“Straight Up” is a song by American singer Paula Abdul, released in November 1988 as the third single from her debut album Forever Your Girl. The song became Abdul’s breakthrough hit and one of the defining tracks of her career, propelling her to stardom in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
“Straight Up” is a dance-pop track with a strong, funky beat and catchy melody. The song blends pop, dance, and R&B elements, featuring sharp, rhythmic beats and synth-driven production that were characteristic of late-1980s pop music. Abdul’s confident vocals and the song’s punchy, infectious chorus make it instantly recognizable.
“Straight Up” was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, where it remained for three weeks. The song also charted highly in several other countries(no.3 in the UK and Germany), making Abdul an international pop star.
The music video for “Straight Up” was directed by David Fincher, who would later become a renowned film director. The video, shot in black and white, featured Abdul’s impressive dance moves, which were a major aspect of her appeal as an artist.
The song continues to be a fan favorite and is frequently included in ’80s music retrospectives, highlighting its enduring popularity and Abdul’s influence on pop music and dance during that time.