Michael Des Barres & Holly Knight - Obsession (Single version)
From '' Obsession ''
Label: A&M Records -- SP-17262
Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1983
Tracklist
A Obsession (Extended Version)
B Obsession (Single Version)
Written-By -- Holly Knight, Michael Des Barres
Executive-Producer -- Danny Goldberg
Producer -- Mike Chapman
(From the original motion picture soundtrack "A Night In Heaven" SP-4966)
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Original version
"Obsession" was originally written and recorded as a duet by songwriter Holly Knight and musician Michael Des Barres in 1983.
This version was prominently featured in the 1983 film A Night in Heaven, most notably in 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, but did not receive enough attention to warrant much radio play or a place on any Billboard charts.
That version was also featured in the theatrical trailer to the 1986 film 9½ Weeks, starring Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger.
Animotion version
The Los Angeles-based synth-pop band Animotion recorded a version of the tune for their self-titled debut album, released in 1984.
This version became a massive success, and it remains Animotion's biggest hit.
Animotion's version is a mainstay on 1980s compilations and is featured in the 2002 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City as part of the New Wave radio station Wave 103.
It has also been used as the theme song for WWF Saturday Night's Main Event (aired on NBC) and FashionTelevisionChannel, as well as MTV's House of Style.
It was featured in the 2000 comedy film Lucky Numbers and documentary "What the Bleep Do We Know!?".
The song has been used as the opening theme for the internationally syndicated Canadian program FT - FashionTelevision since it premiered in 1986. It has recently been featured in the films El Cantante and Adventureland, the TV show Weeds, Nip/Tuck and was featured in the trailer for Hot Tub Time Machine and the movie itself. The song was played some in the 1990s Fox network comedy TV series Get a Life, in the episode entitled "Girlfriend 2000".
Contrary to popular belief, the song was never covered by The Human League and has often been falsely attributed to them (according to the AllMusic Guide, The Human League were in fact a musical influence for Animotion)
Various artists have covered the song, including The Azoic in 2004.
Sugababes version
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).
