It Keeps Rainin'
"It Keeps Rainin'" is a song recorded by Fats Domino in 1961 and written by Domino, Dave Bartholomew and Bobby Charles. It was released in the US on Imperial 5753, and in the UK on London HLP-9374, as the B-side of "I Just Cry". The song was covered by Bitty McLean in 1993, becoming a chart success in Europe and New Zealand. Bitty McLean version. British-Jamaican musician Bitty McLean covered the song as "It Keeps Rainin' (Tears From My Eyes)" and released it on July 19, 1993, from his debut album, "Just to Let You  Know..." (1993). The single peaked at number two in the United Kingdom and was a big hit across Europe, peaking at number one in the Netherlands. It also reached number one in New Zealand for seven weeks and was certified Platinum for sales of over 10,000. Critical reception. Larry Flick from "Billboard" wrote, "The British reggae invasion continues. Former UB40 backing vocalist McLean doesn't stray from that group's winning formula on his solo debut. This is easy-listening reggae, complete with a smooth backbeat and an aloof British vocal. File this between UB40 and Maxi-Priest." Troy J.  Augusto from "Cash Box" said, "Lightweight pop-reggae from former UB40 member McLean offers little innovation but enough awareness of what makes a good radio song to earn a few spins at urban and hit outlets. Minimal song structure will work better at A/C stations, while early burn-out factor may spell trouble for any hopes of widespread approval elsewhere. Strictly middle-of-the-road. Of course, that never stopped UB40." Pan-European magazine "Music & Media" commented, "Just like his "bosses" from UB 40 for whom he's backup singer on their current Elvis cover and album, Bitty has  dived into rock 'n' roll's rich archives to return with a Fats Domino tune in a new spicy reggae identity." Mark Frith from "Smash Hits" deemed it "a clever, innovative record that was really catchy and a deserved big hit." Music video. The accompanying music video for "It Keeps Rainin' (Tears From My Eyes)" was directed by David Betteridge. It first aired in July 1993.