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"Knocked Out"
U.S. promotional cover
Single by Paula Abdul
from the album Forever Your Girl
B-side"Knocked Out" (Instrumental)
"Next to You"
ReleasedMay 1988 (1988-05)[1]
Studio
  • Studio Masters
  • Silverlake
(Hollywood, CA)
Length3:52
LabelVirgin
Songwriters
Producers
  • L.A. Reid
  • Babyface
Paula Abdul singles chronology
"Knocked Out"
(1988) 		"(It's Just) The Way That You Love Me"
(1988)
Music video
"Knocked Out" on YouTube

"Knocked Out" is the debut single by American singer and dancer Paula Abdul, released in May 1988 via Virgin Records as the lead single to Abdul's debut studio album, Forever Your Girl (1988). The song was written by Babyface, L.A. Reid and Daryl Simmons, and produced by Babyface and Reid, the only track on Forever Your Girl produced by the duo.[2] Babyface and Simmons provide background vocals along with Pebbles and Yvette Marine. "Knocked Out" was later re-released to US radio in May 1990 following its re-issue in the United Kingdom and Europe.[3]

Critical reception

[edit]

Paul Mathur from Melody Maker wrote, "Paula isn't as clever as Jessica but she's almost as accomplished in the art of artifice. When she sings, plastic takes on whole new forms, Madonna looks like Joni Mitchell and I'm humming for weeks. She cuts her soul pop jib with scissors the size of shears, but she doesn't give two hoots, and for that alone we should cherish her."[4] Dave Sholin of the Gavin Report responded favorably, "If you're lookin' for hooks, this is it. Produced by L.A. Reid and Babyface, the arrangement lends itself to multi-format potential. This former Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader and choreographer for the likes of Janet Jackson is gonna be big."[1] Bill Coleman of Billboard called the track "an appealing number."[5] Ron Wynn of The Commercial Appeal dismissed the song, calling the transition to singing "flawed" and felt that "she [is] better at constructing dance steps than structuring vocals".[6]

Chart performance

[edit]

"Knocked Out" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 on June 18, 1988 at number 93.[7] peaked at number 41 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the first of what would be fourteen charting entries through 1995.[8]

Music video

[edit]

Abdul's first music video was directed by Danny Kleinman and Limelight Film and Video Productions. The video features Abdul and her dancers working out choreography on the dance floor. It premiered to BET on June 11, 1988.[9]

Personnel

[edit]

Taken from the Forever Your Girl booklet.[10]

Charts

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Knocked Out

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Knocked Out" is the debut single by American singer, songwriter, and choreographer , released in spring 1988 by as the lead track from her debut studio album, . The song, written and produced by Babyface, , and , marks Abdul's transition from a prominent choreographer in the music industry to a recording artist, having been the first track she recorded for the album during sessions in 1987 at Studio Masters and Silverslake in Hollywood, California. Featuring an upbeat style with R&B influences, it explores themes of and being overwhelmed by attraction, as reflected in lyrics like "You swept me off of my feet." Upon release, "Knocked Out" received moderate commercial success in the United States, peaking at number 41 on the chart in August 1988, while achieving stronger performance on genre-specific charts, including number 14 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart and number 8 on the chart. In the , the single was reissued multiple times—on September 24, 1988, August 19, 1989, and July 28, 1990—eventually reaching a chart high of number 21 in its final release, bolstered by remixes from producer . The track's , directed by Danny Kleinman and later re-edited by Jim Gable, showcased Abdul's dance background with high-energy choreography, though it saw limited airplay on initially due to the network's focus on established artists. Despite not becoming a major hit at the time, "Knocked Out" laid the groundwork for Abdul's breakthrough success with subsequent singles from , which went on to produce five top-three hits and establish her as one of the top-selling female artists of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The song has since been remastered and reissued in extended versions, remaining a notable entry point in Abdul's discography that highlights her early fusion of pop, R&B, and dance elements.

