Company B – Fascinated
A freestyle anthem that lit up the clubs
Released in 1986 and hitting its commercial peak in 1987, “Fascinated” by Company B is one of the defining tracks of the freestyle movement — a Latin-influenced, synth-heavy dance-pop sound that ruled clubs and radio in cities like Miami and New York. With its robotic intro, hypnotic beat, and endlessly catchy hook, the song didn’t just make people dance — it helped freestyle break into the mainstream.
A Freestyle Blueprint
Produced and written by Ish Ledesma (of Foxy and Oxo fame), “Fascinated” kicks off with a robotic voice repeating the title before diving into a bouncing electro groove. The track blends staccato synths, syncopated drum machines, and looped vocals into a sleek, high-energy package that felt tailor-made for roller rinks and neon-lit dancefloors.
Vocally, Company B delivered with clipped phrasing and tight harmonies that gave the song a cool, almost mechanical edge — perfect for the freestyle aesthetic. The lyrics are simple and direct: “I’m fascinated by your love, boy / And I’m fascinated by your touch.” It’s not about poetry — it’s about vibe, and this one had it in spades.
From Miami Clubs to National Charts
“Fascinated” first caught fire in Miami’s club scene before spreading to dance radio and beyond. In March 1987, it hit No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, where it stayed for four weeks. By May, it had crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 21 and spending eight weeks in the Top 40 — a rare feat for a freestyle debut.
It also topped the Dance Singles Sales chart, and while it only reached No. 89 in the UK, it made a bigger splash in the Netherlands, hitting No. 23 on the Dutch charts.
Style, Identity, and Impact
Company B’s original lineup — three platinum-blonde women in matching futuristic outfits — made an instant visual statement. Their bold look, paired with the track’s icy synths and club-ready energy, helped them stand out in a crowded pop landscape.
More importantly, “Fascinated” helped open the door for other freestyle and Latin-influenced acts to break through. Alongside artists like Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, Exposé, and Shannon, Company B helped bring female-fronted dance music out of the underground and onto pop radio.
Decades later, “Fascinated” is still a freestyle staple — a go-to track at retro nights, Pride events, and throwback festivals. It’s been remixed, covered (by artists like Emjay, Suzanne Palmer, and Carol Jiani), and even featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race. But nothing quite matches the original’s electric charm.
With its repetitive groove, icy synths, and unapologetically synthetic vibe, “Fascinated” still feels fresh — a perfect snapshot of a moment when electronic music, Latin rhythms, and street culture collided in the best way possible.
“Fascinated” isn’t just a dance hit — it’s a time capsule. It captures the raw excitement of freestyle’s rise with style, swagger, and a beat that refuses to quit. Whether you lived it or just discovered it, this track still does exactly what the title says: it fascinates.
