“Some Like It Hot” is a hit song by the supergroup The Power Station, released in March 1985 with “The Heat Is On” on the B-side as the lead single from their self-titled debut album, The Power Station. The band was formed by Robert Palmer, John Taylor and Andy Taylor of Duran Duran, and drummer Tony Thompson from Chic. The song became the group’s most successful track, showcasing a blend of hard rock, funk, and dance influences.
The lyrics of “Some Like It Hot” revolve around desire, attraction, and living life to the fullest. Musically, “Some Like It Hot” blends rock, funk, and dance elements, making it both energetic and danceable. The track is driven by Tony Thompson’s powerful, rhythmic drumming, which adds a strong funk influence to the song. The song also features prominent guitar riffs by Andy Taylor and an infectious bassline by John Taylor, both of whom were key members of Duran Duran. Robert Palmer’s distinctive, soulful vocals bring intensity and style to the song, elevating its sense of urgency and passion. His vocal delivery, combined with the band’s tight instrumentation, creates a dynamic, powerful sound that mixes rock energy with dance-floor appeal.
The production, handled by Bernard Edwards (also from Chic), emphasizes the rhythm section and tight grooves, contributing to the song’s polished, radio-friendly sound while maintaining a hard edge.
“Some Like It Hot” was a major commercial success. It reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and became a top 10 hit in several other countries, including Australia and Canada. In the UK, t peaked at No. 14. The song received extensive airplay on both radio and MTV, where its striking music video gained significant attention. The song helped establish The Power Station as a successful side project for its members, particularly Robert Palmer, whose vocal performance was highly praised. The track’s commercial success also contributed to the success of the The Power Station album, which went on to achieve platinum status in the U.S.
The song’s success also played a significant role in Robert Palmer’s solo career, as it showcased his powerful vocal style and versatility as a performer. Although The Power Station was a short-lived project, “Some Like It Hot” is often remembered as a high point for all the musicians involved.