Respectable (Mel and Kim song)

Last updated

"Respectable"
Mel & Kim - Respectable.png
Single by Mel and Kim
from the album F.L.M.
Released18 February 1987
Recorded1987
Genre Dance-pop
Length
  • 5:43 (album version)
  • 3:21 (7″/single version)
Label Supreme
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Stock Aitken Waterman
Mel and Kim singles chronology
"Showing Out (Get Fresh at the Weekend)"
(1986)		"Respectable"
(1987)		"F.L.M."
(1987)
Music video
"Respectable" on YouTube

"Respectable" is a song by English pop duo Mel and Kim from their only studio album, F.L.M. (1987). It was released on 18 February 1987 as the album's second single. The song reached number one on the UK Singles Chart for one week in March 1987, becoming the second UK number-one single produced by Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW), following Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" (1985), and the first UK number one that the trio had written themselves. The single also topped the charts in many European countries, as well as in Oceania.

Contents

Background

The track was conceived as a more commercial follow up to the act's debut hit, "Showing Out (Get Fresh at the Weekend)". Supreme Records head Nick East requested that SAW produce a song in line with the flavour of their debut hit, but more accessible. [1] The lyrics of the song were inspired by the sisters' dismissive and shame-free response to a tabloid scandal over the emergence of old nude glamour photos of Mel. [1] East expressed strong reservations over the track's trademark stuttering hook, fearing it was too gimmicky, overly commercial and an unnecessary departure from the sound of their debut. [1] Pete Waterman and Mike Stock strongly objected to the hook's potential removal. East changed his mind after an early performance of the track on a TV show in the Netherlands received a rapturous response. [1] The sampled laughter heard through the song was captured during studio conversation between the act and producers, with the sisters initially unaware the interaction would end up on the record. [1]

Critical reception

Initial response

In his dance column published in Record Mirror , James Hamilton presented "Respectable" "a beefily bounding 0-121+3⁄4bpm house-type churner", adding it adds "a deadly commercial Eurobeat-ish singalong vocal melody, and more sparsely Chicago-style (0-)119+1⁄4bpm Extra Beat Version jack track flip". [2] Pete Clark of Smash Hits stated that the song would be a treat for only "very, very sad people" and considered "the gimmickly noises and Pinky and Perky vocals effects... are as irritating as a talkative Weetabix". [3]

Impact and legacy

Retrospectively, in 2021, British magazine Classic Pop ranked the song number six in their list of "Top 40 Stock Aitken Waterman songs", adding that the song "reflected Mel & Kim's down-to-earth, playful charisma, at the same time mirroring the PWL ad slogan ("You can love or hate us, you ain't ever gonna change us... we ain't ever going to be respectable"). An incredible response to Stock's infamous tay-tay-tay line when performed live meant "Respectable" became one." [4] In 2023, Alexis Petridis of The Guardian listed the song at number 6 in his "Stock Aitken Waterman's 20 greatest songs – ranked!", adding that it "is all about the hook, but what a hook it is: the sampled vocals, the lurching, seasick chords beneath". [5]

Chart performance

"Respectable" was a major hit worldwide and became Mel and Kim's most successful single. In the UK, it entered the singles chart at number 25 on 7 March 1987, then climbed to number seven, and topped the chart in its fourth week. It charted in the top 100 for a total of 16 weeks, seven of them spent in the top ten, [6] and received a Gold disc awarded by the British Phonographic Industry. [7] In Germany, it debuted at number 54 on 16 March 1987, jumped to number 12, reached number one for two weeks and appeared on the chart for 17 weeks, which was the duo's second most successful single in the country, after "Showing Out (Get Fresh at the Week-End)". [8] It was also a number one hit for three weeks in the Netherlands out of a 16-week chart run, [9] for four weeks in both Switzerland and the Flanders region of Belgium, two countries in which it stayed on the chart for 12 weeks, [10] [11] and in Finland. [12] In addition, it attained the second position in Ireland, Italy, Norway and South Africa, [13] [14] [15] [16] the fifth position in Sweden and the seventh position in Austria. [17] [18] The only country where it missed the top ten is France where it stalled at number 14 and charted in the top 50 for 16 weeks. [19]

On the Music & Media 's Pan-Eurochart Hot 100 chart, "Respectable" started at number 23 on 14 March 1987, reached the top ten the next week and topped the chart for consecutive two weeks. [20] It appeared on this chart first for 17 weeks, then re-entered for additional 13 weeks after a 12-week hiatus due to its late release in France. It also featured for 11 weeks on the European Airplay Top 50, with a peak at number five twice. [21] Outside Europe, "Respectable" reached number one for five weeks in New Zealand where it charted for 16 weeks, [22] a position it also reached in Australia and on the US Dance chart. [23] [24] As a result of these good weekly chart performances, "Respectable" ranked in the top ten on the 1987 year-end chart in the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and the UK, and in the top 20 in Belgium, Switzerland, South Africa and West Germany.

