Shocked (song)

Last updated

"Shocked"
Kylie Minogue - Shocked single cover.png
Single by Kylie Minogue
from the album Rhythm of Love
Released20 May 1991 (1991-05-20) [1]
Studio London, England
Genre
Length
  • 4:48 (album version)
  • 3:12 (DNA 7-inch mix)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Kylie Minogue singles chronology
"What Do I Have to Do"
(1991)		"Shocked"
(1991)		"Word Is Out"
(1991)
Music video
"Shocked" on YouTube

"Shocked" is a song by Australian singer Kylie Minogue from her third studio album, Rhythm of Love (1990). Written and produced by Stock Aitken and Waterman, "Shocked" was released as the album's fourth and final single in May 1991 by Mushroom and PWL. The song later appeared on most of Minogue's major compilations including Greatest Hits (1992), Ultimate Kylie (2004) and Step Back In Time: The Definitive Collection (2019). The DNA 7-inch mix of the song also includes a rap in the bridge by Jazzi P.

Contents

Lyrically, the song canvasses confusion and understanding of love and relationships. Composer Mike Stock says the track was inspired by the writings of Virginia Woolf and is meant to invoke "a trip". [2] The song has been compared by critics to her previous single "What Do I Have to Do". "Shocked" received mostly positive reviews from critics, with many praising its catchiness. Commercially, the song was successful, peaking in the top ten in her native Australia, the United Kingdom, and several other countries.

An accompanying music video was filmed for the single, shot in London. [2] The video features Minogue entering a mansion-style home, where she is seduced by a mysterious man. The song has been noted to have a close similarity to Minogue's previous single's video "What Do I Have to Do", which featured the same man (her then boyfriend Zane O'Donnell) in a similar atmosphere. The song has been noted as one of Minogue's best singles to date, despite limited success outside her native Australia and the United Kingdom. [3]

Background

"Shocked" was written and produced by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman, who had written and produced almost all of Minogue's material to that point, and went on to do the same for her fourth album Let's Get To It (1991), before Minogue parted ways with them. Although not originally intended as a single, the song was released as the fourth and final release from the Rhythm of Love album. [2] The single version of the song was remixed by DNA and features a rap verse from rapper Jazzi P, who says she was only paid £200 for writing and performing the rap, and does not get any publishing royalties. [2]

Critical reception

Initial response

"Shocked" received positive reviews from most music critics. Quentin Harrison from Albumism described it as "luxuriant electro-pop". [4] Johnny Loftus from AllMusic highlighted the song as an album standout from Minogue's compilation, Greatest Hits: 87-99 . [5] Larry Flick from Billboard called it "festive" and "house-inflected", adding that the track "is so catchy that it could be the multiformat hit that Minogue has been after." [6] Nick Levine from Digital Spy misunderstood the lyrics as he said, "On 'Shocked', is she... would she... could she be singing "I was f**ked to my very foundations?". [7] (DNA have denied that the obscenity was added to their mix.) [2] Alan Jones from Music Week stated that it "finds the diminutive Aussie in typically nasal form, but DNA's brilliant Italo house style remix and Jazzie P's cute rapping make it one that even upfront clubs can play." [8] Hunter Felt from PopMatters enjoyed the song, saying that, while reviewing Ultimate Kylie , that they needed "even a little funk [on tracks like "Shocked"]". [9] Mark Frith from Smash Hits said it is "brilliant", adding that she "goes for a powerful Hi-NRG sound". He also complimented the singer's voice as "strong and insistent". [10] Also Stylus Magazine gave it a positive review, saying that along with "Give Me Just a Little More Time" and "What Do I Have to Do", they "were great songs and suddenly Kylie was a little bit cool." [11]

Impact and legacy

In 2020, Alexis Petridis of British daily newspaper The Guardian ranked the song at number five in his "Kylie's 30 greatest singles" list, adding that it saw Stock, Aitken and Waterman "abandoning their identikit sound, writing better, classier songs and... commissioning a remix by DNA which is very 1990 – breakbeat, house piano, rap – and a delight". [12] In 2021, British magazine Classic Pop ranked the song number 28 in their list of "Top 40 Stock Aitken Waterman songs". They wrote, "It took a DNA remix armed with bustling rhythms and pounding piano stabs and a rap cameo from Jazzy P to bring the fourth and final single from Rhythm Of Love out of its shell, but Kylie's 1991 hit was very much SAW at their songwriting and production best. Sex came to the forefront for the "What Do I Have to Do" video that preceded it, and Kylie continued in that steamy, seductive vein for "Shocked", with snogging, brassieres and even a spot of keyhole voyeurism no doubt helping her to her 13th successive Top 10 UK single." [13] The song's legacy extends to the porn world, with its rap quoted in an American gay erotic video. [2] In 2023, Robert Moran of Australian daily tabloid newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald ranked the song as Minogue's fourth best song (out of 183), describing it a SAW "masterpiece", and added: "A fat bassline and heavy electro beat makes way for acid squiggles, a huge guitar riff, even cowbell... Kylie's delivery is flawless and that chorus is perfect". [14]

