Two Can Play That Game (song)

Last updated
"Two Can Play That Game"
Twocanplaythatgame.jpg
Single by Bobby Brown
from the album Bobby
ReleasedJune 13, 1994 (1994-06-13)
Studio NJS Future Records (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
Genre
Length
  • 4:59 (album version)
  • 3:31 (K Klassic radio mix)
Label MCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Teddy Riley
Bobby Brown singles chronology
"Something in Common"
(1993)		"Two Can Play That Game"
(1994)		"Feelin' Inside"
(1997)

"Two Can Play That Game" is a song by American R&B singer-songwriter Bobby Brown from his third album, Bobby (1992). The single release was remixed by K-Klass and originally reached No. 38 on the UK Singles Chart in June 1994. In April 1995, it re-entered the chart, peaking at No. 3. It received positive reviews from music critics and also reached No. 3 in the Netherlands. Additionally, it became a top-20 hit in Belgium (Flanders and Wallonia), Denmark, Finland, Ireland, and Italy. On the Eurochart Hot 100, "Two Can Play That Game" peaked at No. 10. This version of the song appeared on Brown's remix album of the same name, released later in 1995.

Contents

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard stated that "Two Can Play That Game" has been "revamped brilliantly" by the "unstoppable" British electronic music group K-Klass. [2] In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton noted that the track had been "drastically remixed", becoming a record "that towers head and shoulders over the original mix." He added, "Whereas the original album track was a fairly average piece of swingbeat, K-Klass' reworking transforms it into one of the more brilliant pop hits of recent months." [3] Andy Beevers from Music Week rated the remix four out of five, stating that "their catchy and commercial piano-powered treatment has helped take the tune to the upper reaches of the Club Chart." [4] Johnny Dee from NME complimented the remixers, that "do a sterling job". He added, "It's pretty smart until he starts rapping about how he's back and how brilliant he is but yer can't help feeling he's lost his moment." [5]

A reviewer from People Magazine felt it had the same potential to become a No. 1 R&B hit as "Humpin' Around". [6] In an retrospective review, Pop Rescue remarked that it "at times" reminds of "Boom! Shake the Room" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. [7] Ralph Tee from the RM Dance Update wrote, "With K-Klass on the mix, the track now boasts sparkling pianos, bright snares, thudding house bassline and crispy handclaps as an accompaniment to parts of the original vocal that at times seems removed from its surroundings. After breaking down for a rap section atop some contrasting funky drummer style rhythms, the track is then left to build once again to a storming climax." He also added that it "looks like [becoming] Bobby's first house hit." [8] Another editor, James Hamilton, described it as "piano plonked [and] jiggly striding". [9]

Impact and legacy

In October 2018, Time Out ranked "Two Can Play That Game" at No. 30 in their "The 100 Best Party Songs" list, adding:

"We don’t know who the harlot was that broke Bobby’s heart, but we’re glad she did. In cooking up a dish of sweet revenge, Boston’s Robert Brown unwittingly created one of the biggest party tunes of all time. The track may have started out as a smooth R&B gem, but less than a year after its release it was transformed by Welsh producers K-Klass into the piano house banger we’ve all been doing the running man to ever since." [10]

Track listing

  1. "Two Can Play That Game" (K Klassic radio mix) – 3:31
  2. "Two Can Play That Game" (K Klassic mix) – 7:17
  3. "Two Can Play That Game" (The Games Over mix) – 5:18
  4. "Two Can Play That Game" (Pharmaceutical dub) – 6:22
  5. "Two Can Play That Game" (DJ Gem Cunnington ReMix) – 3:29
  6. "Two Can Play That Game" (2B3 Can Play That Game mix) – 4:45

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [37] Platinum600,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United KingdomJune 13, 1994
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
 MCA [38]
United Kingdom (re-release)March 20, 1995 [39]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Something in Common</span> 1993 single by Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston

"Something in Common" is a song by American singers Bobby Brown and then-wife Whitney Houston, that was featured on Brown's third album, Bobby (1992). The single version was re-recorded and released in December 1993 by MCA, and was also available on Brown's 1993 compilation album Remixes in the Key of B. It was written by Brown and Houston with Teddy Riley, Bernard Belle, Mark Middleton and Alfred Rosemond, while Riley and L.A. Reid produced it. The song stands as the couple's first musical collaboration and the only song released as a single. It examines two unlikely people coming together as they find "something in common." Its music video was directed by Andy Morahan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Stop (Wiggle Wiggle)</span> 1994 single by The Outhere Brothers

