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{{Short description|1989 single by Paula Abdul and The Wild Pair}}
{{Short description|1989 single by Paula Abdul and the Wild Pair}}
{{About|the Paula Abdul song}}
{{About|the Paula Abdul song|the film|Opposites Attract (film)|the instrumental by Clint Mansell|Black Swan: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|the song by Fat Joe|Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.)}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = Opposites Attract
| name = Opposites Attract
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| border = yes
| border = yes
| type = single
| type = single
| artist = [[Paula Abdul]] and [[The Wild Pair (duo)|The Wild Pair]]
| artist = [[Paula Abdul]]
| album = [[Forever Your Girl]]
| album = [[Forever Your Girl]]
| B-side = One or the Other
| B-side = One or the Other
| released = {{Start date|1989|11|28}}
| released = {{Start date|1989|11|17}}<ref name="riaa"/>
| recorded =
| recorded =
| studio = {{unbulleted list|Creation Audio (Minneapolis)|Kren (Hollywood)|JHL (Palisades)}}
| studio = {{unbulleted list|Creation Audio (Minneapolis)|Kren (Hollywood)|JHL (Palisades)}}
| genre = <!-- Do not add unsourced genres -->
| genre =
*[[Funk|Minneapolis funk]]<ref name="Breihan 2021">{{cite web|first= Tom|last= Breihan|title= The Number Ones: Janet Jackson's "Escapade|website= [[Stereogum]]|date= September 6, 2021|url= https://www.stereogum.com/2159089/the-number-ones-michael-boltons-how-am-i-supposed-to-live-without-you/columns/the-number-ones|accessdate= December 2, 2023|quote= ...Paula Abdul's "Opposites Attract," a bubbly take on Minneapolis funk...}}</ref>
*[[new jack swing]]
*[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]<ref name="Deggans">{{cite book|last=Deggans|first=Eric|chapter=Paula Abdul|editor-last1=Graff|editor-first1=Gary|editor-last2=du Lac|editor-first2=Josh|editor-last3=McFarlin|editor-first3=Jim|date=January 1, 1998|title=MusicHound R&B: The Essential Album Guide|publisher=[[Visible Ink Press]]|location=Detroit|pages=2}}</ref>
| length =
| length =
* {{Duration|m=4|s=25}} (album version)
*{{Duration|m=4|s=25}} (album version)
* {{Duration|m=3|s=45}} ([[radio edit|single version]])
*{{Duration|m=3|s=45}} ([[radio edit|single version]])
| label = [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]
| label = [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]
| writer = Oliver Leiber
| writer = Oliver Leiber
| producer = Oliver Leiber
| producer = Oliver Leiber
| chronology = [[Paula Abdul]]
| chronology = [[Paula Abdul]]
| prev_title = [[Cold Hearted]]
| prev_title = [[Cold Hearted (Paula Abdul song)|Cold Hearted]]
| prev_year = 1989
| prev_year = 1989
| next_title = [[Rush Rush (Paula Abdul song)|Rush Rush]]
| next_title = [[Rush Rush (Paula Abdul song)|Rush Rush]]
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| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|xweiQukBM_k|"Opposites Attract"}}}}
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|xweiQukBM_k|"Opposites Attract"}}}}
}}
}}
"'''Opposites Attract'''" is a song recorded by [[Paula Abdul]], featured on her debut album ''[[Forever Your Girl]]''. It was written and produced by Oliver Leiber. Vocals on the song, in addition to Abdul, were provided by Bruce DeShazer and Marv Gunn, also known as [[The Wild Pair (duo)|The Wild Pair]]. "Opposites Attract" was the sixth and final single from the album, and achieved success in many countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia, where it was a number-one hit. Lyrically, the song is about a couple who love each other despite being different in almost every way possible.
"'''Opposites Attract'''" is a song by American singer [[Paula Abdul]] from her debut album, ''[[Forever Your Girl]]'' (1988). It was written and produced by Oliver Leiber. Vocals on the song, in addition to Abdul, were provided by Bruce DeShazer and Marv Gunn, also known as [[The Wild Pair (duo)|the Wild Pair]]. "Opposites Attract" was the sixth and final single from the album in November 1989 and achieved success in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, where it was a number-one hit. Lyrically, the song is about a couple who love each other despite being different in almost every way possible.


