I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)

Last updated
"I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)"
Gracejonesimnotperfect.jpg
Single by Grace Jones
from the album Inside Story
B-side "Scary But Fun"
ReleasedOctober 1986
Recorded1986
Genre
Length3:22
Label Manhattan
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Grace Jones singles chronology
"Jones the Rhythm"
(1985)
"I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)"
(1986)
"Party Girl"
(1986)
Music video
"I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)" on YouTube

"I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)" is a song by Jamaican singer and songwriter Grace Jones, released as the first single from her eighth album, Inside Story (1986). It was co-written by Bruce Woolley and produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic fame. For the 12" single release, "I'm Not Perfect" was remixed by Larry Levan and The Latin Rascals. The track met with commercial success, becoming one of Jones's biggest hits. It made the top 40 in several European countries and top 10 in New Zealand, and was the highest-charting single by Grace Jones on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 69, and her last song to enter this chart.

Contents

Background and lyrics

The song came from an idea that Jones and Mick Jagger had "when you are famous, and having to be as perfect for your partner as you are as a performer"; one of the pair did one line and the other followed. Although they only got as far as the title, Jones told Jagger that she would go away and develop it into a song imagining what her and Jagger would have said. [3]

Music video

The accompanying music video for "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)" was directed by Jones, and was the only video she directed. [3] The video cost $250,000, [4] and featured Jones wearing a huge black and white skirt hand-painted by artist and the assistant director Keith Haring in Paris. [5] [3] The video follows Jones going through the processes of "self-healing and beautification", including acupuncture, mud and milk baths, waxing, and a "nightmare psychotherapy session", in order to be "perfect". [3] She soon wears the dress made by Haring, which her "admirers and worshipers" enter under and are "devoured" by her. [3] It includes cameo appearances from several of Jones's friends, including Andy Warhol (months before he died), record producer Nile Rodgers and fashion designer Tina Chow. [6]

Haring also appears in the video, captured when painting black patterns on a white 60-foot skirt that Jones wears while standing on a platform. [7]

Jones stated in her 2015 book I'll Never Write My Memoirs that Capitol were "unconvinced" that she was competent enough to direct a music video, and that because the experience was so difficult—"not the directing itself but working with Capitol"—she vowed never to direct another video. [3] She claims that because she was in every shot, she had to have her makeup frequently reapplied in an adjacent room, and upon returning to the studio, "they [Capitol] would be shooting something or having the cast change clothes. I would say 'What's going on? I am the director. I know what I am doing.'" [3] Capitol also cut the production time of the video to two days despite Jones's request for more time. [3]

Track listing

A. "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)" – 3:22
B. "Scary But Fun" – 3:55
A. "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)" (The Perfectly Extended Remix) – 5:54
B1. "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)" (instrumental version) – 4:58
B2. "Scary But Fun" – 3:55
A1. "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)" (The Perfectly Extended Remix) – 5:54
A2. "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)" (The Right on Time Edit) – 6:55
B1. "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)" (The Ultra Perfect Edit) – 7:15
B2. "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)" (The Ultra Perfect Dub) – 5:23
B3. "Scary But Fun" – 3:55

Charts

Chart performance for "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)"
Chart (1986)Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratop) [8] 18
European Hot 100 Singles ( Music & Media ) [9] 24
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) [10] 11
Ireland (IRMA) [11] 24
Italy ( Musica e dischi ) [12] 15
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [13] 39
New Zealand (Official New Zealand Music Chart) [14] 9
Spain (Productores de Música de España) [15] 16
Switzerland (Swiss Hitparade) [16] 24
UK Singles (OCC) [17] [18] 56
US Billboard Hot 100 [19] [20] 69
US Dance Music/Club Play ( Billboard ) [19] [21] 4
US Hot Black Singles ( Billboard ) [22] 9
US Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales ( Billboard ) [19] 12
West Germany (GfK Entertainment Charts) [23] 39

