First recorded by Martine Clemenceau (FRA #50 1981).
Also recorded (as “Immer Mehr”) by Milva (1982).
Hit version by Laura Branigan (US #7 1983).
From the wiki: “‘Solitaire’ originated as a 1981 recording in French by Martine Clemenceau for whom ‘Solitaire’ was a modest hit in France, peaking at #50 on the French Pop chart. Written by Clemenceau herself, the French version of ‘Solitaire’ concerned a recluse who shuts himself away from a world moving toward nuclear war. In 1982 ‘Solitaire’ was also rendered in German as ‘Immer Mehr’ and recorded by Milva.
“The English lyrics, composed in one day by Diane Warren (‘Because You Loved Me’, ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’), her first big success as a co-songwriter, reinvent the song’s narrative – with the playing of the card game Solitaire employed as a metaphor for the singer enduring the neglect of her lover. Branigan’s single was released as the follow-up to ‘Gloria‘, in 1983.”
Milva, “Immer Mehr” (1982):
http://youtu.be/FWbkItqrmdQ
Laura Branigan, “Solitaire” (1983):