==Music video==
==Music video==
The song's music video was directed by Candace Reckinger and [[Michael Patterson (animator)|Michael Patterson]],<ref>{{cite news|last1=Miranda|first1=Carolina A.|title=Michael Patterson and Candace Reckinger turn animation into a wild sensory art installation|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/miranda/la-et-cam-patterson-reckinger-animaton-20170426-htmlstory.html|access-date=July 10, 2017|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 26, 2017}}</ref> in which Abdul dances with cartoon character [[MC Skat Kat]], voiced by The Wild Pair, Bruce DeShazer and Marvin Gunn.<ref>{{cite magazine | first = Tanner | last = Stransky | title = 20 Years Ago: Paula Abdul hits No. 1 with 'Opposites Attract' | url = http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/02/19/20-years-ago-paula-abdul-hits-no-1-with-opposites-attract/ | magazine = Entertainment Weekly | date = February 19, 2010 | access-date = March 16, 2010}}</ref> An additional rap, written by [[Romany Malco]] was provided by Derrick "Delite" Stevens<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.citypages.com/ctg/2005/08/will_the_real_mc_skat_kat_plea.php |title=Archived copy |access-date=October 28, 2007|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071210010151/http://blogs.citypages.com/ctg/2005/08/will_the_real_mc_skat_kat_plea.php |archive-date=December 10, 2007}} Will the real MC Skat Kat please stand up?</ref> for the Street mix version of the song, which was edited for the 7"/video.
This song's accompanying [[music video]] was combination of [[Live-action animation|live-action and cartoon]], directed by Candace Reckinger and Michael Patterson,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Miranda|first1=Carolina A.|title=Michael Patterson and Candace Reckinger turn animation into a wild sensory art installation|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/miranda/la-et-cam-patterson-reckinger-animaton-20170426-htmlstory.html|access-date=July 10, 2017|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 26, 2017}}</ref> in which Abdul dances with cartoon cat character [[MC Skat Kat]], voiced by the Wild Pair, Bruce DeShazer and Marvin Gunn.<ref>{{cite magazine| first = Tanner| last = Stransky| title = 20 Years Ago: Paula Abdul hits No. 1 with 'Opposites Attract'| url = http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/02/19/20-years-ago-paula-abdul-hits-no-1-with-opposites-attract| magazine = Entertainment Weekly| date = February 19, 2010| access-date = March 16, 2010}}</ref> An additional rap, written by [[Romany Malco]], was provided by Derrick "Delite" Stevens<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.citypages.com/ctg/2005/08/will_the_real_mc_skat_kat_plea.php|title=City Pages - Culture to Go - Will the real MC Skat Kat please stand up?|access-date=October 28, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071210010151/http://blogs.citypages.com/ctg/2005/08/will_the_real_mc_skat_kat_plea.php|archive-date=December 10, 2007}} Will the real MC Skat Kat please stand up?</ref> for the Street mix version of the song, which was edited for the 7"/video.


The idea of MC Skat Kat came from the [[Gene Kelly]] film ''[[Anchors Aweigh (film)|Anchors Aweigh]]'', where Kelly dances with [[Jerry Mouse]] from the ''[[Tom and Jerry]]'' cartoon series. Paula even choreographed the animated character's moves to match her live-action dance moves in the video. MC Skat Kat was animated by members of the [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]] animation team, working outside the studio between major projects, under the direction of [[Chris Bailey (animator)|Chris Bailey]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://majordamage.net/maj_bio.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=November 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725045150/http://majordamage.net/maj_bio.html |archive-date=July 25, 2008}}</ref> MC Skat Kat's movements were the result of [[Rotoscoping|rotoscoping]] animation, with Michael "Boogaloo Shrimp" Chambers standing in for the character against a blue screen, then drawing the animated form over Chambers' dance moves. The Wild Pair Marvin Gunn and Bruce DeShazer did not appear in the video.
The idea of MC Skat Kat came from the [[Gene Kelly]] film ''[[Anchors Aweigh (film)|Anchors Aweigh]]'', where Kelly dances with [[Jerry Mouse]] from the ''[[Tom and Jerry]]'' cartoon series. Paula even choreographed the animated character's moves to match her live-action dance moves in the video. MC Skat Kat was animated by members of the [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]] animation team, working outside the studio between major projects, under the direction of [[Chris Bailey (animator)|Chris Bailey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://majordamage.net/maj_bio.html|title=Chris Bailey|access-date=November 15, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725045150/http://majordamage.net/maj_bio.html|archive-date=July 25, 2008}}</ref> MC Skat Kat's movements were the result of [[rotoscoping]] animation, with [[Michael Chambers|Michael "Boogaloo Shrimp" Chambers]] standing in for the character against a blue screen, then drawing the animated form over Chambers' dance moves. The Wild Pair Marvin Gunn and Bruce DeShazer did not appear in the video, although two other cats (also animated) did appear, possibly meant to represent them.