Cover versions and sampling

Girl band Girls@Play released a cover version of "Respectable" in 2001, which peaked at number 29 in the United Kingdom. [25] Australian actor and singer Tim Campbell covered the song on his 2018 album Electrifying 80s . The song was sampled in Pop Will Eat Itself's song "Hit the Hi-Tech Groove" from the 1987 album Box Frenzy . The Pop Will Eat Itself song, which skewers Stock/Aiken/Waterman-style manufactured pop, has in its chorus the line "you don't need respectability." [26] The song also features in BBC comedy series Gary: Tank Commander , as the mobile phone ringtone of the titular character.

Track listings

A Danish promotional 7-inch flexi-disc of "Respectable", released by Mega Records Niebieska plytka na folii ubt 0077.jpeg
A Danish promotional 7-inch flexi-disc of "Respectable", released by Mega Records
A. "Respectable" – 3:22
B. "Respectable" (instrumental) – 4:04
A. "Respectable" – 3:22
B. "Respectable" (dub version) – 4:09
A. "Respectable" (club mix) – 6:15
AA1. "Respectable" (7″ version) – 3:22
AA2. "Respectable" (Extra Beats version) – 8:08
A. "Respectable" (The Tabloid mix) – 7:50
AA1. "Respectable" (7″ version) – 3:22
AA2. "Respectable" (Extra Beats version) – 8:08
A. "Respectable" (Shop mix)
AA1. "Respectable" (7″ version) – 3:22
AA2. "Respectable" (Extra Beats version) – 8:08
A. "Respectable" (vocal/club mix) – 6:15
B. "Respectable" (The Tabloid mix) – 7:50

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "Respectable"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Netherlands (NVPI) [44] Gold75,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [7] Gold500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

Mel and Kim were an English pop duo, consisting of sisters Melanie and Kim Appleby. Originally managed by Alan Whitehead, they achieved success between 1986 and 1988, before Melanie died of cancer in January 1990 at the age of 23.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Should Be So Lucky</span> 1987 single by Kylie Minogue

"I Should Be So Lucky" is a 1987 song performed by Australian singer and songwriter Kylie Minogue from her debut studio album, Kylie (1988). Released on 29 December 1987 by Mushroom Records and PWL Records, the song became a worldwide breakthrough hit. The image of Minogue on the front cover of the single was shot by David Levine. The song was written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman for Minogue, whom went on to produce Minogue's initial four studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Especially for You</span> 1988 single by Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan

"Especially for You" is a song performed by Australian recording artists Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan from Donovan's debut album, Ten Good Reasons (1989). The song was released as his album's second single on 28 November 1988 and was written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Gonna Give You Up</span> 1987 single by Rick Astley

"Never Gonna Give You Up" is a song by English singer Rick Astley, released on 27 July 1987. Written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, it was released by RCA Records as the first single from Astley's debut studio album, Whenever You Need Somebody (1987). The song became a worldwide hit, initially in the United Kingdom in 1987, where it stayed at the top of the chart for five weeks and was the best-selling single of that year. It eventually topped charts in 25 different countries, including the United States and West Germany, and winning Best British Single at the 1988 Brit Awards. The song is widely regarded as Astley's most popular, as well as his signature song, and it is often played at the end of his live concerts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Heard a Rumour</span> 1987 single by Bananarama

"I Heard a Rumour" is a song by English girl group Bananarama from their fourth studio album, Wow! (1987), and was released on 22 June 1987 as the album's lead single. It became a hit in UK where it reached the top 20, but was more successful in North America, where it peaked within the top five.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Trick of the Night</span> 1986 single by Bananarama

"A Trick of the Night" is a mid-tempo ballad recorded by English girl group Bananarama. It was written and produced by Steve Jolley and Tony Swain and released as the final single from Bananarama's album True Confessions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love in the First Degree (Bananarama song)</span> 1987 single by Bananarama

"Love in the First Degree" is a song by English girl group Bananarama from their fourth studio album, Wow! (1987). It was released on 21 September 1987 as the album's second single, except in the United States, where it was released in 1988 as the third single. The track was co-written and produced by the Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) trio. It achieved major success in the UK and Australia, and also peaked within the top 20 in many European countries, but, unlike "I Heard a Rumour", it reached only the lower end of the top 50 in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Want You Back (Bananarama song)</span> 1988 single by Bananarama

