Format CD7"12"cassette Genre Alternative dance | Recorded 1990 Length 3:30 | |
Released 3 November 1990 (UK)14 May 1991 (US) |
"Unbelievable" is a song written and recorded by British band EMF, originally appearing on their debut album Schubert Dip. It was released as a single in the UK in 1990, peaking in the UK Singles Chart at number three on 1 December 1990. It was the 32nd best-selling single of 1990 in the UK. In the United States, it hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on 20 July 1991.
Contents
Content of the song
The song contains samples of US comedian Andrew Dice Clay throughout the track, including the loud exclamation of "oh!" at the start of each chorus along with the words "it's unbelievable" spoken during the bridge. The track was produced by Ralph Jezzard.
In the UK (where the band hailed from), the B-side of the single was a track called "EMF" which included the refrain: "E! Ecstasy! M! Motherfucker, motherfucker! F! From us to you...."
"Unbelievable" also samples the word "One" that comes in the refrain "Ya Kid K is the one", from the song "Spin That Wheel" by Eurodance act Hi-Tek 3 featuring Ya Kid K. Hi-Tek 3 is a side project from the successful dance act Technotronic.
Records
Due to the amount of air time that "Unbelievable" has received since its release, it may be responsible for the most profanity ever heard over radio. The constant background vocal during the chorus saying "What the fuck was that?" which even appears in the lyrics in the CD booklet, was never edited. The song has also been used unedited in pre-watershed television adverts.
It was ranked No. 31 on VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders in 2002 and No. 98 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s in 2007.
Formats and track listings
UK CD(CDR 6273)
- "Unbelievable" – 3:30
- "Unbelievable (The Cin City Sex Mix)" – 5:14
- "EMF (live at The Bilson)" – 3:53
UK 7"(R 6273)
- "Unbelievable" – 3:30
- "EMF (live at The Bilson)" – 3:53
US CD (E2-56210)
- "Unbelievable (single version)" – 3:30
- "Unbelievable (Cin City Sex Mix)" – 5:14
- "Unbelievable (Boot Lane Mix)" – 6:20
- "Unbelievable (House Mix)" – 4:26
- "Unbelievable (Hip Hop Mix)" – 4:10
- "EMF (live at The Bilson)" – 3:53
Cover versions
"Unbelievable" has been covered by many other musical acts, including Anal Cunt, The BossHoss, Thousand Foot Krutch and Tom Jones.