The video won the 1991 [[Grammy Award]] for [[Best Short Form Music Video]] and was nominated for [[Breakthrough Video]] at the [[1990 MTV Video Music Awards]].
The video won the 1991 [[Grammy Award]] for [[Best Short Form Music Video]] and was nominated for [[Breakthrough Video]] at the [[1990 MTV Video Music Awards]].

⚫
==Chart performance==
⚫
"Opposites Attract" initially rose from number 72 to number 47 the week of December 23, 1989, and landed at number one the week of February 10, 1990, where it remained for three weeks, matching the run of "[[Straight Up (Paula Abdul song)|Straight Up]]". It became Abdul's fourth number-one single on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and made her the fourth artist in music history to score four number-one hits from a single album, after [[Whitney Houston]], [[George Michael]] and [[Michael Jackson]]. ([[Janet Jackson]], [[Mariah Carey]], [[Usher (musician)|Usher]] and [[Katy Perry]] would later duplicate the feat). "Opposites Attract" also topped the charts in Australia and Canada and peaked at number two in the United Kingdom.


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
''[[Music & Media]]'' commented, "For this release [[Paula Abdul|Abdul]] duets with The Wild Pair. The song also features a [[rap music|rap]] by Derrick Delite and is, of course, very danceable."<ref>{{cite magazine|title= Previews: Singles |magazine= [[Music & Media]] |date= March 3, 1990 |page= 20 |access-date= November 3, 2020 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1990/MM-1990-03-03.pdf}}</ref> ''[[People (magazine)|People Magazine]]'' described it as one of "the liveliest cuts" from the album.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://people.com/archive/picks-and-pans-review-forever-your-girl-vol-30-no-10/ |title= Picks and Pans Review: Forever Your Girl |magazine= [[People (magazine)|People]] |date= September 5, 1988 |access-date= November 13, 2020}}</ref>
''[[Melody Maker]]'' commented, "Lovely, lovely Paula released her fourth American Number One. This kicks off with a smart little rap then Paula jumps in and tip-taps her way through sounding happy, naive and full of herself, like the homecoming queen out on her first real date. She can do no wrong. It must be love."<ref>{{cite magazine|author=The Stud Brothers|magazine=[[Melody Maker]]|title=Singles|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/nothingelseon/52085051636|date=April 14, 1990|access-date=February 24, 2023}}</ref> Pan-European magazine ''[[Music & Media]]'' wrote, "For this release Abdul duets with [[The Wild Pair (duo)|the Wild Pair]]. The song also features a rap by Derrick Delite and is, of course, very danceable."<ref>{{cite magazine|title= Previews: Singles|magazine= [[Music & Media]]|date= March 3, 1990|page= 20|access-date= November 3, 2020|url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1990/MM-1990-03-03.pdf}}</ref> A reviewer from ''[[People (magazine)|People Magazine]]'' described it as one of "the liveliest cuts" from the [[Forever Your Girl|album]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://people.com/archive/picks-and-pans-review-forever-your-girl-vol-30-no-10|title= Picks and Pans Review: Forever Your Girl|magazine= [[People (magazine)|People]]|date= September 5, 1988|access-date= November 13, 2020}}</ref>

⚫
==Chart performance==
⚫
"Opposites Attract" initially rose from number 72 to number 47 the week of December 23, 1989, and landed at number one the week of February 10, 1990, where it remained for three weeks, matching the run of "[[Straight Up (Paula Abdul song)|Straight Up]]". It became Abdul's fourth number-one single on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and made her only the fourth artist in music history to score four number-one hits from a single album, after [[Whitney Houston]], [[George Michael]] and [[Michael Jackson]]. ([[Janet Jackson]], [[Mariah Carey]], [[Usher (musician)|Usher]] and [[Katy Perry]] would later duplicate the feat.) "Opposites Attract" also topped the charts in Australia and Canada and peaked at number two in the United Kingdom.


