Released September 25, 1978 Length 6:19 | Genre Disco Label Casablanca | |
Recorded 1978
Sigma Sound Studios (New York, New York) Writer(s) Jacques Morali
Victor Willis | ||
"Hot Cop" is a song by the American disco group Village People recorded for their third studio album Cruisin' (1978). It was written by Jacques Morali and Village People lead singer Victor Willis. It served as Willis' theme song with the Village People. Although not released as a single, it was a disco hit. A medley with "Y.M.C.A." reached number 2 on Billboard's Hot Disco Singles chart.
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Composition
"Hot Cop" is a mid-tempo disco song. Its danceability is enhanced by its cyclical beat. Allmusic critic Amy Hanson describes the vocals as having a "funk style" that ranges from "righteous rolling to spoken word come-ons a la Earth, Wind & Fire." The bassline is similar to that which Spandau Ballet would use on their early songs. The lyrics are somewhat self-referential, as Willis dressed as a "Hot Cop" within the Village People concept, wearing a full policeman uniform.
Reception
Allmusic critic Amy Hanson describes "Hot Cop" as a "tribute to the triumph of the disco scene, as Victor Willis patrolled the floors, letting all who dared to dance know, 'this is the hot cop talking to you. I want everybody to get on their feet.'" "Hot Cop" was a disco hit during the late 1970s disco scene. A medley with "Y.M.C.A." reached number 2 on Billboard's Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart. Allmusic's Hanson praises the song's vocals, both the "powerful vocals" of lead singer Willis and the backing vocals provided by the other Village People members. Paul Green of Billboard Magazine criticizes the "standard disco cliche" of the refrain, with its "Party, boogie, boogie" lyrics.
Other appearances
A live version of "Hot Cop" was included on the Village People's 1979 album Live and Sleazy. The Village People performed the song in Jean Yanne's 1978 film Je te tiens, tu me tiens par la barbichette. It has been included on a number of Village People compilation albums, including Greatest Hits and The Best of Village People.