Background and development

Conception

"Knocked Out" was written in 1987 by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, co-founder , and songwriter , who handled production alongside Reid and Edmonds. The track emerged from Abdul's early efforts to transition from to , drawing on her savings from projects to commission the song specifically for her debut demo. Abdul's path to performing the song began with her acclaimed choreography for Janet Jackson's 1986 album Control, including videos for "Nasty," "What Have You Done for Me Lately," and "When I Think of You," which earned her multiple MTV Video Music Awards. During these collaborations, Jackson encouraged Abdul's vocal talents, prompting her to pursue singing. This background led to Abdul's signing with Virgin Records in 1987, after executives at a label launch dinner rejected her proposed girl group "The Cheer Girls" but were impressed by her solo demo potential. Conceived as an upbeat track to capitalize on 's dancing prowess rather than her singing experience, "Knocked Out" was intended to introduce her as a multifaceted pop artist. In late 1987, Abdul recorded a demo version between assignments, which executives found compelling enough to select as the for her debut Forever Your Girl, released in 1988.

Recording

The recording of "Knocked Out" took place in 1987 at Studio Masters and Silverlake in Hollywood, California. The track was produced by Babyface and , with recording and mixing engineered by Jon Gass. Background vocals were contributed by Babyface, , Pebbles, and Yvette Marine.

Composition and lyrics

Musical style

"Knocked Out" is a song incorporating elements, blending R&B grooves with 1980s influences. The track follows a standard verse-chorus structure and runs for 3:52. It is composed in C♯ minor and set at a of 117 beats per minute, contributing to its upbeat, danceable . The production, helmed by and Babyface, features prominent funky basslines, drum machine beats, and synth horns, drawing from the duo's signature sound. This approach infuses the track with a soulful, rhythmic energy. Abdul's vocal performance is rhythmic and soulful, emphasizing groove and danceability rather than wide .

Themes and interpretation

The lyrics of "Knocked Out" depict infatuation and the overwhelming sensation of attraction at first sight, with the female narrator describing how a chance encounter leaves her emotionally stunned, as in the lines "I was in love the moment that I saw you" and "You've got me knocked out, turn me inside out." The song employs boxing metaphors, such as being "knocked out" and references to a "love TKO," to symbolize the powerful, disorienting impact of romantic desire, evoking the thrill of being swept away despite initial hesitation. At its core, the track explores through in , portraying the narrator's bold pursuit of connection amid the vulnerability of intense feelings, which aligns with Paula Abdul's established as a confident performer and choreographer transitioning from to music. Written from a distinctly female perspective on desire—focusing on the woman's active gaze and emotional initiative. The song is noted as a dance club hit, highlighting its upbeat energy suitable for club settings.

Release

Formats and track listings

"Knocked Out" was first released on May 3, 1988, by in the United States as a 7-inch vinyl single, 12-inch vinyl single, and cassette single. The standard 7-inch vinyl configuration featured "Knocked Out" (3:52) on the A-side and "Knocked Out (Instrumental)" (3:52) on the B-side, while the US cassette single (Virgin 99329-4) included "Knocked Out (Album Version)" (3:48) and "Knocked Out (Instrumental)" (4:06), repeated on both sides. The 12-inch vinyl single, catalog number 0-96661, offered an expanded track listing:
  • A1: "Knocked Out (Round 1 - Extended Mix)" (7:03)
  • A2: "Knocked Out (Round 2 - Instrumental)" (3:43)
  • B1: "Knocked Out (Round 3 - Radio Edit)" (4:58)
  • B2: "Knocked Out (Round 4 - TKO Dub)" (6:31)
    These mixes were produced by and Babyface.
In the , the single was reissued three times: September 24, 1988 (peaking at #98), August 19, 1989 (peaking at #45), and July 28, 1990 (peaking at #21). The 1990 reissue featured remixes by , including the 12" mix (6:10), issued on Siren SRNX 92 in 1989 but promoted further in 1990 alongside the remix album and Dance: Mixes (released May 1990). These remixes also appeared on select reissue singles and later deluxe editions of . The 12-inch vinyl release on Siren (SRNT 92) from 1988 mirrored the extended configuration with the 7:03 extended mix, while early singles were limited to markets like in 1988 (VJD-12022), and broader availability came with 1991 compilations. The 1990 maxi-single (Virgin VUSCD 23) included the Pettibone edit and additional remixes.
FormatCountryLabel/CatalogKey Tracks
7-inch VinylVirgin 7-99329A: "Knocked Out" (3:52)
B: "Knocked Out (Instrumental)" (3:52)
12-inch Vinyl/Virgin 0-96661 / Siren SRNT 92Extended Mix (7:03), Instrumental (3:43), Radio Edit (4:58), TKO Dub (6:31)
Cassette SingleVirgin 99329-4"Knocked Out (Album Version)" (3:48), "Knocked Out (Instrumental)" (4:06) (repeated on both sides)
SingleVirgin VJD-12022"Knocked Out" (3:49), "Next To You" (4:26), "Knocked Out (Extended Mix)" (7:03)
Maxi-Single (Reissue)Virgin VUSCD 23"Knocked Out (Pettibone Edit)", additional album remixes