Chart performance

"Shocked" received moderate success throughout the charts. In Minogue's native Australia, the song debuted at number thirteen. The song then rose to number seven, where it eventually peaked. The song then fell out the top ten, and stayed in the charts for eleven weeks in total. [15] In the United Kingdom, the song debuted at number ten on the UK Singles Chart. The song then ascended to number six, where it eventually peaked. It stayed in the charts for a total of seven weeks. Due to the top ten chart performance of the song in the UK, Minogue became the first artist in the history of the UK charts to have their first thirteen releases go top ten. [16]

Music video

Minogue and her dancers performing "Shocked" during Showgirl: The Homecoming Tour (2006). Kylie Sydney 7.jpg
Minogue and her dancers performing "Shocked" during Showgirl: The Homecoming Tour (2006).

The accompanying music video for "Shocked" was shot in Paris, France as Minogue was finishing her photoshoot in Paris. [3] The video featured Minogue in a number of disguises. According to her long-term friend William Baker, her team intended to re-create her previous video for "What Do I Have to Do" to this video. [3]

Track listings

  1. "Shocked" (DNA Remix)
  2. "Shocked" (Harding/Curnow Remix)
  1. "Shocked" (DNA 7-inch mix) – 3:10
  2. "Shocked" (DNA 12-inch mix) – 6:20
  3. "Shocked" (Harding/Curnow 12-inch mix) – 7:30
  1. "Shocked" (DNA 7-inch mix) – 3:08
  2. "Shocked" (DNA 12-inch mix) – 6:14
  3. "Shocked" (DNA original 7-inch mix) – 4:11
  4. "Shocked" (DNA backing track) – 3:08
  5. "One Boy Girl" (12-inch mix) – 4:55
  6. "One Boy Girl" (instrumental) – 4:32
  7. "One Boy Girl" (backing track) – 4:32
  8. "Always Find the Time" (instrumental) – 3:35
  9. "Always Find the Time" (backing track) – 3:35

Charts

Related Research Articles

<i>Enjoy Yourself</i> (Kylie Minogue album) 1989 album by Kylie Minogue

Enjoy Yourself is the second studio album by Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue, released on 9 October 1989 in the United Kingdom by Pete Waterman Entertainment (PWE), and in Australia on 6 November by Mushroom Records. In the United States, it was released in January 1990 by Geffen Records. Following the success of her self-titled debut album, Minogue reunited with the producers Stock Aitken Waterman, who produced and wrote nine of the album's ten tracks, in London in February 1989. The recording sessions took place there from February until July, coinciding with Minogue filming her first feature film The Delinquents.

<i>Rhythm of Love</i> (Kylie Minogue album) 1990 studio album by Kylie Minogue

Rhythm of Love is the third studio album by Australian singer Kylie Minogue. It was released in the United Kingdom on 12 November 1990 by Pete Waterman Limited (PWL) and in Australia on 3 December 1990 by Mushroom Records. Recording sessions took place in London and Los Angeles during early-to-mid 1990. Minogue started to become more involved in the writing and production of the album; she was credited as co-writer for the first time, while Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) were the primary producers along with new producers and collaborations, including Keith Cohen, Stephen Bray and Michael Jay.

<i>Lets Get to It</i> 1991 album by Kylie Minogue

Let's Get to It is the fourth studio album by Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue. It was the final studio album with Pete Waterman Limited (PWL), being released by the record label in the United Kingdom on 14 October 1991. Mushroom Records distributed the album in Australia on 25 November 1991. After Matt Aitken left the trio Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) in early 1991, the remaining producers wanted to make another album with Minogue, although it was not a contractual obligation for her. Mike Stock and Pete Waterman agreed to share their songwriting credits with Minogue for the first time on six tracks. They spent months recording at PWL Studios, more time than any of her previous studio albums.

