circuits.[8][9]Background
Formation of Joy
Joy was formed in 1984 in the small Austrian town of Bad Aussee by three school friends who had previously played in amateur bands during their teenage years.[4] The initial lineup consisted of Freddy Jaklitsch on keyboards (born January 22, 1960), Andy Schweitzer on guitar (born February 26, 1960), and Manfred Temmel on bass (born February 25, 1959).[4] After finishing school, the members had pursued separate careers—Schweitzer as a policeman, Jaklitsch as a history teacher, and Temmel as a DJ at the Orion disco in Traunreut, Germany—before reuniting to pursue music professionally.[10] The band's early sound was shaped by the vibrant Euro disco scene of the 1980s, drawing influences from the synth-driven melodies and upbeat rhythms prevalent in European dance music, including elements reminiscent of the Italo disco movement originating in Italy. Under the guidance of producer Michael Scheickl, a former Eurovision participant who had worked with acts like One Family and Mess, Joy honed their style to fit the emerging Eurodisco wave.[10] In 1984, following the submission of demo recordings, the band signed a contract with the Viennese label OK Musica, which specialized in Austrian pop and dance acts.[10] This deal marked their entry into the professional music industry and set the stage for their debut release. Joy's first single, "Lost in Hong Kong," was issued in 1985 on OK Musica, with the A-side co-written by Scheickl (under the pseudonym Michael Mell) and N.V. Rivé, while the B-side "Lucky Star" was penned by Jaklitsch and Schweitzer.[11] The track received moderate attention in Austria, generating local press coverage and radio play that helped establish the band's presence in the domestic Euro disco circuit, though it did not achieve major chart success.[12] This early exposure paved the way for the recording of their debut album, Hello.[4]Songwriting and recording
"Touch by Touch" was composed by Joy's Andy Schweitzer and Freddy Jaklitsch for the band's debut album Hello.[13] The group, formed in 1984 in Bad Aussee, Austria, by Schweitzer, Jaklitsch, and Manfred Temmel, had the track produced by Michael Scheickl.[4][13] Recording occurred in summer 1985, where the band captured the track's energetic vibe using synthesizers, drum machines, and layered vocals—hallmarks of Euro disco production that emphasized electronic grooves and melodic hooks.[1] The session reflected the band's quick evolution from formation to their first major release. After the moderate reception of their debut single "Lost in Hong Kong" earlier that year, "Touch by Touch" was selected as the follow-up for its infectious chorus and danceable rhythm, propelling it to breakthrough status upon its November 1985 launch.[14][15]Composition
Musical elements
"Touch by Touch" is classified in the electronic genre, specifically within the Euro disco style, characterized by its upbeat dance rhythms and synthetic instrumentation typical of mid-1980s European pop music.[1] The song incorporates synth-pop influences through its prominent use of synthesizers, creating a melodic and atmospheric sound that aligns with the era's electronic dance trends.[16] The track is composed in the key of F minor at a tempo of 120 beats per minute, employing a standard verse-chorus form that includes an intro, two verses, multiple chorus repeats, a bridge, and an outro.[17][18] This structure builds energy through repetitive choruses, with a breakdown in the bridge providing contrast before returning to the main hook. Instrumentation features synthesizers driving the melody and harmony, electronic drums for the rhythmic foundation, and a sequenced bassline that underscores the danceable groove.[16] The vocals, delivered in a clean and emotive style by lead singer Andy Schweitzer, sit prominently over the electronic backdrop without heavy effects.[19] The song exists in multiple versions, with the radio edit lasting 3:50 and the extended mix running 5:28, the latter incorporating additional instrumental breaks to extend the dancefloor appeal.[1][20]Lyrics and theme
The lyrics of "Touch by Touch," written by Andy Schweitzer and Freddy Jaklitsch, center on romantic intimacy and the gradual building of an emotional connection between lovers.[21] The song opens with the verse: "When I feel the time is right and you're staying by my side / And the love you give to me makes my heart beat," establishing a sense of readiness and mutual affection that sets the tone for the narrative.[22] This is followed by imagery of shared fantasies and enduring passion, as in "When my fantasies fly away but my feelings make me stay / I see the fire in your eyes, it makes my heart beat," highlighting the persistence of emotional bonds.[22] The chorus reinforces the central metaphor of "touch by touch," symbolizing a step-by-step progression in physical and emotional closeness: "Touch by touch, you're my all-time lover / Skin to skin, a total cover / You're my first and last lover."[22] Additional verses emphasize constancy in the relationship, with lines like "Do it, we'll still do it night and day / You're my all time lover / Do it, we'll still do it anyway / Like there is no other," portraying love as an ongoing, exclusive commitment.[22] Metaphors of fire and light, such as "There's a fire in our heart night and day," evoke warmth, clarity, and illumination in the partnership.[22] Thematically, the song explores deep, passionate love marked by intimacy, commitment, and sensual progression, evoking the romantic idealism of 1980s Euro disco without explicit content.[22] It celebrates the joy and constancy of a devoted relationship, using tactile and visual imagery to convey tenderness and mutual devotion. The lead vocal delivery by lead singer Andy Schweitzer, delivered in a smooth, emotive style, enhances this theme of gentle emotional unfolding, creating an atmosphere of heartfelt sincerity.Release
Single formats
"Touch by Touch" was released on November 1, 1985, as the second single from Joy's debut album Hello.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">Promotion and music video
The promotion of "Touch by Touch," released in November 1985 as the second single from Joy's debut album Hello, focused primarily on European markets through radio airplay and television appearances to capitalize on the band's emerging Euro disco sound. In Austria and Germany, the track received significant radio exposure on stations targeting pop and dance audiences, contributing to its quick ascent in regional charts. Additionally, it gained traction in club scenes across Europe, where DJs frequently rotated it in disco sets due to its upbeat synth-driven rhythm suitable for dance floors.[23] Joy supported the single with live performances on prominent television programs, including appearances on the German variety series Ein Kessel Buntes in 1986, where they delivered energetic renditions emphasizing the song's catchy chorus and choreography. These TV spots helped build visibility among home viewers in Central Europe. The band also incorporated "Touch by Touch" into their early live tours across Austria and Germany starting in 1986, performing it as a centerpiece to engage audiences in small venues and festivals.[24] The official music video, produced in 1985, captures the era's synth-pop aesthetic with the band lip-syncing in a neon-lit studio environment, interspersed with abstract dance sequences that highlight synchronized movements and vibrant lighting effects. Directed to run approximately 3:50 in length, the video underscores the track's romantic and tactile theme through close-up shots and colorful visual motifs, aligning with 1980s Euro disco trends. It was distributed via television broadcasts and later became a staple on music channels.[25] Internationally, promotion was more limited, particularly in Asia, where the single circulated mainly through imported vinyl and cassette copies rather than formal marketing campaigns. Despite this, "Touch by Touch" resonated strongly in South Korea, propelling Joy to be named the most popular international act there in 1986 ahead of global stars like Madonna and Michael Jackson.[4]Commercial performance
Chart success
"Touch by Touch" marked a breakthrough for Joy in Europe, particularly in their home country of Austria, where it became their first number-one single, holding the top position for one week. Released as the second single from their debut album Hello, the track quickly climbed the charts following its November 1985 launch. It demonstrated the band's appeal within the Euro disco genre, achieving strong positions across several national charts.[26] The song's performance is summarized in the following table:| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart | Entry Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | Ö3 Austria Top 40 | 1 | 14 | November 1, 1985 |
| Germany | GfK Entertainment | 18 | 13 | Week of February 24, 1986 |
| Switzerland | Swiss Hitparade | 2 | Unknown | November 1985 |