“Looking For A New Love”: Jody Watley’s Effortless Exit Anthem
When “Looking for a New Love” hit the airwaves in early 1987, it wasn’t just a song—it was a mood. With its slick beat, unforgettable hooks, and Jody Watley’s undeniable swagger, the track signaled the arrival of a solo artist with serious vision. Fresh off her time with Shalamar and a few years soaking up style and sound in the UK, Watley stepped out on her own—and made it clear she wasn’t interested in playing it safe.
Breaking Away and Building Something Bold
Jody Watley already had a strong résumé: Soul Train dancer, Shalamar member, and a featured voice on some R&B staples. But after leaving Shalamar in 1983, she was hungry for something more personal. A brief stint in the UK gave her time to explore, experiment, and even pop up on the historic Band Aid single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in 1984.
Her solo debut single, “Looking for a New Love,” co-written with André Cymone and produced by Cymone and David Z., packed all of that creative energy into one sleek, radio-ready anthem. With its crisp drums, synth-heavy groove, and conversational swagger, the track brought club vibes straight to the charts.
“Hasta la vista, baby”—With Style
Watley didn’t just sing the lyrics—she delivered them with attitude. “Looking for a New Love” is all about shaking off a bad relationship and leveling up. It’s confident, cool, and completely in control. That line—“Hasta la vista, baby”—became an instant catchphrase (even before Schwarzenegger made it iconic in Terminator 2).
And the vocals? Smooth, sharp, full of subtle power. Watley wasn’t yelling or pleading—she was stating facts. This wasn’t heartbreak. It was evolution.
Chart Heat and a Style Legacy
The song soared to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit number 1 on the R&B and Dance charts. It also topped the Canadian charts and made waves overseas. By the time she picked up the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1988, Jody had cemented her place as more than a former group member—she was a full-fledged solo star.
The video was a big part of the impact too. Mixing street edge with high fashion, Watley showed how visual identity could be as bold as the music itself. Her hoop earrings became legendary, and her fusion of fashion-forward and fierce laid the blueprint for so many that followed.
Still Fresh. Still Fierce.
More than 35 years later, “Looking for a New Love” still holds up. It’s got that undeniable groove, a message that never goes out of style, and vocals that hit the sweet spot between elegance and empowerment. Jody Watley didn’t just release a hit—she changed the rules.