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grace Jones</span> Jamaican singer, actress and model

Grace Beverly Jones is a Jamaican singer, songwriter, model and actress. Born in Jamaica, she and her family moved to Syracuse, New York, when she was a teenager. Jones began her modelling career in New York state, then in Paris, working for fashion houses such as Yves St. Laurent and Kenzo, and appearing on the covers of Elle and Vogue. She notably worked with photographers such as Jean-Paul Goude, Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, and Hans Feurer, and became known for her distinctive androgynous appearance and bold features.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jessi Colter</span> American country singer

Mirriam Johnson, known professionally as Jessi Colter, is an American country singer who is best known for her collaborations with her second husband, country musician Waylon Jennings, and for her 1975 crossover hit "I'm Not Lisa".

"I'm Gonna Be Strong" is a song written by the songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. It was first recorded by Frankie Laine in 1963 and released as a single on Columbia Records. However, the song did not become a major hit until 1964, when Gene Pitney released his version as a single. It was also a single released by the 1980 band Blue Angel, with lead vocals provided by future star Cyndi Lauper. This release was prior to Lauper's solo career; however, Lauper re-recorded the track and released it as a single in 1994. The song was also featured on 1982's Quiet Lies album by Grammy winner Juice Newton. Though Newton never released the song as a single, her remake was later added as a bonus track to her first Greatest Hits collection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">For You I Will (Monica song)</span> 1997 single by Monica

"For You I Will" is a song by American singer Monica. It was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, and recorded for the soundtrack of the live-action/animated sports comedy film Space Jam (1996), directed by Joe Pytka and starring basketball player Michael Jordan. One out of several songs from the album to be released as a single, it was issued on February 25, 1997, by Atlantic Records and Rowdy Records. A downtempo pop and R&B ballad, the song's lyrics involve the singer pledging love and devotion and promising to help an unnamed "you" overcome any difficulty, regardless of the magnitude.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyndi Lauper discography</span>

American singer Cyndi Lauper has released eleven studio albums, six compilation albums, five video albums and fifty-three singles. Worldwide, Lauper has sold approximately 50 million albums, singles and DVDs. According to RIAA, She has sold 9.5 million certified albums in the United States with She's so Unusual being her biggest seller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)</span> 1974 single by The Rolling Stones

"It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" is the lead single from English rock band the Rolling Stones' 1974 album It's Only Rock 'n Roll. Writing is credited to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and the single reached the top ten in the UK charts and top 20 in the United States.

<i>Slave to the Rhythm</i> (album) 1985 studio album by Grace Jones

Slave to the Rhythm is the seventh studio album by Jamaican singer and songwriter Grace Jones, released on 28 October 1985 by Island Records. Subtitled a biography in the liner notes, Slave to the Rhythm is a concept album, produced by ZTT Records founder and producer Trevor Horn, that went on to become one of Jones' most commercially successful albums and spawned her biggest hit, "Slave to the Rhythm".

<i>Inside Story</i> (Grace Jones album) 1986 studio album by Grace Jones

Inside Story is the eighth studio album by Jamaican singer and songwriter Grace Jones, released in November 1986, her first with the Manhattan Records label. The album spawned the hit single "I'm Not Perfect ".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pull Up to the Bumper</span> 1981 single by Grace Jones

"Pull Up to the Bumper" is a 1981 song by Jamaican singer, songwriter, model and actress Grace Jones, released by Island Records as the third single from her fifth album, Nightclubbing (1981). Sonically, it is an uptempo electro-disco, post-punk, dance-pop and reggae-disco song with dub production, "pulsing drums and chic new-wave licks", as well as being described as a hybrid of funk and R&B. Its lyrics were written by Jones alone, while she, along with Kookoo Baya and Dana Manno, are credited as its composers. The song's instrumental part was originally recorded in 1980 during the Warm Leatherette sessions; however, it did not make the album as Chris Blackwell found its sound not fitting in the rest of the material. It was completed for the 1981 critically acclaimed Nightclubbing album and became its third single in June 1981. The song peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart and number 53 on the UK Singles Chart. When re-released in 1986, it peaked at number 12 in the UK. The track has come to be one of Jones' signature tunes and her first transatlantic hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slave to the Rhythm (Grace Jones song)</span> 1985 single by Grace Jones

