Modern audiences most likely remember Paula Abdul as the quirky, overly optimistic judge on the reality TV hit “American Idol” during the early 2000s. She usually spouted nonsensical critiques and sparred with snarky, soul-crushing fellow judge Simon Cowell which helped make the show a rating bonanza. But back in the late 80s, Paula Abdul was one of the biggest pop stars in music, releasing a string of catchy, R&B-influenced, and very danceable singles.
Abdul cut her teeth as a choreographer, starting as a Laker Girl and then working with George Michael, ZZ Top, and Duran Duran. Her big break came when she starred and choreographed in the 1986 Janet Jackson videos “What Have You Done for Me Lately” and “Nasty.” Her dance resume also extended to feature films, where she choreographed the African dance number in “Coming to America” and crafted the musical sequences for Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” biopic.
In 1988 Abdul finally stepped into the spotlight with her debut album “Forever Your Girl.” After a slow start, the album finally took off with the release of the third single, “Straight Up,” which became a massive breakthrough hit. Despite her limited singing ability, the debut LP had no less than six chart-topping singles, cementing Abdul’s place in the pop pantheon. But Abdul’s strengths were her amazing dancing and inventive choreography, which were apparent in her music videos. She became a fixture on late 80’s MTV and was the rare pop act where her videos outshined many of her hit songs.
“Cold Hearted” was the album’s fifth single and is hands down Abdul’s best music video, as it has her many talents on full display. She teamed with David Fincher, a prominent, visually striking commercial and music video director at this time in his career. Fincher had previously directed Abdul’s “Straight Up” clip (co-starring her good friend Arsenio Hall) with stark, black & white imagery. For their second collaboration, Abdul wanted to do something more ambitious while paying homage to one of her dancing/choreographer idols: Bob Fosse.
Taking their cue from Bob Fosse’s 1979 classic “All That Jazz,” the video is loosely inspired by the “Take Off with Us/Air-Erotica” musical number. Just like in the film, Abdul and her sexily clad dancers perform a steamy and moody dance sequence for a group of squeamish music executives (sans the R-rated nudity in the Fosse version). Abdul cleverly incorporates much of Fosse’s stylistic flourishes with her more athletic choreography. And Fincher shoots the proceedings with a visual flair, moving his camera through the spare scaffolding set inspired by the classic musical. It’s a potent mix of Fincher’s directing talents and Abdul’s unique dance moves that resulted in one of the all-time great dancing music videos.
David Fincher would go on to direct many of the era’s most influential videos, working with Madonna (Express Yourself, Vogue), Aerosmith (Janie’s Got a Gun), George Michael (Freedom ’90), and Michael Jackson (Who is It). In the 90’s, he would graduate into feature films, where he became one of the great A-List directors with such varied hits as “Se7en,” “Fight Club,” “The Social Network,” and “Gone Girl.”
So, take a trip back to 1989 and watch the video below. And let me know your thoughts in the comments section.
Yes, most people will associate Paula with her exploits on American Idol. Those of us who are old enough recall her displaying much more impressive skills in videos like this one.