It is generally accepted that the Laura Branigan version of this song, which was worldwide (outside of Italy and Switzerland) a much bigger hit, is a cover of the Raf version.
Since Raf co-wrote the song, I think it's a legitimate claim. However, I'm including both versions on this post, and not shuttling Laura off to Totally Covered. I'll explain that decision in a moment.
But can we talk about this Italian classic? This was the debut single of Raf - some consider it to be the biggest Italian worldwide hit of all time (Tarzan Boy might have something to say about that). This was a #1 song in Italy and Switzerland (more on that second one in a moment) and first hit #1 on June 24th, 1984 in Italy.
The Laura Branigan version first hit #1 in Germany, on June 17th, 1984. Perhaps stranger, it first hit #1 in Switzerland on June 24th. The #2 song that week was the Raf version. The two songs switched places the next week, and switched back on July 8th, where this version would remain for the next seven weeks.
The two songs were contemporary. While the Raf version was recorded first, they were released at the same time. Both had a large impact, contemporaneously, and for that reason, I am placing them both here.