==Track listings and formats==
==Track listings and formats==
{{col begin}}
{{col begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
*'''CAN / EU / FRA / ITL / UK / US 7" Vinyl / AUS / US Cassette'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1989|type=CAN 7" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=99158-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1989|type=EU 7" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Siren Records|id=113 023}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=FRA 7" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Siren Records|id=90571}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=ITL 7" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Siren Records|id=SRN 124}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=UK 7" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Siren Records|id=SRN 124}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=US 7" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Siren Records|id=7-99158}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1989|type=AUS Cassette liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VOZC059}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=US Cassette liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=4-99158}}</ref>
*'''7-inch and cassette single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=US 7" single liner notes|publisher=Siren Records|id=7-99158}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=US cassette single liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=4-99158}}</ref>
#"Opposites Attract" (7")&nbsp;– 3:45
#"Opposites Attract" (7-inch)&nbsp;– 3:45
#"One or the Other" (LP Version)&nbsp;– 4:08
#"One or the Other" (LP version)&nbsp;– 4:08


*'''JP CD Single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=JP CD Single liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VJDP-102}}</ref>
*'''US and Australian 12-inch single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=US 12" single liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=0-96528}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=Australian 12" single liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VOZT059}}</ref>
⚫
#"Opposites Attract" (Street mix)&nbsp;– 4:28
⚫
#"Opposites Attract" (12-inch mix)&nbsp;– 5:40
⚫
#"Opposites Attract" (dub version)&nbsp;– 6:25
⚫
#"Opposites Attract" (Magnetic mix)&nbsp;– 4:01
⚫
#"Opposites Attract" (club mix)&nbsp;– 6:01
⚫
#"Opposites Attract" (Party dub)&nbsp;– 3:09

*'''Japanese CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=Japanese CD single liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VJDP-102}}</ref>
#"Opposites Attract" &nbsp;– 3:46
#"Opposites Attract" &nbsp;– 3:46
#"(It's Just) The Way That You Love Me" &nbsp;– 4:03
#"(It's Just) The Way That You Love Me" &nbsp;– 4:03

*'''CO / ITL / UK 12" Vinyl'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=CO 12" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=EMI Records|id=446001212}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=ITL 12" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Siren Records|id=SRNT 124}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=UK 12" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Siren Records|id=SRNTP 124}}</ref>
⚫
#"Opposites Attract" (Street Mix)&nbsp;– 4:28
⚫
#"Opposites Attract" (Party Dub)&nbsp;– 3:10
⚫
#"The Paula Abdul Megamix" (Straight Up/Cold Hearted/The Way That You Love Me/Forever Your Girl/Knocked Out)&nbsp;

{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
*'''AUS / UK Maxi'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=AUS CD Single liner notes|publisher=Siren Records|id=VOZCD 059}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=UK CD Single liner notes|publisher=Siren Records|id=SRNCD 124}}</ref>
*'''UK and Australian CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=UK CD single liner notes|publisher=Siren Records|id=SRNCD 124}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=Australian CD single liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VOZCD 059}}</ref>
#"Opposites Attract" (Street Mix)&nbsp;– 4:28
#"Opposites Attract" (Street mix)&nbsp;– 4:28
#"One or the Other" (LP Version)&nbsp;– 4:08
#"One or the Other" (LP version)&nbsp;– 4:08
#"Opposites Attract" (Club Mix)&nbsp;– 6:01
#"Opposites Attract" (club mix)&nbsp;– 6:01
#"Opposites Attract" (Party Dub)&nbsp;– 3:09
#"Opposites Attract" (Party dub)&nbsp;– 3:09


