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Obsession (Animotion song)

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"Obsession"
U.S. 7-inch vinyl
Single by Animotion
from the album Animotion
B-side"Turn Around"
ReleasedOctober 1984
Recorded1983
Genre
Length5:34 (album version)
3:58 (single/video version)
LabelMercury
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)John Ryan
Animotion singles chronology
"Obsession"
(1984) 		"Let Him Go"
(1985)
Music video
"Obsession" on YouTube

"Obsession" is a 1983 song by Holly Knight and Michael Des Barres, covered in 1984 by American synth-pop band Animotion. The song hit number six in the United States, and number five in the United Kingdom in June 1985, helped by a distinctive video that MTV played frequently. "Obsession" also hit the top 40 on the US dance chart, twice: once in 1984 (the single reached No. 35 the week ending November 24);[4] then in 1986, as a double-sided hit, along with the track "I Engineer".

Background

[edit]

In 1983, co-writer Michael Des Barres, who was recovering from a heroin addiction, wanted to write a song about obsession that would appeal to a broad audience, and he decided to focus on romantic obsession instead of drug addiction. His producer Mike Chapman arranged for him to collaborate with Holly Knight, who was also signed to Chapman's publishing company. The lines "Like a butterfly, a wild butterfly / I will collect you and capture you" were inspired by The Collector, a film that Des Barres had watched about a man who kidnaps a beautiful woman. Co-writer Holly Knight would often practice or write riffs on the bass E-string of her guitar, which spawned the bass rhythm of "Obsession".[5]

History

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"Obsession" was originally written and recorded as a duet by songwriter Holly Knight and musician Michael Des Barres in 1983. This version was played in the 1983 film A Night in Heaven, during a scene in which Christopher Atkins bumps and grinds in Lesley Ann Warren's face in sync with the rhythm of the song. The song was featured on the film's soundtrack and was also featured in the theatrical trailer to the 1986 film 9½ Weeks, starring Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger.[6]

The Los Angeles-based synthpop band Animotion recorded a version of the tune for their self-titled debut album, released in 1984. This version became a success, and it remains Animotion's biggest hit.

Animotion's version is included in the 2002 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on the fictional in-game new wave radio station "Wave 103" as well as in a Strip Club in the game called "The Pole Position Club". [citation needed] It has also been used as the theme song for World Wrestling Federation's Saturday Night's Main Event (aired on NBC as the introduction theme from May 1985 - Jan 1988) and FashionTelevisionChannel, as well as MTV's House of Style.[citation needed] The song has been used as the opening theme for the internationally syndicated Canadian program FT - FashionTelevision since it premiered in 1986. The Animotion version was also featured in 1985 episodes of the daytime soap operas Days Of Our Lives and Guiding Light. It also featured in the 2016 video game Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare as a part of the soundtrack to the zombies mode map "Zombies in Spaceland".

The song is featured in the 1989 video Don Cherry's Rock'Em Sock'em Hockey.

It was also featured prominently in the 2018 Australian film The Second, the first feature film ever produced by an Australian streaming service (Stan). The movie, about a troubling incident in the past of a successful novelist, used the song throughout to highlight the themes of jealousy, envy, and most obviously obsession.

The song features in the American Dad! episode "Shell Game" (2018).

Various artists have covered the song, including The Azoic in 2004, the Sugababes, Karen O from The Yeah Yeah Yeahs recorded a version which was the theme to a tv show called Flesh and Bone

The song is featured in a scene in the 2022 film Fresh, in which Sebastian Stan’s character dances to the song while preparing human meat for consumption.

The song is used in a teaser trailer for the Ti West film MaXXXine.[7]

The WWE (formerly World Wrestling Federation) is using the song again as it's introduction theme for the returning Saturday Night's Main Event scheduled to air via simulcast on NBC and Peacock December 14, 2024.[8][9]

Music video

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The music video features the Animotion band members—focusing mostly on the two lead singers, Bill Wadhams and Astrid Plane—dressed in various costumes (such as Mark Antony and Cleopatra) while lip-syncing and dancing to the song next to a swimming pool and inside a luxury house in the Hollywood neighborhood.

Track listings

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7": Mercury / 880 266-7 (US), PH34 (UK)

[edit]
Side one
  1. "Obsession" - 3:58
Side two
  1. "Turn Around" - 3:54

12": Mercury / 880 266-1 (US), PH3412 (UK)

[edit]
Side one
  1. "Obsession (Dance Remix)" - 6:00
Side two
  1. "Obsession (Special Dub Mix)" - 5:30

Charts

[edit]

Sugababes version

[edit]
"Obsession"
Song by Sugababes
from the album Taller in More Ways
Recorded2005
Studio
Genre
Length3:52
LabelIsland
Songwriter(s)
  • Holly Knight
  • Michael Des Barres
Producer(s)Dallas Austin

English girl group Sugababes covered "Obsession" for their fourth studio album Taller in More Ways (2005). Group member Heidi Range initially recorded it as a demo with Ashley Hamilton, although the Sugababes later decided to record it as a group. It was produced by Dallas Austin, one of the album's primary producers. The cover is similar to the original and had a polarizing effect on critics; some criticised it as mediocre, while others called it one of the album's standout tracks. The Sugababes performed it on their tours in support of Taller in More Ways and Overloaded: The Singles Collection (2006).

