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The Look

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This article is about the Roxette song. For other uses, see Look (disambiguation).
"The Look"
Single by Roxette
from the album Look Sharp!
B-side"Silver Blue" (Demo)
Released12 January 1989
RecordedMay and August 1988
StudioEMI Studios, Stockholm
GenrePop rock
Length3:57
LabelEMI
Songwriter(s)Per Gessle
Producer(s)Clarence Öfwerman
Roxette singles chronology
"Chances"
(1988) 		"The Look"
(1989) 		"Dangerous"
(1989)
Music video
"The Look" on YouTube

"The Look" is a song by the Swedish pop duo Roxette. It was released in early 1989 as the fourth single from their second studio album, Look Sharp! (1988). It became an international hit, and was one of the most successful singles of 1989. It topped the charts in 25 countries,[1] and was the first of their four number ones on the Billboard Hot 100.[2]

Background

The duo released their second album Look Sharp! in October 1988. It was an immediate commercial success in their home country, spending seven weeks at number one on the Swedish Albums Chart. The album's first two Swedish singles, "Dressed for Success" and "Listen to Your Heart", both became top three hits there;[3] while another song, "Chances", was released in Germany, Italy and France.[4]

When "The Look" was about to be released in Sweden as the fourth single, an American exchange student from Minnesota named Dean Cushman returned from Sweden and urged his local Top 40 radio station KDWB in Minneapolis to play the song.[5] It quickly became popular, and the station began distributing the track to their sister radio operations.[6][7] EMI America had previously rejected the duo as unsuitable for the American market, and Roxette did not have a recording contract there.[8] "The Look" had already entered the top fifty of the Billboard Hot 100 before the duo began official promotion. It would go on to peak at number one eight weeks later.[9]

Composition

Gessle wrote "The Look" while learning to program an Ensoniq ESQ-1 synthesizer, and stated that the song's "extremely important" sixteenth-note rhythm was inspired by ZZ Top.[10]

The first two verses are composed of guide lyrics, with Gessle explaining in the liner notes of their 1995 compilation album Don't Bore Us, Get to the Chorus! that they were "words just scribbled down to have something to sing. Couldn't come up with anything better, so we kept them. Everybody gets lucky sometimes."[11]

Formats and track listings

All songs written and composed by Per Gessle.

  • 7" single (Sweden 136336 · UK EM87 · US B-50190)
  • Cassette (UK TCEM87 · US 4JM-50190)
  1. "The Look" – 3:56
  2. "Silver Blue" (Demo) – 4:05
  • EU 12" single (Sweden 1363336 · UK 12EM87)
  1. "The Look" (Head Drum Mix) – 7:22
  2. "The Look" (7" Version) – 3:58
  3. "Silver Blue" (Demo) – 4:05
  • US 12" single (V-56133)
  1. "The Look" (Visible Mix) – 6:03
  2. "The Look" (Power Radio Mix) – 4:09
  3. "The Look" (Big Red Mix) – 7:33
  4. "The Look" (Invisible dub) – 5:11
  5. "Silver Blue" (Demo) – 4:00
  • CD single (Sweden 1363332 · UK CDEM87)
  1. "The Look" (Head Drum Mix) – 7:22
  2. "The Look" (7" Version) – 3:58
  3. "Silver Blue" (Demo) – 4:06
  4. "Sleeping Single" (Demo) – 3:46

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of The Rox Box/Roxette 86–06.[12]

  • Recorded at EMI Studios in Stockholm, Sweden between May and August 1988.
  • Mixed by Alar Suurna, Per Gessle and Clarence Öfwerman at EMI Studios in Stockholm.

Musicians

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[49] Platinum 70,000^
Canada (Music Canada)[50] Gold 50,000^
Sweden (GLF)[51] Gold 25,000^
United States (RIAA)[52] Gold 500,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

'95 Remix

"The Look '95"
Single by Roxette
from the album Don't Bore Us, Get to the Chorus! Roxette's Greatest Hits
B-side"Crazy About You"
Released13 November 1995
Length5:08
Songwriter(s)Per Gessle
Roxette singles chronology
"You Don't Understand Me"
(1995) 		"The Look '95"
(1995) 		"June Afternoon"
(1996)

"The Look" was remixed in 1995 and re-released exclusively in the United Kingdom in conjunction with the release of their first greatest hits compilation, Don't Bore Us, Get to the Chorus! Roxette's Greatest Hits. This version of the song does not appear on the album, but two of the versions from this were eventually included on the European single "She Doesn't Live Here Anymore" (1996).