<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">Je ne sais pas pourquoi</span> 1988 single by Kylie Minogue

"Je ne sais pas pourquoi" (English: "I Do Not Know Why"), also known as "I Still Love You (Je ne sais pas pourquoi)" in Australia and New Zealand, is a song by Australian recording artist and songwriter Kylie Minogue from her debut studio album Kylie (1988). Released as a single on 10 October 1988 by PWL, the song has subsequently appeared on most of Minogue's hits compilations including Greatest Hits (1992), Ultimate Kylie (2004) and, most recently, Step Back in Time: The Definitive Collection, released in 2019. Like most of Minogue's material between 1988 and 1992, it was written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turn It into Love</span> 1988 single by Kylie Minogue

"Turn It into Love" is a single released by Australian singer Kylie Minogue. It was taken from her debut studio album Kylie (1988). The single was released in December 1988 in Japan only. The B-side was a new song "Made in Heaven", which also served as the B-side to both "Je ne sais pas pourquoi" and "It's No Secret" in other international territories.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hand on Your Heart</span> 1989 single by Kylie Minogue

"Hand on Your Heart" is a song by Australian singer Kylie Minogue from her second studio album, Enjoy Yourself (1989), and released as its lead single on 24 April 1989. Much like her previous releases up to Let's Get to It (1991), the song was written and produced by English songwriting and record production trio Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW). Referenced tracks during composition included "This Old Heart of Mine" by the Isley Brothers and "That's the Way Love Is" by Ten City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Too Late (Kylie Minogue song)</span> 1989 single by Kylie Minogue

"Never Too Late" is a song written and produced by British production team Stock, Aitken and Waterman for Australian singer Kylie Minogue's second studio album, Enjoy Yourself (1989). Released on 23 October 1989, the song peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart, number one in Ireland, and number 14 in Australia. It was later rerecorded for Minogue's orchestral compilation album, The Abbey Road Sessions, in 2012. Writer Mike Stock says he deliberately composed the song with "old fashioned" lyrical themes, imagining it the style of a 1920s number.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Better the Devil You Know</span> 1990 single by Kylie Minogue

"Better the Devil You Know" is a song by Australian singer-songwriter Kylie Minogue, taken from her third studio album Rhythm of Love (1990). The song was written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman and was released as the album's lead single on 30 April 1990 by PWL and Mushroom Records. "Better the Devil You Know" is known as the song that re-invented Minogue with more sex appeal, as her previous albums were presented with her "girl next door" persona. Her music onwards presented a more independent approach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Got to Be Certain</span> 1988 single by Kylie Minogue

"Got to Be Certain" is a song by Australian singer Kylie Minogue from her debut studio album, Kylie (1988). Written and produced by English songwriting and record production trio Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW), the song was released as the second single from Kylie in most territories outside Australia, and was released on 2 May 1988 in Australia and the United Kingdom. In Australia, "Got to Be Certain" was Minogue's third single release. "Got to Be Certain" was a commercial success, peaking at number one in Minogue's native Australia and number two on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Step Back in Time</span> 1990 single by Kylie Minogue

"Step Back in Time" is a song by Australian singer Kylie Minogue from her third studio album, Rhythm of Love (1990). It was released as the album's second single on 22 October 1990, and distributed by PWL and Mushroom as a CD single, cassette tape and 12-inch and 7-inch singles. The track was written, arranged, and produced by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, Pete Waterman, who are collectively known as Stock Aitken and Waterman, and was recorded in London, United Kingdom. Musically, it is a disco song that lyrically pays tribute to 1970s' culture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What Do I Have to Do</span> 1991 single by Kylie Minogue

"What Do I Have to Do" is a song performed by Australian singer-songwriter Kylie Minogue from her third studio album, Rhythm of Love (1990). The song was written and produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman. Originally, the song was planned to be released after the single "Better the Devil You Know", but instead "Step Back in Time" was released and this was released as the third single on 21 January 1991 by PWL and Mushroom. The song received positive reviews from most music critics, who thought the song was an instant rave classic. Its music video was directed by Dave Hogan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Word Is Out</span> 1991 single by Kylie Minogue

"Word Is Out" is a song written by English musical duo Stock and Waterman for Australian singer Kylie Minogue's fourth studio album, Let's Get to It (1991). Produced by Mike Stock and Pete Waterman, it was released as the first single from Let's Get to It on 26 August 1991. The track aimed to replicate the swingbeat sound, with "New Jack City" by Guy serving as the main plot track. The artwork for the cover was photographed by Ellen Von Unwerth in 1991 for the British edition of Esquire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If You Were with Me Now</span> 1991 single by Kylie Minogue and Keith Washington

"If You Were with Me Now" is a song by Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue and American R&B singer Keith Washington. It was written by Minogue, Washington, and British songwriting team Mike Stock and Pete Waterman for Minogue's fourth studio album, Let's Get to It (1991). The song was produced by Stock and Waterman. The song was released as the second single in October 1991 and reached number four on the UK Singles Chart, as well as the top 10 in Ireland and the top 30 in Australia. The song is Minogue's first hit single to feature her as a co-writer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What Kind of Fool (Heard All That Before)</span> 1992 single by Kylie Minogue

