Hot Cop
| "Hot Cop" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Village People from the album Cruisin' | |
| Released | September 25, 1978 |
| Recorded | Sigma Sound Studios, New York City; 1978 |
| Genre | Disco |
| Length | 6:19 |
| Label | Casablanca Records |
| Writer | Henri Belolo, Jacques Morali, Victor Willis |
| Producer | Jacques Morali |
"Hot Cop" is a song first recorded by The Village People for their 1978 album Cruisin'. It was written by Henri Belolo, Jacques Morali and Village People lead singer Victor Willis.[1] It served as Willis' theme song with the Village People.[2] Although not released as a single, it was a dance club hit.[3] A medley with "Y.M.C.A." reached number 2 on Billboard's Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart.[4]
Lyrics and music
"Hot Cop" is a mid-tempo song.[1] Its danceability is enhanced by its cyclical beat.[1]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."[1] The bassline is similar to that which Spandau Ballet would use on their early songs.[1]
The lyrics are somewhat self-referential, as Willis dressed as a "Hot Cop" within the Village People concept, wearing a full policeman uniform.[2]Allmusic critic Amy Hanson descries "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.'"[1] The lyrics incorporate gay images and sexual references.[2]
Reception
"Hot Cop" was a dance club hit.[3][5] A medley with "Y.M.C.A." reached number 2 on Billboard's Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart.[4]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.[1] However, she ultimately regards the song as "dismally boring and self-explanatory."[6] Paul Green of Billboard Magazine criticizes the "standard disco cliche" of the refrain, with its "Party, boogie, boogie" lyrics.[7]
Other appearances
A live version of "Hot Cop" was included on the Village People's 1979 album Live and Sleazy.[7][8] The Village People performed the song in Jean Yanne's 1978 film Je te tiens, tu me tiens par la barbichette.[2] It has been included on a number of Village People compilation albums, including Greatest Hits and The Best of Village People.[3][9]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Hanson, A. "Hot Cop". Allmusic. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
- ^ a b c d Bego, M. & Jones, R. (2008). Macho Man: The Disco Era and Gay America's Coming Out. ABC-CLIO. pp. 88, 93, 122, 183. ISBN 9780275999629.
- ^ a b c Erlewine, S.T.. "Greatest Hits [Rhino]". Allmusic. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
- ^ a b "The Village People Awards". Allmusic. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
- ^ Nester, D. (2009). How to Be Inappropriate. Counterpoint Press. p. 246. ISBN 9781593762537.
- ^ Hanson, A. "Cruisin'". Allmusic. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
- ^ a b Green. P. (November 17, 1979). "Closeup". Billboard Magazine. p. 79. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
- ^ Erlewine, S.T.. "Live and Sleazy". Allmusic. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
- ^ Huey, S. "The Best of Village People". Allmusic. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
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