*'''UK 12-inch single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=UK 12" single liner notes|publisher=Siren Records|id=SRNTP 124}}</ref>
*'''AUS / CAN / EU / GER / GR / US 12" Vinyl'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=AUS 12" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VOZT059}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=CAN 12" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VSX 1514}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=EU 12" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=613 023-213}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1989|type=GER 12" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=663 023-211}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=GR 12" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VG 2159Z}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Opposites Attract|others=Paula Abdul|year=1990|type=US 12" Vinyl liner notes|publisher=Virgin Records|id=0-96528}}</ref>
#"Opposites Attract" (Street Mix)&nbsp;– 4:28
#"Opposites Attract" (Street mix)&nbsp;– 4:28
#"Opposites Attract" (12" Mix)&nbsp;– 5:40
#"Opposites Attract" (Party dub)&nbsp;– 3:10
⚫
#"The Paula Abdul Megamix" ("Straight Up"/"Cold Hearted"/"The Way That You Love Me"/"Forever Your Girl"/"Knocked Out")
⚫
#"Opposites Attract" (Dub Version)&nbsp;– 6:25
⚫
#"Opposites Attract" (Magnetic Mix)&nbsp;– 4:01
⚫
#"Opposites Attract" (Club Mix)&nbsp;– 6:01
⚫
#"Opposites Attract" (Party Dub)&nbsp;– 3:09
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


==Credits and personnel==
==Credits and personnel==
⚫
Credits and personnel are adapted from ''Forever Your Girl'' album liner notes.<ref name="Ref_a">{{cite AV media notes|others=Paula Abdul|title=[[Forever Your Girl]]|year=1988|type=Inlay cover|publisher=[[Virgin Records|Virgin]]|id=7 90943-2}}</ref>
*[[Paula Abdul]] – [[vocalist|lead vocals]]
*[[Paula Abdul]] – [[vocalist|lead vocals]]
*[[The Wild Pair (duo)|The Wild Pair]] (Bruce DeShazer and Marv Gunn) – lead vocals
*[[The Wild Pair (duo)|The Wild Pair]] (Bruce DeShazer and Marv Gunn) – lead vocals
Line 85: Line 88:
*Yvette Marine – background vocals
*Yvette Marine – background vocals
*Patti Brooks – background vocals
*Patti Brooks – background vocals

⚫
Credits and personnel adapted from ''Forever Your Girl'' album liner notes.<ref name="Ref_a">{{cite AV media notes|others=Paula Abdul|title=[[Forever Your Girl]]|year=1988|type=Inlay cover|publisher=[[Virgin Records|Virgin]]|id=7 90943-2}}</ref>


==Charts==
==Charts==
Line 102: Line 103:
|-
|-
{{single chart|Flanders|4|artist=Paula Abdul|song=Opposites Attract|rowheader=true|access-date=June 21, 2019}}
{{single chart|Flanders|4|artist=Paula Abdul|song=Opposites Attract|rowheader=true|access-date=June 21, 2019}}
⚫
|-
⚫
! scope="row"|Canada Retail Singles (''[[The Record (magazine)|The Record]]'')<ref name="Lwin">{{cite book|last=Lwin|first=Nanda|author-link=Nanda Lwin|date=2000|title=Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide|publisher=Music Data Canada|page=18|isbn=1-896594-13-1}}</ref>
⚫
|1
|-
|-
{{single chart|Canadatopsingles|1|chartid=9210|rowheader=true|access-date=June 21, 2019}}
{{single chart|Canadatopsingles|1|chartid=9210|rowheader=true|access-date=June 21, 2019}}
|-
|-
⚫
{{single chart|Canadadance|1|chartid=9207|rowheader=true|access-date=June 21, 2019}}
⚫
! scope="row"|Canada Contemporary Hit Radio (''[[The Record (magazine)|The Record]]'')<ref name="Lwin"/>
⚫
|-
⚫
!scope="row"|Canada Retail Singles (''[[The Record (magazine)|The Record]]'')<ref name="Lwin">{{cite book|last=Lwin|first=Nanda|author-link=Nanda Lwin|date=2000|title=Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide|publisher=Music Data Canada|page=18|isbn=1-896594-13-1}}</ref>
|1
|1
|-
|-
⚫
!scope="row"|Canada Contemporary Hit Radio (''[[The Record (magazine)|The Record]]'')<ref name="Lwin"/>
⚫
{{single chart|Canadadance|1|chartid=9207|rowheader=true|access-date=June 21, 2019}}
⚫
|1
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Denmark ([[IFPI Denmark|IFPI]])<ref>Danish Singles Chart 30 March 1990</ref>
!scope="row"|Denmark ([[IFPI Denmark|IFPI]])<ref>Danish Singles Chart. 30 March 1990.</ref>
|7
|7
|-
|-
Line 183: Line 184:
|44
|44
|-
|-
!scope="row"|New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/index_chart?chart=3879|title=End of Year Charts 1990|publisher=[[Recorded Music NZ]]|access-date=April 2, 2020}}</ref>
!scope="row"|New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/annual-singles/1990-12-31|title=End of Year Charts 1990|publisher=[[Recorded Music NZ]]|access-date=April 2, 2020}}</ref>
|40
|40
|-
|-
Line 192: Line 193:
|14
|14
|-
|-
!scope="row"|US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1990/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1990|website=Billboard|access-date=March 13, 2021}}</ref>
!scope="row"|US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1990/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1990|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 13, 2021}}</ref>
|40
|40
|}
|}