"What Kind of Fool (Heard All That Before)" is a song recorded by Australian recording artist Kylie Minogue, released as the lead single from her first greatest hits album Greatest Hits (1992). The song was written by Mike Stock, Minogue and Pete Waterman, and produced by Stock and Waterman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Too Many Broken Hearts</span> 1989 single by Jason Donovan

"Too Many Broken Hearts" is a song by Australian singer and actor Jason Donovan, released on 20 February 1989 as the third single from his debut album, Ten Good Reasons (1989), and 1991's Greatest Hits album and again on a later collection in 2006. The song reached number-one in the United Kingdom and Ireland in March 1989. The song additionally peaked within the top 10 in Australia, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain. British magazine Classic Pop ranked "Too Many Broken Hearts" number 19 in their list of "Top 40 Stock Aitken Waterman songs" in 2021.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can't Forget You (Sonia song)</span> 1989 single by Sonia

"Can't Forget You" is a song by English singer Sonia, released as her second single in September 1989. The mid-tempo song later appeared on her debut album, Everybody Knows, released in 1990. It was a moderate hit on the chart, reaching number 17 in UK and number five in Ireland.

Pauline Bennett, who also goes by the stage name of Jazzi P, is a British DJ, dance teacher and rapper from Wolverhampton. She had a No. 6 hit as a featured artist on Kylie Minogue's 1991 song "Shocked", and also participated in Big Brother: Power Trip in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wouldn't Change a Thing (Kylie Minogue song)</span> 1989 single by Kylie Minogue

"Wouldn't Change a Thing" is a song performed by Australian singer-songwriter Kylie Minogue, recorded for her second studio album Enjoy Yourself (1989). The song was written by Stock Aitken Waterman, and was released on 24 July 1989 by Mushroom and PWL Records. The song was released as the second single off the album.

References

  1. ↑ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week . 18 May 1991. p. 21.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "A Journey Through Stock Aitken Waterman: Ep 68: Shocked on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 Inner lines: Pg 151 – la la la – Written by William Baker and Kylie Minogue ISBN   0-340-73440-X
  4. ↑ Harrison, Quentin (10 November 2020). "Kylie Minogue's 'Rhythm of Love' Turns 30: Anniversary Retrospective". Albumism. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  5. ↑ Greatest Hits 87-99 Kylie Minogue - AllMusic.com.
  6. ↑ Flick, Larry (6 July 1991). "Dance Trax: Exciting D'Bora; Fond Of 'Rae'; Soulful 'Sensation'" (PDF). Billboard . p. 30. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  7. ↑ "Kylie: Revisited #3: 'Rhythm Of Love' - Music The Sound". Digital Spy. 15 May 2010. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
  8. ↑ Jones, Alan (25 May 1991). "Mainstream: Singles" (PDF). Music Week . p. 10. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  9. ↑ Felt, Hunter. "Kylie Minogue: The Ultimate Kylie". PopMatters. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
  10. ↑ Frith, Mark (15 May 1991). "Review: Singles". Smash Hits . p. 44. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  11. ↑ "Kylie Minogue - Ultimate Kylie - Review". Stylus Magazine. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
  12. ↑ Petridis, Alexis (24 September 2020). "Kylie's 30 greatest singles – ranked!". The Guardian . London. ISSN   1756-3224 . Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  13. ↑ "Top 40 Stock Aitken Waterman songs". Classic Pop . Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  14. ↑ Moran, Robert; Ross, Annabel (25 September 2023). "Every Kylie Minogue song ranked". The Sydney Morning Herald . Sydney. ISSN   0312-6315 . Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  15. ↑ Australian Singles Chart Kylie Minogue - Shocked. www.australian-charts.com.
  16. ↑ "The Official Charts Company - Shocked by Kylie Minogue Search". The Official Charts Company. 6 May 2013.
  17. ↑ Shocked (Australian 7-inch single sleeve). Kylie Minogue. Mushroom Records. 1991. K10424.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. ↑ Shocked (Australian cassette single sleeve). Kylie Minogue. Mushroom Records. 1991. C 10424.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ↑ Shocked (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Kylie Minogue. PWL Records. 1991. PWLT 81.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ↑ Shocked (UK cassette single sleeve). Kylie Minogue. PWL Records. 1991. PWMC 81.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ↑ Shocked (UK CD single liner notes). Kylie Minogue. PWL Records. 1991. PWCD 81.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. ↑ "Shocked". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  23. ↑ "Kylie Minogue – Shocked". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  24. ↑ "Kylie Minogue – Shocked" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  25. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles". Music & Media . Vol. 8, no. 25. 22 June 1991. p. 21. OCLC   29800226.
  26. ↑ Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN   951-31-2503-3.
  27. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Shocked". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  28. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  29. ↑ "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 1 June 1991. p. 22. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  30. ↑ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
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.