"Hot Cop" is a song by the American disco group Village People recorded for their third studio album Cruisin' (1978). It was written by 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 disco hit.[3] A medley with "Y.M.C.A." reached number 2 on Billboard's Hot Disco Singles chart.[4]
| "Hot Cop" | |
|---|---|
 Label to Brazilian release as B-side of "Y.M.C.A." single | |
| Single by Village People | |
| from the album Cruisin' | |
| Released | September 25, 1978 |
| Recorded | |
| Genre | Disco |
| Length | 6:19 |
| Label | Casablanca |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | Jacques Morali |
Composition
"Hot Cop" is a mid-tempo disco song.[5] Its danceability is enhanced by its cyclical beat.[5] 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."[5] The bassline is similar to that which Spandau Ballet would use on their early songs.[5] The lyrics are somewhat self-referential, as Willis dressed as a "Hot Cop" within the Village People concept, wearing a full policeman uniform.[2]
Reception
Although Allmusic critic Amy Hanson found "Hot Cop" to be "dismally boring" she describes it 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.'"[5][6] "Hot Cop" was a disco hit during the late 1970s disco scene.[3][7] 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.[5] Marc Zakem of The Courier-Journal praises the lyrical wit and musical vitality of "Hot Cop" stating that it is "the first disco song I've heard in a long time in which I can actually imagine a roomful of dancing people."[8] and Paul Green of Billboard Magazine criticizes the "standard disco cliche" of the refrain, with its "Party, boogie, boogie" lyrics.[9]
Other appearances
The Village People performed "Hot Cop" on the first episode of Dance Fever on January 13, 1979.[10] They also performed "Hot Cop" on The Midnight Special on January 27, 1979.[11]
A live version of "Hot Cop" was included on the Village People's 1979 album Live and Sleazy.[9][12] Billboard Magazine rated it as one of the "best cuts" from Live and Sleazy.[13] The Village People performed the song in Jean Yanne's 1978 French musical film Je te tiens, tu me tiens par la barbichette.[2][14] It has been included on a number of Village People compilation albums, including Greatest Hits and The Best of Village People.[3][15]
Chart performance
Weekly charts
References
External links |