Background and production

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The Sugababes' version of "Obsession" was produced by Dallas Austin, who collaborated with the Sugababes on various tracks on the album.[34] Group member Heidi Range initially recorded "Obsession" as a demo with Ashley Hamilton, although the Sugababes later decided to record it as a group. They spoke to Austin about their desire to record the song, and according to Range, "he was made up, because it’s one of his favourite songs."[35] "Obsession" was mixed by Jeremy Wheatley at TwentyOne Studios, London, with assistance from Richard Edgeler.[36] It was engineered collectively by Rick Shepphard, Graham Marsh (producer), Ian Rossiter and Owen Clark.[36] Tony Reyes provides background vocals for the song.[36] "Obsession" was recorded at DARP Studios, in Atlanta & Home Recordings, London.[36] It derives from the genres of synthpop[37][38] and electronic rock.[39] K. Ross Hoffman of AllMusic described it as "sugary synth pop".[38] Talia Kraines of BBC called the cover an "exact reworking" of the original.[37] The instrumentation consists of an electric guitar, bass guitar, drums and keys.[36] Alex Roginski of the Sydney Morning Herald noted that the song "thumps out analog synth and the glittering chord progressions of a 1980s nightclub".[40]

Critical reception

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The Sugababes' cover of "Obsession" had a polarizing effect on critics. Harry Rubenstein of The Jerusalem Post felt that the group added nothing new to the track and instead stuck to a "straight up" cover, which he considered disappointing.[41] Nick Southall of Stylus Magazine regarded it as a "pleasant but unspectacular cover".[42] A journalist from The Scotsman considered it a "less engaging non-song" and criticized the group's decision to cover it.[43] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian felt that the Sugababes' version "sands off the edges rather than amps up the lunacy", and concluded: "what's left is like 1980s night at karaoke".[44] On the positive side, BBC's Talia Kraines named it the album's standout pop track.[37] Similarly, Peter Robinson of The Observer described the "spirited gambol" as one of the album's highlights.[45] Anna Britten from Yahoo! Music thought that the cover was even better than the original, and appreciated the "gorgeous, perfumed menace on the song's subject" which she felt resembled Sin City's "gun-toting Valkyrie-hookers".[46] Simon Price of The Independent praised the song as "instant pop",[39] and a writer from The Liverpool Daily Post & Echo considered it a "brilliantly seductive reworking" of the original.[47]

The Sugababes performed "Obsession" on the tours for Taller in More Ways and Overloaded.

Live performances

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"Obsession" was included in the set list for the Sugababes' tour supporting Taller in More Ways.[48] It was one of three tracks from the album that was not released as a single to be performed on the tour.[48] Gurdip Thandi of Birmingham Mail regarded the song's performance at the NIA Academy as "polished".[49] "Obsession" was also included in the set list for their 2007 tour in support of Overloaded: The Singles Collection, the group's 2006 greatest hits album.[50]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Recording

  • Recorded at DARP Studios, Atlanta & Home Recordings, London

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Taller in More Ways, Universal Island Records.[36]

