Released 1979 | Producer(s) Mike Chapman | |
Writer(s) Mike Chapman
Nicky Chinn |
"Mickey" is a 1981 song recorded by American singer and choreographer Toni Basil on her debut album Word of Mouth. Written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn as "Kitty", it was first recorded by UK music group Racey during 1979 appearing on their debut album Smash and Grab. Toni Basil changed the name from Kitty to Mickey to make the song about a man.
Contents
Release
Toni Basil's version of the song was initially issued as a single in the UK in May 1981, but did not chart at that time. Reissued in January 1982, "Mickey" quickly became a substantial UK hit, reaching number 2. It was issued in Australia by April, where over the summer it rose to number 1.
Finally issued in North America in August 1982, "Mickey" became a number 1 hit in the US and Canada in late 1982, a year and a half after its original release.
Background
For years, it had been rumored that the name was changed to Mickey because Basil was fond of The Monkees' drummer and lead vocalist Micky Dolenz after meeting him on the set of their movie Head for which she was the choreographer; however, this claim has been denied by Basil, who said she didn't know Dolenz that well. Rumors also circulated that the lines "any way you want to do it / I'll take it like a man", in the gender-swapped lyrics, referred to anal sex; Basil strenuously denies this interpretation, calling it "ridiculous".
Two different music videos for the song were recorded, one featuring Basil with a backing band, and another featuring costuming and choreography inspired by cheerleader dance routines. Filmed in 1981, the Cheerleader video is considered the very first choreographed dance video, and the opening stunt, where a cheerleader jumps through the center of a human pyramid, is now illegal in competition.
The single scored number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 for one week and number two in the UK Singles Chart. The song was Basil's only Top 40 success. It was named #5 on VH1's 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of All Time, #16 on 20 to 1's Top 20 One Hit Wonders Countdown and #57 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the '80s. It has also appeared on multiple greatest or best lists and countdowns.
Track listings
- "Mickey" – 3:36
- "Thief on the Loose" – 3:50
- "Mickey" – 3:36
- "Hanging Around" – 4:06
- "Mickey" (Special Club mix) (Short) – 4:32
- "Mickey" (Special Club mix) (Long) – 5:58
- "Mickey" (Special Club mix) – 5:58
- "Mickey" (Spanish version) – 5:12
Lolly version
The UK singer Lolly scored a top ten hit in the UK Singles Chart in 1999. In addition, there is also a karaoke version of the cover in the album.
Track listings
- "Mickey" – 3:36
- "Sweetheart" – 2:54
- "Mickey" (Karaoke version) - 3:36
- "Mickey" - 3:36
- "Mickey" (Creator remix) - 5:58
- "Mickey" (D-Bop remix edit) - 4:22
- "Mickey" (The Bold & The Beautiful remix) - 5:50
- "Mickey" - 3:36
- "Mickey" (Karaoke version) - 3:36