===All-time charts===
===Decade-end charts===
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!Chart (1958–2018)
!Chart (1990–1999)
!Position
!Position
|-
|-
!scope="row"|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100-60th-anniversary|title=Billboard Hot 100 60th Anniversary Interactive Chart|website=Billboard|access-date=December 10, 2018}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Canada ([[Nielsen SoundScan]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/100_1990.html|title=Top 100 singles of the 1990s|last=Lwin|first=Nanda|publisher=[[Jam!]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000829070927/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/100_1990.html|archive-date=August 29, 2000|access-date=March 26, 2022}}</ref>
|351
|30
|}
|}
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}
Line 211: Line 212:
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=single|artist=Paula Abdul|title=Opposites Attract|award=Gold|relyear=1990|certyear=1990|access-date=August 9, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=single|artist=Paula Abdul|title=Opposites Attract|award=Gold|relyear=1990|certyear=1990|access-date=August 9, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Paula Abdul with The Wild Pair|title=Opposites Attract|award=Silver|relyear=1990|certyear=1990|id=4920-2198-1|access-date=October 31, 2020}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Paula Abdul with The Wild Pair|title=Opposites Attract|award=Silver|relyear=1990|certyear=1990|id=4920-2198-1|access-date=October 31, 2020}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|artist=Paula Abdul|title=Opposites Attract|award=Gold|relyear=1989|certyear=1990|access-date=June 21, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|artist=Paula Abdul|title=Opposites Attract|award=Gold|relyear=1989|certyear=1990|access-date=June 21, 2019|refname="riaa"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}

==Release history==
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
!scope="col"|Region
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Format(s)
!scope="col"|Label(s)
!scope="col"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
!scope="row"|United States
|November 17, 1989
|{{hlist|7-inch vinyl|12-inch vinyl|cassette}}
|rowspan="2"|[[Virgin Records|Virgin]]
|<ref name="riaa"/>
|-
!scope="row"|Japan
|January 21, 1990
|Mini-CD
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/156645/products/298542/1|title=甘い誘惑 {{!}} ポーラ・アブドル|trans-title=Sweet Temptation {{!}} Paula Abdul|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=September 1, 2023}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="2"|United Kingdom
|March 26, 1990
|{{hlist|7-inch vinyl|12-inch vinyl}}
|rowspan="2"|[[Siren Records (UK)|Siren]]
|<ref>{{cite magazine|title=New Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=33|date=March 24, 1990}}</ref>
|-
|April 16, 1990
|{{hlist|7-inch vinyl with poster|12-inch [[gatefold]] vinyl|CD|cassette}}
|<ref>{{cite magazine|title=New Singles|magazine=Music Week|page=39|date=April 14, 1990}}</ref>
|}


==References==
==References==
Line 221: Line 252:


{{Paula Abdul}}
{{Paula Abdul}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Music Video}}

{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


Latest revision as of 18:40, 21 December 2024

This article is about the Paula Abdul song. For other uses, see Opposites Attract (disambiguation).
"Opposites Attract"
Single by Paula Abdul
from the album Forever Your Girl
B-side"One or the Other"
ReleasedNovember 17, 1989 (1989-11-17)[1]
Studio
  • Creation Audio (Minneapolis)
  • Kren (Hollywood)
  • JHL (Palisades)
Genre
Length
LabelVirgin
Songwriter(s)Oliver Leiber
Producer(s)Oliver Leiber
Paula Abdul singles chronology
"Cold Hearted"
(1989) 		"Opposites Attract"
(1989) 		"Rush Rush"
(1991)
Music video
"Opposites Attract" on YouTube

"Opposites Attract" is a song by American singer Paula Abdul from her debut album, Forever Your Girl (1988). It was written and produced by Oliver Leiber. Vocals on the song, in addition to Abdul, were provided by Bruce DeShazer and Marv Gunn, also known as the Wild Pair. "Opposites Attract" was the sixth and final single from the album in November 1989 and achieved success in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, where it was a number-one hit. Lyrically, the song is about a couple who love each other despite being different in almost every way possible.