"Don't Stop (Wiggle Wiggle)" is a song by American hip-house duo the Outhere Brothers, released in 1994 as a single from their debut album, 1 Polish, 2 Biscuits & a Fish Sandwich (1994). The song topped the charts in the Republic of Ireland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Although the music video and radio edit of the song featured a remixed, clean version of the song, the original, explicit lyrics were featured on different versions of the track on the CD single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Here Comes the Hotstepper</span> 1994 single by Ini Kamoze

"Here Comes the Hotstepper" is a song co-written and recorded by Jamaican dancehall artist Ini Kamoze. It was released as the lead single from his 1995 album of the same name as well as the soundtrack to the film Prêt-à-Porter. It is known for its "naaaa na na na naaaa..." chorus inspired by the Cannibal and the Headhunters version of "Land of 1000 Dances".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Good (Start the Dance)</span> 1994 single by The Prodigy

"No Good (Start the Dance)" is a song by English electronic music group the Prodigy. Written and produced by group member Liam Howlett, it was released on 16 May 1994 by XL Recordings as the second single from the group's second studio album, Music for the Jilted Generation (1994). Commercially, the track was presented with the slogan, "Hard dance with attitude" and is built around a repeated vocal sample from "You're No Good for Me", a song released by American singer Kelly Charles in 1987. Howlett initially had doubts whether to use the sample because he thought it was too pop for his taste. The song also contains samples from "Funky Nassau" by Bahamian funk group the Beginning of the End. It was certified Gold in Germany for 250,000 sold copies. The music video for the song was directed by Walter Stern and filmed in London.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bump n' Grind (R. Kelly song)</span> 1994 single by R. Kelly

"Bump n' Grind" is a song written, produced, and performed by American singer-songwriter R. Kelly. It was released on January 28, 1994 by Jive Records, as the second single from his debut solo studio album, 12 Play (1993). The track became a number one single on the US Billboard Hot 100, and it also spent twelve weeks at number one on the US Hot R&B Songs chart as Kelly's third number-one R&B hit, becoming the longest-running number-one of 1994 in the US, and the longest-running R&B single at that time. The song also reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart, following the massive success of his previous single, "She's Got That Vibe".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Humpin' Around</span> 1992 single by Bobby Brown

"Humpin' Around" is a song by American singer Bobby Brown. It is rumored that the song was originally titled "Fuckin' Around", with the name later changed to make it more radio friendly, and to avoid potential censorship. The song contains an interpolation of "Dancing Days" by Led Zeppelin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Space Cowboy (Jamiroquai song)</span> 1994 single by Jamiroquai

"Space Cowboy" is the international lead single from British funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai's second studio album, The Return of the Space Cowboy (1994). Released on 26 September 1994 by Sony Soho Square, the single peaked at number 17 on the UK Singles Chart, number six in Italy, and number three in Iceland. In the United States, it gave the band their first number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. In June 2006, it re-entered the UK Dance Chart at number one. Its music video was directed by Vaughan Arnell and Anthea Benton. The single contains remixes by David Morales, which further put the single in club circulation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moving On Up (M People song)</span> 1993 single by M People

"Moving On Up" is the seventh overall single from British band M People, and the second single from their second album, Elegant Slumming (1993). Written by band members Mike Pickering and Paul Heard, and produced by M People, it was released on 13 September 1993 by Deconstruction. The song peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and number one on the UK Dance Singles Chart and was the biggest selling M People single. It also became a top-40 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. The accompanying music video for the song sees the band performing in a club.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">100% Pure Love</span> 1994 single by Crystal Waters

"100% Pure Love" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Crystal Waters from her second studio album, Storyteller (1994). It was released on April 11, 1994 by Mercury and A&M (UK), as the album's lead single. The song was a hit in many countries, reaching the top 20 in Australia, Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is certified platinum in Australia and gold in the US. In 1995, it was awarded the prize for Top ASCAP Dance Song. And its accompanying music video, directed by Marcus Nispel, was nominated for Best Dance Video at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dreamer (Livin' Joy song)</span> 1994 single by Livin Joy