"Slave to the Rhythm" is a song by the Jamaican singer, model and actress Grace Jones. It was released in October 1985 from Jones' seventh album, Slave to the Rhythm (1985), on which it is titled "Ladies and Gentlemen: Miss Grace Jones". It was produced by Trevor Horn and written by Horn, Bruce Woolley, Stephen Lipson and Simon Darlow. The song reached number 12 on the UK singles chart and number one on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Its music video was directed by Jean-Paul Goude.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Do or Die (Grace Jones song)</span> 1978 single by Grace Jones

"Do or Die" is a single by Grace Jones, released in 1978, promoting her album Fame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grace Jones discography</span>

Grace Jones' discography consists of 10 studio albums, eight compilation albums and 53 singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turnin Me On</span> 2008 single by Keri Hilson featuring Lil Wayne

"Turnin Me On" is a song by American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, from her debut album, In a Perfect World... The song features American rapper Lil Wayne who co-wrote the song alongside Hilson and Zachary Anson Wallace. Production credits are shared between Danja and Polow da Don, who also co-wrote the song. Following the minimal chart success of Hilson's worldwide lead single "Energy" in the United States, international markets received "Return the Favor", while "Turnin Me On" was released as the third single in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Florence Welch</span> English singer and songwriter (born 1986)

Florence Leontine Mary Welch is an English singer and songwriter. She is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the indie rock band Florence and the Machine. The band's debut studio album, Lungs (2009), topped the UK Albums Chart and won the Brit Award for Best British Album. Their next four albums also achieved chart success. In 2018, Welch released a book titled Useless Magic, a collection of lyrics and poems written by her, along with illustrations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Only Exception</span> 2010 single by Paramore

"The Only Exception" is a song by American rock band Paramore. It was released by Fueled by Ramen in February 2010 as the third single from the band's third studio album, Brand New Eyes (2009). The song was written by band members Hayley Williams and Josh Farro; Paramore is also credited as being co-producers to the song. The song was generally well-received by music critics; praise of the song was mainly about Williams' vocal performance. Music critics reviewing the song noted that "The Only Exception" was a different musical theme for the band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fuckin' Perfect</span> 2010 song by Pink

"Fuckin' Perfect" is a song by American singer Pink from her first greatest hits album Greatest Hits... So Far!!! (2010). Written by Pink along with its producers Max Martin and Shellback, the track is a rock pop power ballad that encourages people to accept each other for their true identities. Pink has stated that the main inspiration behind the track is her husband, Carey Hart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stupid Hoe</span> 2011 song by Nicki Minaj

"Stupid Hoe" is a song by Trinidadian rapper and singer Nicki Minaj. The song was written by Minaj and DJ Diamond Kuts, the latter of which handled the production. It was released through Cash Money Records on December 20, 2011, from Minaj's second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012), two weeks after the release of the album's first promotional single "Roman in Moscow".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cups (song)</span> 2013 single by Anna Kendrick

"Cups" is the only song released and performed by American actress and singer Anna Kendrick on the 2012 extended play (EP) More from Pitch Perfect. The song rose to prominence following its debut in Pitch Perfect (2012). Republic Records released the "Pitch Perfect's When I'm Gone" remix on March 26, 2013. The original folk song was written in 1931 by A. P. Carter, and in 2009 it was reworked by British musicians Heloise Tunstall-Behrens and Luisa Gerstein recording under the group name Lulu and the Lampshades.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moves like Jagger</span> 2011 single by Maroon 5

"Moves like Jagger" is a song by American pop rock band Maroon 5 featuring singer Christina Aguilera. It was released on June 21, 2011, as the fourth and final single from the re-release of the group's third studio album Hands All Over (2010). The song was written by Adam Levine, Ammar Malik, Benny Blanco, and Shellback; the latter two are also the producers. "Moves like Jagger" is an electropop song with modern disco style elements and is backed by synths and electronic drums. The lyrics refer to a male's ability to impress a love interest with his dance moves, which he compares to those of Mick Jagger, the lead singer of the Rolling Stones.