Formats and track listings

  • UK CD1 (CDEMS406)
  1. "The Look" (Chaps 1995 Remix) – 5:08
  2. "The Look" (Chaps Donna Bass Mix) – 6:53
  3. "The Look" (Rapino Club Mix) – 5:22
  4. "The Look" (Rapino Dub Mix) – 5:14
  • UK CD2 (CDEMS406)
  1. "The Look" (Chaps 1995 Remix) – 5:10
  2. "The Look" (Original Version) – 3:59
  3. "Crazy About You" – 3:59
  4. "Dressed for Success" (U.S. Mix) – 4:53

Charts

Chart (1995) Peak
position
Scotland (The Official Charts Company)[53] 33
UK Singles (OCC)[32] 28

2015 Remake

"The Look (2015 Remake)"
Single by Roxette
Released17 July 2015
RecordedX-Level Studios
GenreElectropop
Length3:58
LabelCosmos
Songwriter(s)Per Gessle
Producer(s)
Roxette singles chronology
"The Sweet Hello, the Sad Goodbye (Bassflow Remake)"
(2012) 		"The Look (2015 Remake)"
(2015) 		"It Just Happens"
(2016)

"The Look" was remixed again in 2015 and released as a non-album single under Cosmos Music Group on 17 July 2015. This "2015 Remake" was produced by Gessle, Clarence Öfwerman and Christoffer Lundquist. Additional production was credited to Swedish duo Addeboy vs Cliff, who had recently contributed material to Roxette's then-upcoming tenth studio album Good Karma,[54] later released in 2016. Swedish fashion label KappAhl approached Gessle about using a medley of Roxette songs for an upcoming advertising campaign in Scandinavia, although Gessle instead decided to create an exclusive remix for "The Look". This new version was recorded over the course of two days[54] at X-Level Studios in Stockholm, formerly EMI Studios—the same studio where the track had originally been recorded in 1988.[55] It features new vocals from Gessle and Marie Fredriksson.[54]

Formats and track listings

  • Digital download and 7" single (334–43545)
  1. "The Look" (2015 Remake) – 3:58
  2. "The Look" (2015 Remake) (Instrumental) – 3:55

Charts

Chart (2015) Peak
position
Swedish Digital Songs (Sverigetopplistan)[56] 38

Cover versions

  • Candlelight Red included a modern rock cover of the song on their 2011 album The Wreckage, and released the single "She's Got the Look" in March 2012.[57]
  • American band Electric Six did a cover of the song on the Mimicry half of their album Mimicry and Memories.
  • Alan Tam, a singer from Hong Kong, covered the song in Cantonese '你知我知’ (which translates to "You Know, I Know") in 1989.

Appearances in other media

The first appearance of "The Look" on a TV show was during a montage featuring Erika Eleniak and Chris Gartin in the Baywatch episode "The Cretin of the Shallows" of the first season broadcast on 1 December 1989.[58] In the 1990s, an adaptation of "The Look" was used in a television advertisement for India's Lakmé Cosmetics featuring Aishwariya Rai. In 2009, the song was prominently featured in a marketing campaign for Grand Theft Auto IV.[59] It can also be heard on in-game radio station Vice City FM. The track also appears as a playable track in the 2010 music rhythm game Rock Band 3.

The song was mentioned in the Family Guy episode "Baby Not on Board" when Stewie announced his remorse for staying up all night listening to Persian radio.

It served as the theme song for the TV Land reality TV competition She's Got the Look.

The song was covered by Filipina singer Sarah Geronimo, and it was used as a promotion for Jag when she became the new endorser of the clothing brand.

The song was covered by Taiwanese artist Luantan Ascent (亂彈阿翔). It was used as an insert song for the movie Second Chance (逆轉勝) and was also featured in its promotional teaser trailer.[60]

The season 2 premiere episode of the FOX series Scream Queens featured the song in a scene where the Chanels see Dr. Brock Holt showering in the hospital locker room.[61]

The song was used as the opening theme of episode 2 of the 2017 Netflix TV series GLOW.[62]

An a cappella version is used in a commercial for the 2018 Toyota Camry.[63]

The song is featured in the trailer for the 2019 film 47 Meters Down: Uncaged as well as a scene in the movie. [64]