Promotion

"Knocked Out" served as the from Paula Abdul's debut album , released in spring 1988 to gauge her market potential as a recording artist. The track quickly gained traction on urban contemporary radio stations, marking an early success on Black radio formats despite its modest promotional budget. Abdul's background as a choreographer was leveraged in the single's rollout, with the accompanying emphasizing her dance skills and receiving rotation on shortly after its June 1988 premiere on . Live performances of "Knocked Out" highlighted Abdul's choreography expertise, including appearances on programs like Soul Train and Club MTV in 1988, where the routine's energetic footwork and formations were central to the presentation. The promotion prioritized visual elements, with resources directed toward video production to showcase Abdul's strengths as a performer amid limited initial marketing spend. Following the blockbuster success of Forever Your Girl, a remixed version of "Knocked Out" appeared on Abdul's 1990 remix album Shut Up and Dance, supporting a re-issue targeted at international markets including the UK and Europe. These remixes, crafted for dance clubs, helped extend the single's reach to pop radio audiences after the original's urban focus.

Reception

Critical reviews

Upon its release in 1988, "Knocked Out" received praise from several music trade publications for its catchy production and danceable energy. In the Gavin Report, Dave Sholin highlighted the track's strong hooks, noting it as an appealing addition for radio programmers seeking engaging pop material. Similarly, a review in Black Radio Exclusive described the song as a "bright sounding dance jam" full of hooks, crediting producers L.A. Reid and Babyface for Abdul's confident vocal delivery and the heavily percussive arrangement that lent it multi-format appeal. The single also elicited mixed responses, with some critics pointing to its polished, formulaic production style. A 1991 New York Times retrospective on Abdul's dance-pop output critiqued the "manufactured" quality of her early work as emblematic of the era's assembly-line approach to pop that prioritized slickness over raw authenticity. The article also highlighted a controversy where session singer Yvette Marine sued Virgin Records, alleging her uncredited vocals were used on tracks from Forever Your Girl to enhance Abdul's performance, raising questions about authenticity in her debut recordings. While praising the song's production, the recording sessions for Abdul's debut were challenging due to her limited vocal training, though her background as a choreographer was seen as bolstering its rhythmic drive. Overall, "Knocked Out" was regarded as a solid debut single that effectively showcased Abdul's roots in dance and , establishing her as a fresh presence in late-1980s pop, even as reviewers occasionally questioned the depth of her vocal abilities. In a retrospective review of the parent Forever Your Girl, the project earned a 3-out-of-5-star rating, with the single viewed as competent but not standout amid the record's emphasis on upbeat, hook-driven tracks. Cash Box captured the song's punchy radio potential in its 1988 coverage, positioning it as a strong opener for Abdul's career.

Accolades and legacy

"Knocked Out" marked Paula Abdul's debut as a recording artist, transitioning her from a celebrated choreographer—who had worked on high-profile music videos for artists like and —and former cheerleader to a pop performer. Released in May 1988 as the lead single from her debut album , the track was specifically chosen by to gauge Abdul's commercial viability as a singer, given her established reputation in dance and visual media. The song achieved notable success on rhythm and blues charts, peaking at number 8 on Billboard's chart (then known as Hot Black Singles), which helped build momentum for Abdul's emergence in the music industry. While it did not receive major individual awards or nominations, this early chart performance underscored Abdul's crossover appeal and contributed to the broader trajectory of , an album that sold over seven million copies in the United States and propelled her to win a Grammy Award for Best , Short Form for "Opposites Attract" in 1991. In the legacy of pop, "Knocked Out" exemplifies the era's fusion of and R&B influences, highlighting Abdul's expertise through its energetic production and video. The track's role in launching her career has been retrospectively noted for establishing her as a multifaceted entertainer whose visual and performative style influenced subsequent pop acts.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"Knocked Out" entered the US at number 93 on the chart dated June 18, 1988. It subsequently rose to a peak position of number 41 in 1988 and remained on the chart for 13 weeks. On the US chart, the single achieved a peak of number 8. The remix of "Knocked Out" debuted on the UK Singles Chart in July 1990 and peaked at number 21, spurred by the surging popularity of Paula Abdul's debut album . Internationally, the track reached number 88 on Australia's ARIA Singles Chart.

