“Respectable” is a hit song by Mel & Kim, a British pop duo consisting of sisters Melanie and Kim Appleby. Released in February 1987 as the second single from their debut album F.L.M., the song was a major commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming an international hit. Written and produced by the famous production team Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW), “Respectable” is a high-energy dance-pop track with a catchy chorus and an empowering message of self-confidence and independence.
Mel & Kim were discovered by Nick East of Supreme Records in the mid-1980s, and after signing a deal, they were paired with the hit-making production trio Stock Aitken Waterman, who were known for crafting infectious, radio-friendly hits for artists like Rick Astley, Kylie Minogue, and Bananarama. “Respectable” was one of the many chart-topping singles produced by SAW, blending dance-pop, synthpop, and elements of house music to create a sound that was perfect for the late 1980s club scene. The song was co-written by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman and helped establish Mel & Kim as major pop stars during that era.
The lyrics of “Respectable” are a bold statement of empowerment and resilience. The song addresses critics and gossipers who might try to bring them down, with the sisters defiantly proclaiming their independence and rejecting societal expectations of “respectability.” “Respectable” is a vibrant and energetic dance-pop track that fits perfectly within the soundscape of the late 1980s. The song is characterized by its infectious synth-driven melody, upbeat house-style beats, and repetitive but catchy hooks.
“Respectable” became a huge commercial success for Mel & Kim, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in March 1987. It was also a hit across Europe, topping the charts in countries like Germany and the Netherlands, and reaching the top 10 in several others, including Australia and Sweden. In the U.S., while the song didn’t reach the same heights on the Billboard Hot 100, it did perform well on the dance charts, where it reached No. 1 on both Dance Club Songs and Dance Singles Sales charts.