'80s video didn't get much better than this: In this case, video auteur David Fincher ( Seven, The Social Network, Zodiac), who opted for a slightly purple-tinted, grainy black and white look, emphasizing Abdul's killer dance moves while also making her look impossibly sexy. It wasn't just that she was a phenomenal dancer and choreographer - move over Madonna - it's that she hooked up with directors who could highlight that. And unlike Lisa Lisa or a host of other more-generic R&B rivals, Abdul gave great video. Abdul's babydoll voice wasn't going to keep Whitney Houston awake nights worrying about the new girl, but it must have given Lisa Lisa pause (I wouldn't be surprised if many listeners thought this was Lisa Lisa, at least at first). It's new jack swing like a lot of R&B around this time, but where most of those cuts skip this one slams. But this Elliot Wolff written and produced number had what it took to make Abdul a household name in essentially one shot.
So "Straight Up" could very well have been her last bite at the apple. As mentioned already, the prior two singles from her debut - both of which are great - stiffed on the pop charts (although she'd enjoyed some R&B success). Lot of good hooks here, and an infectious beat.Ĭlick to expand.This was one of those overnight successes that took like 5 years and almost never happened.Ībdul herself had gotten started as a Laker Girl, choreographed their cheerleaders, got work choreographing iconic Janet Jackson videos like "What Have You Done For Me Lately?" (which she also appeared in), and finally worked on building her own record for Virgin. It's supposed to get you moving, which it still does for me. This is dance music, though, so it's ok with me. Yes, she's got a very limited and nasal voice. I'm at this point in my life where I'd much rather hear upbeat, fun songs than mopey slow ones. There's a ton of energy and excitement in this song and even though it's not my favorite song ever, it's still fun. This is yet another dance track coming out and sounding different than the ballad schlock like Sheriff. There's a New Jack Swing kind of beat, but it also paved the way for what we'd hear a lot of in the next couple years. Well, here's our first bad song of the year, even if it was from 1983 originally. So what positive thing can I say? I guess I appreciate that it's not as bombastic as it could've been. I don't like this now, didn't like it back in '89. If this was actually made in 88/89 the chorus would've been even bigger and there'd be much more guitar. It's interesting how this basically fits right in with the Poisons and Bon Jovis of the musical world. I always thought 1989 was a good year for top 40 - but like most years, there are a few clunkers here and thereĪs with UB40's Red Red Wine, here's another song that took half a decade to reach its potential. Was a big hit in the dance clubs here at the time I came to love this group later in the year, but the subsequent singles (which we'll be talking about here soon) are more to my likingģ2 37 I BEG YOUR PARDON –
I love long 45s!ģ0 36 GIRL YOU KNOW IT’S TRUE – I like the single Don't You Know What the Night Can Do (and I don't even drink beer!), but that was about it from this albumĢ5 29 PARADISE CITY –
This is OK but I was kind of in a depressed mood a little later in 1989, and their second hit Circle was more meaningful for meĢ0 23 A LITTLE RESPECT – – Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians – 12 (11).I picked it up - and there are several good songs on it.ġ1 16 WHAT I AM – I saw the album in the cutout bin for $2.99 about a year after this was a hit.
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