"Dreamer" is a song by Italian house group Livin' Joy, written and recorded by Janice Robinson and produced by brothers Paolo and Gianni Visnadi. Originally released in August 1994, it was re-released in 1995 by MCA and topped the UK Singles Chart at the number one spot that May, ending 1995 as the UK's 40th-biggest-selling single of 1995. In the United States, it went to number-one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. It was a sleeper hit on pop radio, but finally managed to peak at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 75 on the Cash Box Top 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Push the Feeling On</span> 1992 single by Nightcrawlers

"Push the Feeling On" is a house song by the Scottish music group Nightcrawlers and American DJ Marc Kinchen (MK). The original version released in 1992 was also partially disco and acid jazz-influenced and was a minor chart hit in the United Kingdom. The song was later remixed extensively by Kinchen, creating a series of additional remixes for the song. One remix known as "Push the Feeling On (MK Dub Revisited Edit)" became an international chart hit in 1995, reaching the top 10 in various European countries, including the UK, where it peaked at number three.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turn On, Tune In, Cop Out</span> 1993 single by Freak Power

"Turn On, Tune In, Cop Out" is a song by Norman Cook's acid jazz group Freak Power, released in October 1993 by Island Records and 4th & Broadway as the debut single from their first album, Drive-Thru Booty (1994). The song features a smooth jazz sound and the baritone vocals of lead singer Ashley Slater. The single originally charted at number 29 in the United Kingdom. However, two years later, the song was used in the popular Levi's advertisement "Taxi", and it was re-released on 6 March 1995. This time, the single was a success, reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart and becoming the group's only top-20 hit. The song was also a moderate hit in western Europe and New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Rendezvous</span> 1995 single by M People

"Love Rendezvous" is a song by British band M People, released in October 1995 by Deconstruction as the fourth single from their third album, Bizarre Fruit/Bizarre Fruit II (1994). Written by Mike Pickering, Paul Heard and Heather Small, and produced by M People, the song was released on 14 October after the band's world tour. It peaked at number thirty two on the UK Singles Chart and number 59 on the Eurochart Hot 100. The music video for the song was directed by Matthew Amos and filmed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"Sunshine After the Rain" is a song originally written and recorded by Ellie Greenwich in 1968, titled as "The Sunshine After the Rain" and released on her album Composes, Produces and Sings. It was covered by Elkie Brooks in 1977 and Berri in 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Deeper Love</span> 1991 single by Clivillés & Cole

"A Deeper Love" is a song written by American producers Robert Clivillés and David Cole, and performed by them as Clivillés & Cole featuring vocals by Deborah Cooper. Released by Columbia in 1991, the song was the duo's fifth number-one on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. On other US charts, "A Deeper Love" peaked at number 83 on the soul singles chart and number 44 on the pop chart. Overseas, especially in Europe the single charted higher, going to number 15 in the UK and number eight on the Dutch Top 40.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Welcome to Tomorrow (Are You Ready?)</span> 1994 single by Snap!

"Welcome to Tomorrow " is a song by German Eurodance group Snap!, released in September 1994 by Ariola and Arista as the lead single from the group's third and final studio album, Welcome to Tomorrow (1994). The song features vocals by the group's new American singer, Summer, who co-wrote the lyrics with the producers Benito Benites and John "Virgo" Garrett III. It reached number one in Finland and was also a top-10 hit in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK. Its accompanying music video, made with Softimage 3D and directed by Angel Gracia, took three months to finish.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joy (Staxx song)</span> 1993 single by Staxx featuring Carol Leeming

"Joy" is the debut single by British house music studio project Staxx, assembled by producers Simon Thorne and Tom Jones. It was released in 1993 and features British singer Carol Leeming, becoming a number-one hit on both the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and the Canadian RPM Dance/Urban chart. On the UK Singles Chart, it peaked at number 25. In 1997, the song was re-released in a new remix, reaching number 14 in the UK. The accompanying music video was directed by British director Lindy Heymann, featuring Leeming and two female dancers performing in an empty swimming pool.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhythm Is a Mystery</span> 1991 single by K-Klass

"Rhythm Is a Mystery" is the debut single by British electronic music group K-Klass, released in 1991 by Deconstruction Records, and later included on the group's debut album, Universal (1993). Lead vocals are performed by Bobbi Depasois.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rockin' for Myself</span> 1993 single by Motiv8