Music video

[edit]

This song's accompanying music video was combination of live-action and cartoon, directed by Candace Reckinger and Michael Patterson,[4] in which Abdul dances with cartoon cat character MC Skat Kat, voiced by the Wild Pair, Bruce DeShazer and Marvin Gunn.[5] An additional rap, written by Romany Malco, was provided by Derrick "Delite" Stevens[6] for the Street mix version of the song, which was edited for the 7"/video.

The idea of MC Skat Kat came from the Gene Kelly film Anchors Aweigh, where Kelly dances with Jerry Mouse from the Tom and Jerry cartoon series. Paula even choreographed the animated character's moves to match her live-action dance moves in the video. MC Skat Kat was animated by members of the Disney animation team, working outside the studio between major projects, under the direction of Chris Bailey.[7] MC Skat Kat's movements were the result of rotoscoping animation, with Michael "Boogaloo Shrimp" Chambers standing in for the character against a blue screen, then drawing the animated form over Chambers' dance moves. The Wild Pair Marvin Gunn and Bruce DeShazer did not appear in the video, although two other cats (also animated) did appear, possibly meant to represent them.

The video won the 1991 Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video and was nominated for Breakthrough Video at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards.

Chart performance

[edit]

"Opposites Attract" initially rose from number 72 to number 47 the week of December 23, 1989, and landed at number one the week of February 10, 1990, where it remained for three weeks, matching the run of "Straight Up". It became Abdul's fourth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 and made her the fourth artist in music history to score four number-one hits from a single album, after Whitney Houston, George Michael and Michael Jackson. (Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Usher and Katy Perry would later duplicate the feat). "Opposites Attract" also topped the charts in Australia and Canada and peaked at number two in the United Kingdom.

Critical reception

[edit]

Melody Maker commented, "Lovely, lovely Paula released her fourth American Number One. This kicks off with a smart little rap then Paula jumps in and tip-taps her way through sounding happy, naive and full of herself, like the homecoming queen out on her first real date. She can do no wrong. It must be love."[8] Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote, "For this release Abdul duets with the Wild Pair. The song also features a rap by Derrick Delite and is, of course, very danceable."[9] A reviewer from People Magazine described it as one of "the liveliest cuts" from the album.[10]