"I Want You Back" is a song by English girl group Bananarama from their fourth studio album, Wow! (1987). It was released on 28 March 1988 by London Records as the album's fourth and final single. The track was co-written and produced by the Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) trio. It became one of Bananarama's highest-charting singles, peaking at number five on the UK Singles Chart. It also climbed into the top three in Australia and the top 10 in New Zealand. The single was not released in the United States. Andy Morahan directed its accompanying music video.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love, Truth and Honesty</span> 1988 single by Bananarama

"Love, Truth and Honesty" is a song by English girl group Bananarama from their first greatest hits album, Greatest Hits Collection (1988). Co-written and produced by the Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) trio, the song was released on 12 September 1988 by London Records as the album's lead single. It achieved a moderate success, peaking out of the top 20 in the majority of countries where it was released. The music video was produced by Big TV!.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You'll Never Stop Me Loving You</span> 1989 single by Sonia

"You'll Never Stop Me Loving You" is the debut single of English pop singer Sonia. Written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, the song was included on Sonia's debut album, Everybody Knows (1990). The single became Sonia's only number-one single on the UK Singles Chart and reached number 10 on the US Billboard Dance Club Play chart.

"Whenever You Need Somebody" is a song written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, which became successful for two of their artists, namely O'Chi Brown and Rick Astley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Showing Out (Get Fresh at the Weekend)</span> 1986 single by Mel and Kim

"Showing Out (Get Fresh at the Weekend)" is a song by English pop duo Mel and Kim, released as their debut single in September 1986. The song became a chart hit in the UK, peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart and reaching number one in four European countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toy Boy (song)</span> 1987 single by Sinitta

"Toy Boy" is a song by American-British singer Sinitta. Written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, it was released on 25 July 1987 and became the fourth single in her self-titled debut album, which came out on 26 December of the same year. It became a hit in the UK and in other European countries where it reached the top ten.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now (Samantha Fox song)</span> 1987 single by Samantha Fox

"Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now" is a song performed by British singer Samantha Fox and written and produced by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman (SAW). It was released as the first single from Samantha’s eponymous second album, Samantha Fox, in the spring of 1987. The single became Fox's third and final top ten single in the United Kingdom, peaking at number eight in June. In the United States, the single was released in the fall of 1987 and reached only number 80 that October. It was a top 10 hit in continental Europe and also reached number 22 in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">F.L.M. (song)</span> 1987 single by Mel and Kim

"F.L.M." is a song by English pop duo Mel and Kim, released as their third single in 1987. It was written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, and peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart. The song is the title track on F.L.M., their debut album, and was remixed for its single release. "F.L.M." would be the penultimate international single released by the duo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">That's the Way It Is (Mel and Kim song)</span> 1988 single by Mel and Kim

"That's the Way It Is" is a song by British pop duo Mel and Kim that was featured on the soundtrack album of Coming to America, starring Eddie Murphy. The song was written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW). The single, released by Supreme Records and PolyGram peaked at number ten in the United Kingdom, becoming their fourth consecutive top ten hit.

<i>F.L.M.</i> (album) 1987 studio album by Mel and Kim

F.L.M. is the only studio album by English pop duo Mel and Kim, released on 13 April 1987 by Supreme Records. The album peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart and has been certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). It also reached the top five in Australia, Finland and Switzerland, the 10 in Norway and the top 20 in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. Three successful singles are included on the album: "Showing Out", "Respectable" and "F.L.M.".

"Who's Leaving Who" is a song written by Jack White and Mark Spiro, first recorded by Canadian country singer Anne Murray in 1986. It achieved bigger popularity in Europe when it was covered by British Hi-NRG singer Hazell Dean in 1988. David Hasselhoff covered the song on his 1991 album David, produced by Jack White.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Say I'm Your Number One</span> 1985 single by Princess

"Say I'm Your Number One" is a song by English singer Princess, released in 1985 as the lead single from her self-titled debut studio album (1986). Written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW), the song peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, it reached number 20 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, while it reached the top ten in the UK and several of European and Oceanian countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heartache (song)</span> 1987 single by Pepsi & Shirlie

