Springfield roars back with 'Overdrive'

NEW YORK, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Famed 1980s musician Rick Springfield says he is excited to have re-emerged in the U.S. music scene with his newest album "Venus in Overdrive."

The singer, who hit it big more than two decades ago with the single "Jessie's Girl," said he is "excited" about his 17th album, which has reached No. 28 on Billboard charts, People magazine said Sunday.

"I haven't been this excited about a new record since the '80s," Springfield says. "I'm a loner in my private life, so the party animal only comes out on stage. That's really my connection to people."

The 58-year-old rocker, whose 1980s fame was also based on a recurring role on the soap opera "General Hospital," said while his newer songs have him excited, he is still happy to play the hits that made him a star.

"I liken them to favorite children. You never get tired of trotting out your kids. When they do well at something, you're really proud of it," Springfield, who still takes time to tour, told People.