Track listings and formats

[edit]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits and personnel are adapted from Forever Your Girl album liner notes.[19]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[44] Platinum 70,000^
Canada (Music Canada)[57] Gold 50,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[58] Silver 200,000^
United States (RIAA)[1] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States November 17, 1989
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • cassette
 Virgin [1]
Japan January 21, 1990 Mini-CD [59]
United Kingdom March 26, 1990
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
 Siren [60]
April 16, 1990
  • 7-inch vinyl with poster
  • 12-inch gatefold vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
 [61]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "American single certifications – Paula Abdul – Opposites Attract". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  2. ^ Breihan, Tom (September 6, 2021). "The Number Ones: Janet Jackson's "Escapade". Stereogum. Retrieved December 2, 2023. ...Paula Abdul's "Opposites Attract," a bubbly take on Minneapolis funk...
  3. ^ Deggans, Eric (January 1, 1998). "Paula Abdul". In Graff, Gary; du Lac, Josh; McFarlin, Jim (eds.). MusicHound R&B: The Essential Album Guide. Detroit: Visible Ink Press. p. 2.
  4. ^ Miranda, Carolina A. (April 26, 2017). "Michael Patterson and Candace Reckinger turn animation into a wild sensory art installation". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  5. ^ Stransky, Tanner (February 19, 2010). "20 Years Ago: Paula Abdul hits No. 1 with 'Opposites Attract'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 16, 2010.
  6. ^ "City Pages - Culture to Go - Will the real MC Skat Kat please stand up?". Archived from the original on December 10, 2007. Retrieved October 28, 2007. Will the real MC Skat Kat please stand up?
  7. ^ "Chris Bailey". Archived from the original on July 25, 2008. Retrieved November 15, 2009.
  8. ^ The Stud Brothers (April 14, 1990). "Singles". Melody Maker. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  9. ^ "Previews: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. March 3, 1990. p. 20. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  10. ^ "Picks and Pans Review: Forever Your Girl". People. September 5, 1988. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  11. ^ Opposites Attract (US 7" single liner notes). Paula Abdul. Siren Records. 1990. 7-99158.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ^ Opposites Attract (US cassette single liner notes). Paula Abdul. Virgin Records. 1990. 4-99158.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ^ Opposites Attract (US 12" single liner notes). Paula Abdul. Virgin Records. 1990. 0-96528.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. ^ Opposites Attract (Australian 12" single liner notes). Paula Abdul. Virgin Records. 1990. VOZT059.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. ^ Opposites Attract (Japanese CD single liner notes). Paula Abdul. Virgin Records. 1990. VJDP-102.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  16. ^ Opposites Attract (UK CD single liner notes). Paula Abdul. Siren Records. 1990. SRNCD 124.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. ^ Opposites Attract (Australian CD single liner notes). Paula Abdul. Virgin Records. 1990. VOZCD 059.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. ^ Opposites Attract (UK 12" single liner notes). Paula Abdul. Siren Records. 1990. SRNTP 124.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ^ Forever Your Girl (Inlay cover). Paula Abdul. Virgin. 1988. 7 90943-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ^ "Paula Abdul – Opposites Attract". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  21. ^ "Paula Abdul – Opposites Attract" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  22. ^ "Paula Abdul – Opposites Attract" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  23. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 9210." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  24. ^ "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 9207." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  25. ^ a b Lwin, Nanda (2000). Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide. Music Data Canada. p. 18. ISBN 1-896594-13-1.
  26. ^ Danish Singles Chart. 30 March 1990.
  27. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 7, no. 18. May 5, 1990. p. IV. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  28. ^ Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN 951-31-2503-3.
  29. ^ "Paula Abdul – Opposites Attract" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  30. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Opposites Attract". Irish Singles Chart.
  31. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 10, 1990" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  32. ^ "Paula Abdul – Opposites Attract" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  33. ^ "Paula Abdul – Opposites Attract". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  34. ^ "Paula Abdul – Opposites Attract". VG-lista. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  35. ^ "Paula Abdul – Opposites Attract". Singles Top 100. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  36. ^ "Paula Abdul – Opposites Attract". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  37. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  38. ^ "Paula Abdul Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  39. ^ "Paula Abdul Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  40. ^ "Paula Abdul Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  41. ^ "Paula Abdul Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  42. ^ "Paula Abdul Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  43. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Paula Abdul – Opposites Attract" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  44. ^ a b "1990 ARIA Singles Chart". ARIA. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  45. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1990" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  46. ^ "Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1990". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  47. ^ "Top 50 Dance Tracks of 1990". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  48. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 of 1990" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 7, no. 51. December 22, 1990. p. 60. OCLC 29800226. Retrieved January 15, 2020 – via World Radio History.
  49. ^ "Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 1990" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  50. ^ "Single top 100 over 1990" (PDF) (in Dutch). Top40. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
  51. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1990" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  52. ^ "End of Year Charts 1990". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  53. ^ "1990 Top 100 Singles". Music Week. London, England: Spotlight Publications. March 2, 1991. p. 41.
  54. ^ "1990 The Year in Music & Video: Top Pop Singles". Billboard. Vol. 102, no. 51. December 22, 1990. p. YE-14.
  55. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1990". Billboard. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  56. ^ Lwin, Nanda. "Top 100 singles of the 1990s". Jam!. Archived from the original on August 29, 2000. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  57. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Paula Abdul – Opposites Attract". Music Canada. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  58. ^ "British single certifications – Paula Abdul with The Wild Pair – Opposites Attract". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  59. ^ "甘い誘惑 | ポーラ・アブドル" [Sweet Temptation | Paula Abdul] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  60. ^ "New Singles". Music Week. March 24, 1990. p. 33.
  61. ^ "New Singles". Music Week. April 14, 1990. p. 39.
[edit]
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