Paula Abdul Songs Ranked
In the wake of Madonna’s success, many dance-pop divas filled the charts, but out of them all, Paula Abdul was the only one who sustained a career. The former L.A. Lakers cheerleader and choreographer scored her first hit in 1989, when “Straight Up” shot to Billboard’s number one spot, becoming the first of four U.S. chart-toppers from her 1988 debut, Forever Your Girl; the others were “Forever Your Girl,” “Cold Hearted,” and “Opposites Attract,” each earning a gold certification from the RIAA. This success laid the groundwork for her second act as a judge on American Idol, the televised singing competition that began in 2002 and kept Abdul in the spotlight throughout the decade. Abdul began to make inroads in pop music when she was hired as an assistant dance director on the Jacksons’ Victory tour, which led to a job choreographing Janet Jackson’s videos for Control. Abdul’s work on Jackson’s videos helped make the album a hit, making her a sought-after choreographer. After working on The Tracy Ullman Show and videos for ZZ Top, Duran Duran, and the Pointer Sisters, Abdul began a recording career, releasing her debut album, Forever Your Girl, in 1988. Here are all of Paula Abdul songs ranked.
Don’t miss out the music of Paula Abdul. Click below and listen to the songs that a lot of people love!
10. The Promise of a New Day (Spellbound, 1991)
“Released in 1991 as a second single off “Spellbound” album “The Promise Of A New Day” became Paula Abdul’s last #1 single on Billboard Pop Chart. It’s a powerful, dance anthem that has great beat and even cool lyrics. It’s wonderful song that you can sing with Paula. Definitely, one of Paula’s best songs ever!”
9. The Way that You Love Me (Forever Your Girl, 1988)
“As manufactured as anything else on popular radio in 1988…or 1989, when it was reissued and made the Top 3. Surprisingly, she sounds a bit like she’s trying to convince us (or perhaps herself) that she prefers her man’s lovin’ over his material wealth. Maybe because she spends so much time detailing the goods, and very little time detailing the lovin’. She certainly sounds more excited singing “it ain’t your Maserati” than “when you’re loving me right”. Or maybe it’s the video, which makes the material goods look sexier than the humans.”
8. My Love is for Real (Head over Heels, 1995)
“If I told you that Paula Abdul made a single with one side being an interesting Middle Eastern trip hop mid tempo that still maintains a dance rhythm and the other side sounding like a demo from Madonna’s Erotica album, would you believe me? Regardless, Paula made wacky, experimental dance pop music that usually was on the mark. You don’t know what you got til it’s gone.”
7. Knocked Out (Forever Your Girl, 1988)
“Full on great choreography in a full pant suit with a leather corset to boot. This era with Mc Hammer, Janet Jackson, and Paula was the greatest. Songs that have stood the test of time, music that still gets people out of their seats, and artists that were dedicated to not just the music but to visually bringing the song to life”
6. Vibeology (Spellbound, 1991)
“Vibeology” is one of the funkiest singles ever! Bassline is simply awesome and horn section adds extra feel to the whole number. Lyrics are rather stupid, but that doesn’t matter when the beat is so cool that you just won’t stop yourself from bouncing on the floor. “Vibeology” hit #14 on the charts but in my opinion should have gone TOP 5 at least.”
5. Forever Your Girl (Forever Your Girl, 1988)
“She was a great role model for young girls she could sing she was an over the top amazing dancer she didn’t shake her ass to sell music and run around grinding on dudes. She was sexy and a little risqué but in a normal way. As odd as it sounds and for a lack of a better way to say it. And most importantly the content was stellar!”
4. Straight Up (Forever Your Girl, 1988)
“Straight Up” is the song that still gets airplay and will ensure Paula’s status as an icon of 80s dance pop. The production, word play, powerful beat and arrangement were cutting edge at the time. Paula’s thin voice is less noticeable here; her production team layered her vocals over the music perfectly. It’s a riot from start to finish, and easily her finest moment.”
3. Opposites Attract (Forever Your Girl, 1988)
“Paula Abdul had a number of hits in the late 80’s and “Opposites Attract” was one of her biggest, heightened by a truly unique video wherein the singer/dancer shared screen time with an animated “hip cat.” The song by itself is really catchy and a body mover.”
2. Rush Rush (Spellbound, 1991)
“Rush, Rush” is definitely the greatest single in Paula Abdul’s career. This sentimental ballad went on to become her fifth #1 hit, spending there five consecutive weeks and being eventually certified gold. I love especially the part of this song, when viola starts to play. It’s really something special. To me, “Rush, Rush” is one of my all-time favorite love songs! Video to this song was also great!”
1. Cold Hearted (Forever Your Girl, 1988)
“Paula is such a great choreographer, she’s amazing, I don’t know the words, I just see and enjoy her energy, her legs, her face, she expresses with all of her, just love love her since her first album.”