References

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  1. ^ "Synthpop, hip-hop and 'dude rock': A brief history of Canadian campaign songs". Cbc.ca. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  2. ^ [1] [dead link]
  3. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "80's New Wave: New Wave Dance - Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic" – via AllMusic.
  4. ^ The 12-inch single entered the Billboard Dance charts the week ending October 27, 1984.
  5. ^ Pollock, Bruce (March 18, 2015). "Michael Des Barres - "Obsession"". Songfacts. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  6. ^ 9 1/2 Weeks - Trailer, April 2011, retrieved August 4, 2023.
  7. ^ "MaXXXine | Official Promo HD | A24". YouTube. September 13, 2022.
  8. ^ "WWE Saturday Night's Main Event: Promotion brings back show for primetime special in December". cbssports.com. September 17, 2024.
  9. ^ "WRESTLE IT BACK Major broadcasting change for WWE as first promo video for returning fan-favourite show released". the-sun.com. September 18, 2024.
  10. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  11. ^ "Animotion – Obsession" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved September 14, 2012.
  12. ^ "Animotion – Obsession" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved September 14, 2012.
  13. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0524." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  14. ^ "European Top 100 Singles". Eurotipsheet. Vol. 2, no. 23. June 10, 1985. p. 12. OCLC 29800226.
  15. ^ "European Airplay Top 50". Eurotipsheet. Vol. 2, no. 24. June 17, 1985. p. 6. OCLC 29800226.
  16. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Animotion". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  17. ^ "Animotion – Obsession" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  18. ^ "Animotion – Obsession" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved September 14, 2012.
  19. ^ "Animotion – Obsession". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved September 14, 2012.
  20. ^ "SA Charts 1965–1989 (As presented on Springbok Radio/Radio Orion) – Acts A". The South African Rock Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  21. ^ "Animotion: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 14, 2012.
  22. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 – Week of May 4, 1985". Billboard. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  23. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Hot Dance/Disco: 1974–2003. Record Research. p. 21.
  24. ^ a b c d "Animotion | Awards". AllMusic. Archived from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  25. ^ "Cash Box Top 100 Singles – Week ending May 4, 1985". Cash Box. Archived from the original on March 25, 2019. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  26. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Animotion – Obsession" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  27. ^ "National Top 100 Singles for 1985". Kent Music Report. No. 599. December 30, 1985 – via Imgur.
  28. ^ "RPM's Top 100 Singles of 1985". RPM. Vol. 43, no. 16. December 28, 1985. p. 11. ISSN 0033-7064 – via Library and Archives Canada.
  29. ^ "Top 100 Singles (January 5–December 28, 1985)". Music Week. January 18, 1986. p. 10. ISSN 0265-1548.
  30. ^ "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 1985". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 3, 2019. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  31. ^ "1985 The Year in Music & Video – Top Dance Sales Singles/Albums". Billboard. Vol. 97, no. 52. December 28, 1985. p. T-23. ISSN 0006-2510 – via Google Books.
  32. ^ "The Cash Box Year-End Charts: 1985 – Top 100 Pop Singles". Cash Box. December 28, 1985. Archived from the original on April 26, 2019. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  33. ^ "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts – 1985" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  34. ^ Cartner-Morley, Jess (September 16, 2005). "Jess Cartner-Morley meets the Sugababes". The Guardian. Guardian News & Media. Archived from the original on July 10, 2013. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  35. ^ "Taller In More Ways: Track by track". Sugababes.com. October 4, 2005. Archived from the original on February 6, 2007. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
  36. ^ a b c d e f Taller in More Ways (album). Sugababes. Universal Island Records. 2005. pp. 14–15. 602498746264.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  37. ^ a b c "Sugababes - Taller in More Ways - Review". BBC Music. BBC. September 23, 2005. Archived from the original on February 8, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2010.
  38. ^ a b Hoffman, K. Ross. "Taller in More Ways - Sugababes". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on August 21, 2012. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
  39. ^ a b Price, Simon (October 9, 2005). "Sugababes - Taller in More Ways (Island)". The Independent. Independent News & Media. Archived from the original on January 25, 2013. Retrieved August 15, 2012. (subscription required)
  40. ^ Roginski, Alex (January 23, 2006). "Taller in Many Ways". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on July 28, 2014. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  41. ^ Rubenstein, Harry (January 31, 2006). "Disk Reviews". The Jerusalem Post. Mirkaei Tikshoret. Archived from the original on August 5, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2006. (subscription required)
  42. ^ Southall, Nick (October 20, 2005). "Sugababes - Taller In More Ways". Stylus Magazine. Archived from the original on October 10, 2012. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
  43. ^ "The time is now, but the songs aren't here". The Scotsman. Johnston Publishing. October 7, 2005. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  44. ^ Petridis, Alexis (October 7, 2005). "CD: Sugababes, Taller in More Ways". The Guardian. Guardian News & Media. Archived from the original on October 7, 2008. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
  45. ^ Robinson, Peter (September 18, 2005). "The first ten: 2, Sugababes, Taller in More Ways". The Observer. Guardian News & Media. Archived from the original on October 2, 2015. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
  46. ^ Britten, Anna (October 11, 2005). "Sugababes - Taller In More Ways". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo! UK & Ireland. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  47. ^ "Back to form with full-throttle rock". The Liverpool Daily Post & Echo. Trinity Mirror. October 7, 2005. Retrieved September 13, 2012. (subscription required)
  48. ^ a b "Caught Live: Sugababes". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. April 16, 2006. Archived from the original on August 4, 2014. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  49. ^ "Sugababes @ NIA". Birmingham Mail. Trinity Mirror. April 10, 2006. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  50. ^ "The Set List; Caught Live! Sugababes". Sunday Mirror. Trinity Mirror. April 22, 2007. Archived from the original on November 15, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2012. (subscription required)
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