Samantha Fox’s ’80s Spin on a ’60s Classic
By the time Samantha Fox released her version of “I Only Wanna Be with You” in January 1989, she was already a pop fixture with a string of hits and a bold, dancefloor-ready sound. This time, she took on a classic: Dusty Springfield’s 1963 debut solo single, giving it a neon-lit makeover for the late ’80s.
From Dusty to Dance-Pop
The original, written by Mike Hawker and Ivor Raymonde, was a bright, brassy love song that helped launch Dusty’s solo career. Fox’s version, produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, swapped the retro swing for synths, drum machines, and a high-energy beat—pure PWL magic.
It was a bold move, but it worked. Fox’s take kept the song’s joyful spirit while giving it a club-ready edge that fit perfectly with the era’s sound.
Chart Moves and Fan Love
The single hit No. 16 in the UK, No. 31 in the U.S., and cracked the Top 20 in France, Australia, and the Netherlands. While it wasn’t her biggest hit, it became a fan favorite and a staple of her live shows.
The track also helped boost her third album, I Wanna Have Some Fun, which featured other hits like the title track and “Love House.”
A Cover That Stuck
Plenty of artists have covered “I Only Wanna Be with You,” but Samantha Fox’s version stands out for its sheer energy and unapologetic pop gloss. It’s a perfect example of how the ’80s loved to reimagine the past—louder, shinier, and ready for the dance floor.