References

  1. ^ Simon Collins (27 October 2011). "Roxette are on a roll". The West Australian. Yahoo!. Archived from the original on 15 November 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Roxette Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  3. ^ "swedishcharts.com - Roxette - Look Sharp!". Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  4. ^ "Chances - The Look For Roxette". TheLookForRoxette. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  5. ^ Ninni O Schulman (14 April 2001). "Sagan om Roxette: Tacka Dean för succén" [Lord of Roxette: Thank Dean for success (part 2)]. Expressen (in Swedish). Bonnier AB. Archived from the original on 20 April 2001. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  6. ^ J.D. Considine (23 September 1989). "Sweden's Roxette Is Making It Big Almost by Accident". Los Angeles Times. tronc. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  7. ^ "Talking Shop: Roxette's Per Gessle". BBC News. BBC. 15 May 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  8. ^ Dennis Hunt (13 May 1990). "Roxette Ridicules Rumors". Los Angeles Times. tronc. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  9. ^ Gary Trust, Fred Bronson (11 February 2015). "Rewinding the Charts: In 1989, Roxette Roared Onto the Hot 100 With 'The Look'". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  10. ^ Hitlåtens historia: The Look. SVT. Aired in 2009.
  11. ^ "Digital booklet". Don't Bore Us, Get to the Chorus (liner notes). Roxette. Stockholm, Sweden: EMI Records. 1995. 7243 836203 2 6. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |titlelink= ignored (|title-link= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ^ "Booklet". The Rox Box/Roxette 86–06 (liner notes). Roxette. Stockholm, Sweden: Roxette Recordings and Capitol Records. 2006. 9463 67972–2 9. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |titlelink= ignored (|title-link= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ^ "Roxette – The Look". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  14. ^ "Roxette – The Look" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  15. ^ "Roxette – The Look" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  16. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 6348." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  17. ^ "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 6345." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  18. ^ Danish Singles Chart 2 June 1989
  19. ^ "Finnish Singles Charts 1961-1995: Toukokuu 1989 May". Suomen virallinen singlelista. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
  20. ^ "Roxette – The Look" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h "Songs from the Year 1989". tsort.info. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  22. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Roxette". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  23. ^ "Roxette - The Look" (in Italian). Federation of the Italian Music Industry. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  24. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Roxette" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  25. ^ "Roxette – The Look" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  26. ^ "Roxette – The Look". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  27. ^ "Roxette – The Look". VG-lista. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  28. ^ "Lista Przebojów Trójki - Polskie Radio Online: Notowanie nr381 - 10 czerwca 1989". Polskie Radio (in Polish). 10 June 1989. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
  29. ^ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  30. ^ "Roxette – The Look". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  31. ^ "Roxette – The Look". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  32. ^ a b "Roxette: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  33. ^ "Roxette Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  34. ^ "ARIA Australian Top 40 Digital Tracks". ARIA Charts. Australian Recording Industry Association. 15 December 2019. Archived from the original on 15 December 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  35. ^ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  36. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  37. ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  38. ^ "ARIA Charts - End of Year Charts - Top 50 Singles 1989". ARIA Charts. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  39. ^ "Alle Rechte Jahreshitparade 1989" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  40. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1989" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  41. ^ "Top 100 Singles of '89". RPM. RPM Library Archives. 23 December 1989. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  42. ^ "De Single Top 100 1989 Over" (PDF) (in Dutch). Radio 538. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  43. ^ "Jaahroverzichten 1989" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  44. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 of 1989" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 6, no. 51. 23 December 1989. p. 6. Retrieved 17 January 2020 – via American Radio History.
  45. ^ "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  46. ^ "Top Annuali Single: 1989" (in Italian). Federation of the Italian Music Industry. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  47. ^ "Top Selling Singles of 1989". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  48. ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1989" (in German). Swiss Music Charts. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  49. ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  50. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Roxette – The Look". Music Canada. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  51. ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-17. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  52. ^ "American single certifications – Roxette – The Look". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  53. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". The Official Charts Company. 19 November 1995. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
  54. ^ a b c Bronson, Fred (26 June 2015). "Roxette Takes a New 'Look' at the Song That Started It All With a 2015 Remake". Billboard. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  55. ^ Fridh, Sara (17 July 2015). "Roxette för KappAhl – släpper ny version av "The Look" | Nöje" [Roxette for KappAhl – records new version of "The Look" | Entertainment]. Expressen (in Swedish). Bonnier Group. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  56. ^ "Digilistan 26 Juli 2015" (in Swedish). DigiListan. 26 July 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
  57. ^ "Candlelight Red Hits Radio Hard With She's Got The Look Single / Prepare To Hit The Road With Trapt". Evigshed. 1 March 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  58. ^ Bonann, Gregory J.; Brad Alan Lewis (2000). Baywatch: Rescued from Prime Time - The Official, Behind-the-Scenes Story of the World's Most Popular TV Show. Beverly Hills, CA: New Millennium Press. p. 200. ISBN 1-893224-09-0.
  59. ^ Annie Barrett (29 October 2017). "Strange Bedfellows: 'Grand Theft Auto' and Roxette". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  60. ^ "2014.11.07 電影「逆轉勝 Second Chance」 官方前導預告Official Teaser".
  61. ^ http://www.tunefind.com/show/scream-queens/season-2/33567. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  62. ^ Walsh, Megan. "Netflix's 'GLOW' Soundtrack Perfectly Captures The Essence Of The '80s". Romper. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
  63. ^ "2018 Toyota Camry TV Commercial, 'Indulge' Song by Roxette". iSpot.tv. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
  64. ^ "47 Meters Down: Uncaged-Soundtracks". IMDb.com. Retrieved 2020-07-12.
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