Released as a single in April 1985, "Wake Up (Next to You)" became Parker's only American Top 40 hit.

[1] Parker sought to emulate Smokey Robinson and avoid sounding "slushy" on the song.

"[5] "Wake Up (Next to You)" was released as a single in April 1985, featuring "Canned Laughter" as the B-side in the UK and "Bricks and Mortar" in the US.

The single was accompanied by a music video featuring Parker that Elektra spent $97,000 on producing.

"[8] When asked about why the song became a hit while others did not, he stated, "It clicked because Elektra spent a hell of a lot of money, that's the only reason [laughs].

[1] Parke Puterbaugh of Rolling Stone praised the song's "intimate, atmospheric balladry" while William Ruhlmann of AllMusic noted it as a prime example of Parker "praising his romantic life" on Steady Nerves.

"[12] John Leland of Spin wrote, "After digging his own grave with his overwrought and unsustainable angry young man image, GP lightens up with some wallpaper AOR soul.