867-5309/Jenny
Tommy Tutone, 1981. Solo by Jim Keller.
Keller's sharp, well-shaped solo helped make a novelty phone number one of the era's enduring rock-radio hits.
867-5309/Jenny could have been a one-joke novelty, but its strong guitar work helped make it an enduring rock radio favourite. Jim Keller's solo is sharp and well-shaped, with a bright, crunchy tone and phrases that build neatly over the driving rhythm. He keeps it melodic and concise, adding energy without distracting from the song's catchy chorus. The track blends power pop hooks with new wave punch. Listen for how the solo climbs through its phrases, reaching a small peak before handing back to the vocals, and for the way the guitar tone cuts through the mix, giving the song a tougher edge beneath its playful lyric.
867-5309/Jenny by Tommy Tutone is featured in our Power Pop (#22) list. The solo is played by Jim Keller and the song was released in 1981.
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Who played the guitar solo on 867-5309/Jenny?
Jim Keller played the solo on Tommy Tutone's 867-5309/Jenny (1981).