Sales and certifications

These sales contributed to the parent album Forever Your Girl's diamond certification by the RIAA. The single itself did not receive an RIAA certification, though the album's success has retroactively boosted the song's digital streams, with approximately 1.9 million plays on Spotify as of late 2025.

Music video

Production

The music video for "Knocked Out" was directed by Daniel Kleinman, a British filmmaker renowned for designing title sequences for multiple films, including GoldenEye (1995) and (2012). Produced in collaboration with Limelight Film and Video Productions, the video highlights Abdul's transition from choreographer to performer, showcasing her leading a large ensemble of dancers in high-energy routines on a dance floor in a studio setting that mimics a rehearsal space. The production marked Abdul's first music video as a lead artist, with an emphasis on dynamic to capitalize on her background in dance. A re-edited version released in 1989 by Jim Gable incorporated a match theme through montage editing, without new footage.

Choreography and visuals

The choreography for the "Knocked Out" music video was created by , drawing on her experience as a choreographer for high-profile artists and her time as a Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader. The routines incorporate elements of pop dance, with Abdul leading a group of dancers in synchronized, high-energy sequences that emphasize athleticism and precision. This approach highlights Abdul's ability to blend technical dance skills with pop accessibility, establishing her as a performer whose physicality drives the narrative. Visually, the video employs a clean, performance-focused aesthetic in color to capture the vibrancy of the movements. Dancers are attired in athletic wear, underscoring the dynamic tone of the production. Key scenes depict and her dancers performing group routines on the floor. The complete video runs 4:10, but edited versions for broadcast shortened it to fit programming constraints. These elements collectively convey a sense of playful empowerment and rhythmic seduction. The video's choreography and visuals were praised for launching Abdul's distinctive identity as a dance-centric , setting a template for integrating elaborate routines into videos that influenced the genre throughout the .

Personnel and credits

Writers and producers

"Knocked Out" was written by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Antonio "L.A." Reid, and Daryl Simmons, who handled the composition and arrangement of the track. The song's production was led by Babyface and , who oversaw the creation of the beats, mixing, and vocal direction to craft its R&B-infused pop sound. The track was produced for LaFace Productions, Inc., with publishing rights administered by EMI Music through Chappell Music Ltd. Single-specific oversight came from ' A&R team, ensuring alignment with the album .

Musicians and vocals

The lead vocals on "Knocked Out" were performed by , marking one of her earliest recordings as a solo artist. Background vocals were provided by a team including Abdul herself, Babyface, , Pebbles, and Yvette Marine, contributing to the track's layered R&B harmonies. Marine's contributions, in particular, gained attention due to a 1991 alleging unauthorized use of her guide vocals in the final mix, though she was credited as a background singer; the was dismissed in 1993 when a ruled in favor of Abdul and . Instrumentation for the song was handled primarily by its producers, emphasizing a synth-heavy sound typical of late-1980s R&B. provided drums and drum programming, creating the track's upbeat rhythm foundation. Babyface contributed keyboards, adding melodic synth elements that support the song's infectious groove. Kayo played bass, while additional programming was credited to , ensuring a polished, electronic texture without live strings or organic instrumentation. Recording and mixing were handled by Jon Gass.