"Heartache" is a song by English pop music duo Pepsi & Shirlie, written by Tambi Fernando, Iris Fernando, and Wayne Brown and produced by Tambi and Phil Fearon. It was released on 5 January 1987 as the lead single from the duo's debut album, All Right Now, which was released that October. Backed with the B-side "Surrender", the single became a chart hit worldwide, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart, entering the top 10 in seven other countries, and reaching number 78 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song's music video was directed by Andy Earl.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "A Journey Through Stock Aitken Waterman: Ep 22: Respectable on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  2. ↑ Hamilton, James (14 February 1987). "BPM by James Hamilton" (PDF). Record Mirror . London: Spotlight Publications Ltd. p. 25. ISSN   0144-5804 . Retrieved 31 October 2023– via World Radio History.
  3. ↑ Clark, Pete (25 February – 10 March 1987). "Singles reviewed by Pete Clark" (PDF). Smash Hits . Vol. 9, no. 4. p. 73. ISSN   0260-3004 . Retrieved 20 November 2023– via World Radio History.
  4. ↑ "Top 40 Stock Aitken Waterman songs". Classic Pop . 18 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  5. ↑ Petridis, Alexis (23 November 2023). "Stock Aitken Waterman's 20 greatest songs – ranked!". The Guardian . ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  6. 1 2 "Mel and Kim: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  7. 1 2 "British single certifications – Mel & Kim – Respectable". British Phonographic Industry. 1 April 1987. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  8. 1 2 "Offiziellecharts.de – Mel & Kim – Respectable" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  9. 1 2 "Mel & Kim – Respectable" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  10. 1 2 "Mel & Kim – Respectable". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  11. 1 2 "Mel & Kim – Respectable" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  12. 1 2 Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN   951-31-2503-3.
  13. 1 2 "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Respectable". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  14. 1 2 "Classifiche". Musica e Dischi (in Italian). Retrieved 29 May 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Mel & Kim".
  15. 1 2 "Mel & Kim – Respectable". VG-lista. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  16. 1 2 "SA Charts 1965–1989 (As presented on Springbok Radio/Radio Orion) – Acts M". The South African Rock Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15 May 2015.
  17. 1 2 "Mel & Kim – Respectabl". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  18. 1 2 "Mel & Kim – Respectable" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  19. 1 2 "Mel & Kim – Respectable" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  20. 1 2 "European Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 4, no. 17. 2 May 1987. p. 14. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  21. 1 2 "European Airplay Top 50" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 4, no. 16. 25 April 1987. p. 4. OCLC   29800226 . Retrieved 2 October 2023– via World Radio History.
  22. 1 2 "Mel & Kim – Respectable". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  23. 1 2 "Australian Top 50 Singles Chart – Week Ending 26th July, 1987". ARIA – via Imgur.
  24. 1 2 "Mel Kim Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  25. ↑ "Girls at Play | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  26. ↑ couchmagpie (1 February 2015). "Alphabetical CD Marathon: P (Part 2)". couchmagpie. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  27. ↑ "Top 3 Singles in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 4, no. 12. 28 March 1987. p. 16. OCLC   29800226 . Retrieved 29 September 2023– via World Radio History.
  28. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 12, 1987" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  29. ↑ "Top Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 10 April 1987. p. 17. Retrieved 10 September 2023– via World Radio History.
  30. ↑ "Mel Kim Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  31. ↑ "National Top 100 Singles for 1987". Australian Music Report (701). 28 December 1987 – via Imgur.
  32. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 1987 – Singles" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  33. ↑ "European Charts of the Year 1987 – Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 4, no. 51/52. 26 December 1987. p. 34. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  34. ↑ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1987" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  35. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1987" (in Dutch). Dutch Charts . Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  36. ↑ "Top Selling Singles of 1987". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  37. ↑ "Top 20 Hit Singles of 1987". The South African Rock Encyclopedia. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
  38. ↑ "Scweizer Jahrehitparade 1987". hitparade.ch (in German). Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  39. ↑ "Gallup Year End Charts 1987: Singles". Record Mirror . London. 23 January 1988. p. 36. ISSN   0144-5804.
  40. ↑ "Dance Club Songs – Year-End 1987". Billboard. Archived from the original on 17 February 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  41. ↑ "1987 The Year in Music & Video – Top Dance Sales 12-Inch Singles". Billboard. Vol. 99, no. 52. 26 December 1987. p. Y-30. ISSN   0006-2510 – via Google Books.
  42. ↑ "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts – 1987" (in German). Offizielle Deutsche Charts. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  43. ↑ "Eurochartbusters: The Hot 100 Singles Compiled from Music & Media's Five Year Chart Archives" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 6, no. 11 (5 Years ed.). 18 March 1989. pp. 32–33. OCLC   29800226 . Retrieved 9 July 2024– via World Radio History.
  44. ↑ "Dutch single certifications – Mel & Kim – Respectable" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers . Retrieved 25 September 2020.Enter Respectable in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 1987 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.