Grace Sewell, known professionally as Saygrace, is an Australian singer. She is best known for "You Don't Own Me", a cover version of the 1963 Lesley Gore song, produced by Quincy Jones, Parker Ighile and featuring G-Eazy. The song, a single from her debut album with Regime Music Societe and RCA Records, was a number-one hit in Australia.

References

  1. Jones, Daisy (2 August 2018). "The Guide to Getting into Grace Jones". Vice . Archived from the original on 16 December 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2020. ..."I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect For You"), a pumping pop track...
  2. Wuench, Kevin (29 July 2017). "Grace Jones isn't perfect, but she was perfect for the '80s". Tampa Bay Times . Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2021. After a successful 1985, Jones was tried to build on her mainstream success with the dance-pop single I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect For You).
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Jones, Grace; Morley, Paul. I'll Never Write My Memoirs. Simon & Schuster. pp. 306–311. ISBN   978-1-4711-3521-7. Because the track was so personal, I decided I would direct the video for the song, having learned so much, especially from Jean-Paul. [...] I had hired Keith Haring as my assistant director, to help make a more dramatic, and dignified, outfit for the "Perfect" video.
  4. Farber, Jim (1986-12-07). "Remember Girls: Beauty Is Pain". Daily News. p. 27. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  5. "She's not perfect, but she's got style". The Miami Herald . December 19, 1986. p. 155.
  6. "On the Beat" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 98, no. 46. November 11, 1986. p. 22.
  7. "A Tribute To Grace Jones x Keith Haring". www.catch-fire.com. Archived from the original on 2011-09-17. Retrieved 2012-01-26.
  8. "Grace Jones - I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect For You)" (in Dutch). www.ultratop.be. Retrieved 2012-09-30.
  9. "European Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 3, no. 47. November 29, 1986. p. 20. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  10. Pennanen, Timo (2021). "Grace Jones". Sisältää hitin - 2. laitos Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla 1.1.1960–30.6.2021 (PDF) (in Finnish). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 118. Retrieved 2022-06-28.
  11. "Search the charts". www.irishcharts.ie. Archived from the original on 2009-06-02. Retrieved 2009-10-16.
  12. Racca, Guido (2019). M&D Borsa Singoli 1960–2019 (in Italian). ISBN   9781093264906.
  13. "Discografie Grace Jones" (in Dutch). www.dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 2009-05-07.
  14. "charts.nz - Discography Grace Jones". charts.nz. Retrieved 2009-11-10.
  15. Fernando Salaverri (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN   84-8048-639-2.
  16. "Grace Jones - I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect For You)". hitparade.ch (in German). Retrieved 2012-01-26.
  17. "GRACE JONES". www.theofficialcharts.com. Retrieved 2011-02-07.
  18. "Grace Jones". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 2009-10-15.
  19. 1 2 3 "Grace Jones". www.allmusic.com . Retrieved 2009-10-16.
  20. "Grace Jones Album & Song Chart History". www.billboard.com. Retrieved 2011-02-07.
  21. "Grace Jones Album & Song Chart History". www.billboard.com. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  22. "Grace Jones Album & Song Chart History". www.billboard.com. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  23. "Chartverfolgung / JONES, GRACE / Single" (in German). www.musicline.de. Archived from the original on 2007-10-09. Retrieved 2009-08-05.