Charts

Weekly charts

"Knocked Out" achieved moderate success on various international charts following its release in , with the boosting its performance in 1990. The song first entered the dated June 18, 1988, peaking at number 41 over 13 weeks, while the re-entered on July 21, 1990. It performed stronger on the chart, reaching number 8 and spending 20 weeks in total. In the UK, the peaked at number 21 for 5 weeks on the Official Singles Chart. Additional placements included , where it reached number 27 on the RPM Top Singles chart, and , peaking at number 82 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
CountryChart NamePeak PositionWeeks on Chart
United StatesBillboard Hot 1004113
United StatesHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs820
United KingdomOfficial Singles (Remix)215
CanadaRPM Top Singles27—
AustraliaARIA Singles82—

Year-end charts

"Knocked Out" achieved moderate success on year-end charts, primarily reflecting its performance on R&B-focused compilations. In the United States, the song ranked at number 100 on Billboard's 1988 year-end Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, underscoring its stronger appeal within that genre despite a modest peak of number 41 on the Hot 100, which prevented an entry on the all-genre year-end Hot 100 list.
CountryChartPositionYear
United StatesBillboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Year-End)1001988
In the United Kingdom, "Knocked Out" did not appear in the top 100 of the year-end singles charts for either or , aligning with its limited chart runs peaking at number 98 in 1988, number 45 in 1989, and number 21 in 1990 (remix) respectively during those periods. This positioning was influenced by the song's release timing and the subsequent dominance of Paula Abdul's debut album , which topped the in 1989 after a record 64-week climb, though the single itself experienced a quick fade from peak positions.

References

  1. https://www.paula-abdul.com/knocked-out-single.html
  2. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=Knocked%2BOut%2Bby%2BPaula%2BAbdul&id=32260
  3. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chart-beat-105-1046405/
  4. https://www.paula-abdul.com/about-paula-abdul.html
  5. https://www.paula-abdul.com/forever-your-girl-album.html
  6. https://www.paula-abdul.com/choreographer-dancer-laker-girl-paula-abdul.html
  7. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/paula-abdul-forever-your-girl-tracks-ranked-8460804/
  8. https://www.discogs.com/master/100168-Paula-Abdul-Knocked-Out
  9. https://tunebat.com/Info/Knocked-Out-Single-Version-Paula-Abdul/0vMD06UI61jI05QQPjAx5z
  10. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/paula-abdul/knocked-out
  11. https://albumism.com/interviews/daryl-simmons
  12. http://darylsimmons.com/
  13. https://genius.com/Paula-abdul-knocked-out-lyrics
  14. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Paula-Abdul/Knocked-Out
  15. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/paula-abdul-all-the-right-moves-241066/
  16. https://www.discogs.com/release/4978764-Paula-Abdul-Knocked-Out
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/1315010-Paula-Abdul-Knocked-Out
  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/216680-Paula-Abdul-Knocked-Out-The-Shep-Pettibone-Remixes
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/926349-Paula-Abdul-Knocked-Out
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/1636825-Paula-Abdul-Knocked-Out
  21. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Gavin-Report/80/88/Gavin-1988-05-20.pdf
  22. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/BRE/80s/BRE-1988-04-29.pdf
  23. https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/12/arts/recordings-views-paula-abdul-s-state-of-the-art-dance-pop.html
  24. https://www.allmusic.com/album/forever-your-girl-mw0000652277
  25. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1988/CB-1988-05-07.pdf
  26. http://www.paula-abdul.com/knocked-out-single.html
  27. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-07-30-ca-6729-story.html
  28. https://grammy.com/artists/paula-abdul/419
  29. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1988-06-18/
  30. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/paula-abdul-knocked-out-pettibone-remix/
  31. https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Paula+Abdul&titel=Knocked+Out&cat=s
  32. https://chartmasters.org/artist/?id=4PpmBoqphQusNFsxuVKb6j
  33. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/4PpmBoqphQusNFsxuVKb6j_songs.html
  34. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0459110/
  35. https://imvdb.com/n/daniel-kleinman/videography-by-position/dir
  36. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-12-10-ca-373-story.html
  37. https://popdose.com/face-time-paula-abdul-knocked-out/
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/2084778-Paula-Abdul-Knocked-Out
  39. https://www.discogs.com/master/100161-Paula-Abdul-Forever-Your-Girl
  40. https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/10/arts/singer-says-part-of-voice-on-hit-is-hers.html
  41. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-08-13-me-23313-story.html
  42. https://www.discogs.com/release/1505396-Paula-Abdul-Forever-Your-Girl
  43. https://www.billboard.com/artist/paula-abdul/chart-history/hsi/
  44. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/25106/paula-abdul/
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