"Moonlight on Water", also known as "Moonlight on Water (Sex on the Beach)", is a popular song written and composed by Steve Kipner, best known for writing Olivia Newton-John's "Physical", and Andy Goldmark. The song was originally recorded by Kevin Raleigh for his 1989 album Delusions of Grandeur and was released as a single. It reached No. 60 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on 24 June 1989.
Charts Chart (1989)PeakpositionUS Billboard Hot 10060
Laura Branigan version
The song was covered by Laura Branigan and was the first single taken from the self-titled album that she released in 1990. Her version was produced by Richard Perry. However, it was only a minor hit in the United States (reaching No. 59, one spot higher than Kevin Raleigh's version), where a music video for the song received little airplay. Branigan can be seen performing the song on her second videocassette and laserdisc concert release, Laura Branigan in Concert, which was filmed in 1990 at a tour stop in Atlantic City and initially televised as part of the syndicated TV series SRO: In Concert.
Critical reception Bill Coleman from Billboard wrote, "Previewing the booming-voiced diva's new self-titled album is a sinfully fun popper reminiscent of earlier chart glories. Can't wait for the club remixes."
Track listings
Charts Chart (1990)PeakpositionAustralia (ARIA) N.B. The High Point number in the NAT column represents the release's peak on the national chart. This only contains chart information from the commencement of the ARIA-produced chart in mid-1988.159Finland (Suomen virallinen singlelista)29US Billboard Hot 10059US Hot Dance Club Play (Billboard)44 US Cash Box Top 100 Singles58
References