Before she became known as the affable judge on American Idol, Paula Abdul had already carved out a significant career in the entertainment industry. From her early days as a Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader to her groundbreaking choreography work with artists like The Jacksons, Abdul was a force to be reckoned with long before her debut single in 1988. However, it was the release of “Straight Up,” the third single from her album Forever Your Girl, that catapulted her into superstardom. Paula Abdul was no longer behind the scenes; she was front and center, ready to dominate the pop music scene.
The late 1980s and early 1990s were Paula Abdul’s golden years, filled with chart-topping hits and iconic music videos that defined a generation. Even though it has been over two decades since her last studio album, her songs from this era remain a vibrant reminder of the energy, style, and innovation that characterized the music of that time. For those who primarily know her from American Idol, exploring her music videos and discography is essential to understanding Paula Abdul’s true impact as a multifaceted entertainer and pop music icon. Let’s delve into some of the most memorable Paula Abdul Songs that solidified her place in pop culture history.
10. Ain’t Never Gonna Give You Up
Often overlooked in discussions of her biggest hits, “Ain’t Never Gonna Give You Up” from the 1995 album Head Over Heels deserves recognition. While it was her first single not to break into the Hot 100, failing to chart, this track possesses an undeniable groove and charm. The infectious energy of Paula Abdul, combined with the smooth harmonies of Color Me Badd as guest vocalists, makes this song a standout from her later work. It serves as a reminder that even beyond her chart-topping successes, Paula Abdul consistently delivered quality music.
9. The Promise of a New Day
“The Promise of a New Day” perfectly encapsulates the optimistic and upbeat persona that Paula Abdul projected throughout her career. Released in 1991 as part of the Spellbound album, this song became her sixth and final number-one hit on the Hot 100. Its infectious rhythm and positive message resonated with audiences, solidifying her reign on the pop charts. This track marked the end of an era of chart dominance for Abdul but remains a beloved example of her uplifting and danceable music.
8. Alright Tonight
“Alright Tonight,” while not officially released as a single, is a gem from the Spellbound album that highlights Paula Abdul’s artistic range. This energetic track, penned by acclaimed singer-songwriter John Hiatt, showcases a different musical direction for Abdul. Its inclusion in discussions about her best work underscores the depth of her Spellbound album and her willingness to experiment beyond her typical pop formula. For dedicated fans, “Alright Tonight” is a testament to the quality of her album tracks and her musical versatility.
7. Forever Your Girl
“Forever Your Girl,” the title track from her debut album, is an enduring declaration of love and loyalty. Following the breakthrough success of “Straight Up,” this song kept Paula Abdul’s momentum going strong in 1989. The lyrics convey a message of unwavering affection, reassuring a partner amidst rumors and doubt. The music video for “Forever Your Girl” is particularly memorable for its playful homage to Robert Palmer’s iconic videos, featuring young girls mimicking Palmer’s signature guitarists from “Addicted To Love” and “Simply Irresistible,” adding a touch of humor and pop culture awareness to her visual presentation.
6. My Love Is For Real
“My Love Is For Real” marked Paula Abdul’s return to music in 1995 after a hiatus during which she privately battled bulimia. In a music landscape that had shifted significantly, this single managed to make a respectable showing on the Hot 100, reaching No. 28. The music video for “My Love Is For Real” was characteristically innovative in its choreography, showcasing a more mature and sensual side of Paula Abdul. While it didn’t replicate her earlier chart successes, the song demonstrated her continued commitment to dance and visual artistry, even as musical trends evolved.
5. Opposites Attract
“Opposites Attract,” the sixth and final single from Forever Your Girl, is perhaps best remembered for its groundbreaking music video featuring MC Skat Kat. Inspired by Gene Kelly’s dance sequences with Jerry the Mouse in Anchors Aweigh, the video brought a cartoon character to life alongside Paula Abdul. Her choreography skills were on full display as she perfectly synchronized her moves with MC Skat Kat, creating a video that captivated audiences of all ages. This song and video pairing remains a unique and beloved moment in pop music history, showcasing Abdul’s creativity and innovation.
4. The Way That You Love Me
“The Way That You Love Me” is a testament to the power of music videos in the late 1980s pop scene. Initially released in 1988, the song didn’t gain traction, peaking at No. 88. However, after Paula Abdul’s string of number-one hits, Virgin Records re-released the song with a new music video that highlighted her dazzling tap-dancing skills. This time, the song soared, nearly reaching the top spot, only to be held back by Milli Vanilli’s “Blame It On The Rain.” This success story underscores the importance of visual presentation and persistence in achieving pop stardom during that era.
3. Rush, Rush
“Rush, Rush” signaled a slight shift in Paula Abdul’s musical style and became her first foray into pure balladry. Released as the lead single from Spellbound in the spring of 1991, this dreamy and romantic track resonated deeply with audiences. It spent five weeks at the top of the Hot 100 and became a soundtrack for countless romantic moments that summer. The music video, inspired by Rebel Without a Cause, starred Keanu Reeves alongside Abdul, further enhancing the song’s emotional impact and solidifying its place as one of her most iconic ballads.
2. Straight Up
“Straight Up” was the breakthrough hit that Paula Abdul had been striving for. After two previous singles from Forever Your Girl underperformed, “Straight Up,” released in February 1989, changed everything. The song soared to the top of the charts and its visually striking black-and-white music video earned Abdul four MTV Video Music Awards. “Straight Up” was the song that truly launched her solo career and established her as a major force in pop music. Its catchy melody and dynamic video remain instantly recognizable and representative of late 80s pop perfection.
1. Cold Hearted
“Cold Hearted” secured Paula Abdul’s place in pop history as her third number-one hit on the Hot 100. This high-energy track, with its theme of female empowerment and catchy groove, resonated strongly with fans. However, it was the Bob Fosse-inspired music video, directed by David Fincher, that truly cemented its iconic status. Featuring Paula Abdul in fishnet stockings and her dancers performing sharp, stylized choreography reminiscent of All That Jazz, the “Cold Hearted” video was a visual masterpiece that captivated audiences worldwide and remains one of the most memorable music videos of the era.
Paula Abdul’s career is a testament to her talent, hard work, and innovative spirit. From her early choreography to her pop music dominance, she consistently pushed boundaries and delivered memorable entertainment. Her songs continue to be celebrated for their catchy melodies, infectious energy, and groundbreaking music videos, ensuring her legacy as a true pop icon for generations to come.