"Rockin' for Myself" is a song by British electronic dance music record producer Motiv8, aka Steve Rodway. Based around a vocal loop originally performed by Anne-Marie Smith on Italian dance act 49ers' 1992 single, "Move Your Feet", it was released in late 1993 and features vocals by British singer Angie Brown. This version reached number 67 on the UK Singles Chart. In the spring of 1994, it was re-mixed and re-released, peaking at number 18 in the UK. But on the UK Dance Singles Chart, it was even more successful, peaking at number-one. On the Eurochart Hot 100, it reached number 63. Outside Europe, it was successful in Australia, peaking at number nine. A music video was produced to promote the single, featuring a model and dancer lip-syncing the song on a red sofa, wearing yellow sweater and beret.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Want You (Juliet Roberts song)</span> 1994 single by Juliet Roberts

"I Want You" is a song by English singer-songwriter Juliet Roberts, released in March 1994 by Cooltempo as the second single from the singer's debut album, Natural Thing (1994). Originally released as a double A-side with her song "Again", it was then released as its own single following the success of its predecessor, "Caught in the Middle", in 1994. Co-written by Roberts with Nathaniel Pierre Jones, it was produced by Dancin' Danny D and peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. The song also reached number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100. In Europe, it charted in the UK, where it peaked at number 28 on the UK Singles Chart, but was more successful on the UK Dance Singles Chart, reaching number three in October 1994. The accompanying music video for the song was directed by American filmmaker and comic artist Antoine Fuqua.

References

  1. ↑ Elan, Priya; Bromwich, Kathryn (September 6, 2015). "Playlists to live by: musicians choose soundtracks to their favourite pastimes". The Guardian . Retrieved August 5, 2016.
  2. ↑ Flick, Larry. Billboard .
  3. ↑ Masterton, James (March 26, 1995). "Week Ending April 1st 1995". Chart Watch UK. Retrieved September 19, 2021.
  4. ↑ Beevers, Andy (June 11, 1994). "Market Preview: Dance" (PDF). Music Week . p. 16. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  5. ↑ Dee, Johnny (June 11, 1994). "Singles". NME . p. 36. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  6. ↑ "Picks and Pans Review: Bobby". People . October 19, 1992. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  7. ↑ "Review: 'Bobby' by Bobby Brown (CD, 1992)". Pop Rescue. August 7, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  8. ↑ Tee, Ralph (June 18, 1994). "Hot Vinyl" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental insert). p. 6. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  9. ↑ Hamilton, James (March 25, 1995). "Dj directory" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental insert). p. 11. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  10. ↑ "The 100 best party songs". Time Out . Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  11. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
  12. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
  13. ↑ "Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week . June 25, 1994. p. 28. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
  14. ↑ "The RM Club Chart" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). May 28, 1994. p. 10. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  15. ↑ "Bobby Brown – Two Can Play That Game" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  16. ↑ "Bobby Brown – Two Can Play That Game" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  17. ↑ Danish Singles Chart. May 19, 1995.
  18. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 12, no. 16. April 22, 1995. p. 16. Retrieved March 17, 2018.
  19. ↑ "European Dance Radio" (PDF). Music & Media . June 24, 1995. p. 23. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  20. ↑ Week 19, 1995.
  21. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Two Can Play That Game". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  22. ↑ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 12, no. 31. August 5, 1995. p. 11. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  23. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Bobby Brown" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  24. ↑ "Bobby Brown – Two Can Play That Game" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  25. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  26. ↑ "Bobby Brown – Two Can Play That Game". Singles Top 100.
  27. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  28. ↑ "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  29. ↑ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  30. ↑ "The RM on a Pop Tip Club Chart" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental insert). April 22, 1995. p. 8. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  31. ↑ "The RM Club Chart of the Year" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). December 24, 1994. p. 10. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Rapports annuels 1995" (in French). Ultratop . Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  33. ↑ "1995 Year-End Sales Charts: Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 12, no. 51/52. December 23, 1995. p. 14. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  34. ↑ "Jaarlijsten 1995" (in Dutch). Stichting Nederlandse Top 40. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  35. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1995" (in Dutch). MegaCharts . Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  36. ↑ "Top 100 Singles 1995". Music Week . January 13, 1996. p. 9.
  37. ↑ "British single certifications – Bobby Brown – Two Can Play That Game". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  38. ↑ "Single Releases". Music Week . June 11, 1994. p. 25.
  39. ↑ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. March 18, 1995. p. 35.
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.