Living Next Door to Alice

Chinn and Chapman wrote this pop ballad about a guy watching the girl next door grow up and eventually leave with another man. New World first recorded it in 1972, reaching No. 35 in Australia. But it was Smokie's 1976 version that turned the song into a global phenomenon. Released on RAK Records and produced by the songwriters themselves, Smokie's take features a chiming guitar riff and a chorus built for pub sing-alongs. The band's lead vocalist Chris Norman delivers the wistful verses with just enough gravel to sell the heartache.

Smokie's single climbed to No. 5 in the UK, No. 25 in the US, and topped charts across Europe including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, and Ireland. It also went to No. 3 in Australia, outperforming the original. The British Phonographic Industry certified it Silver in 1977, and Germany awarded Gold. The song earned Smokie a Silver Bravo Otto in Germany and a Goldene Europa award that same year.

In 1995, Dutch novelty act Gompie added a profane chant to the chorus and scored a surprise UK No. 3 hit. Chris Norman even joined them for a re-recording. Country singer Johnny Carver took a cover to No. 14 on Billboard's country chart in 1977. The song has been covered by The Nolans, Status Quo, and Swedish dansband Wizex, who recorded it in Swedish as 'Alice'. It remains a staple of 1970s compilations and karaoke nights worldwide.[edit]