Outstanding

"Outstanding"
Single by the Gap Band
from the album Gap Band IV
B-side"The Boys Are Back in Town"
ReleasedNovember 1982
Recorded1982
GenreFunk[1]
Length3:19 (album version)
6:13 (extended version)
LabelTotal Experience
Songwriter(s)Raymond Calhoun
The Gap Band singles chronology
"You Dropped a Bomb on Me"
(1982)
"Outstanding"
(1982)
"Party Train"
(1983)

"Outstanding" is a song originally performed by the Gap Band and written by member Raymond Calhoun. The song originally appeared on the group's platinum-selling 1982 album Gap Band IV. It is one of their signature songs and biggest hits, reaching the number one spot on the U.S. R&B Singles Chart in February 1983. "Outstanding" peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.[2]

Chart positions

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Chart (1982) Peak
position
UK Singles Chart 68
US Billboard Hot 100 51
US Billboard Hot Black Singles 1

Cover versions

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The song was later covered by British singer Kenny Thomas in 1990. It reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart.[3] In 1999, footballer Andy Cole signed to WEA/Warner Music and released his version of "Outstanding" with added rap verses. Cole's version reached number 68 on the UK Singles Chart.[4]

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In late 2024, a highlight reel of Kevin Garnett playing for the Brooklyn Nets during the 2013-14 NBA Season set to this song surfaced online. The combination of Garnett's highlights and this song has been used on social media to describe anything or anyone (particularly athletes) that is past their prime.

References

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  1. ^ La Haine/Métisse - Original Soundtrack | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic
  2. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 223.
  3. ^ "Outstanding | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
  4. ^ "ANDY COLE | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts.
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