"Celebration" by Kool & the Gang

#1 Alert!

Gold Record Alert!

Song#:  0376
Date:  10/25/1980
Debut:  87
Peak:  1 (2 weeks)
Weeks:  30
Genre:  R&B, Dance



Pop Bits:  Kool & the Gang's previous album, "Ladies Night," yielded two Top 10 hits with the title track (#8) and "Too Hot" (#5). It signaled a change and resurgence for the band with the album reaching #1 on the R&B chart. Their follow-up album, "Celebrate!," continued the success when this legendary party single became their first and only #1 pop hit. The song also reached #1 on the R&B and Dance charts. The success of the single helped to push the album to peak at #10 and it ended up being their only Top 10 pop album.

ReduxReview:  This is a song I wish I had written - not because it's a great song (it's okay), but because it's one that will be around forever and most likely made the writers a butt load of money - and still does. When was the last time you went to something like a wedding reception and this was NOT played by the DJ or the band? It is a staple at parties and events all over the world. Does that mean it is a fantastic song? No, not really. But it is a good anthem song and it is hard to resist once it starts playing. I can't say I've ever had the want to listen to this song, but if it plays somewhere within earshot, it is difficult to dislike or ignore. Overall, this is a classic 80s track. Celebrate good times! Yaa-Hoo!

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) November 4, 1979, began the 444 day Iran hostage crisis where 52 Americans were held when the American Embassy in Tehran overtaken. After their release in 1981, this was the song that played to welcome them back home to the US.  2) Australian pop diva Kylie Minogue covered this song in 1992 for her "Greatest Hits" CD. It peaked at #20 in the UK.

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