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Unbelievable (EMF song)
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox song
| name = Unbelievable
| cover = Unbelievable (EMF song).jpg
| alt =
| caption = Standard release
| type = single
| artist = EMF
| album = Schubert Dip
| B-side = "EMF" (live at The Bilson)
| released =
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre = Alternative rock
| length = 3:30
| label =
| writer = EMF
| producer = Ralph Jezzard
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title = I Believe
| next_year = 1991
| misc =
}}
'Unbelievable' is a song written and recorded by British band EMF, originally appearing on their debut album, 'Schubert Dip'. It was released as a single in the UK in 1990, peaking in the UK Singles Chart at number three on 1 December 1990. It was the 32nd-best-selling single of 1990 in the UK. In the United States, it hit number one on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 in 1991.
Background and composition
The song contains samples of US comedian Andrew Dice Clay and of a Black Panther Party member shouting "What the fuck?" The track was produced by Ralph Jezzard.
Critical reception
Bill Lamb from About.com said that the song "mixed intoxicating rhythms, sweet high vocals from lead singer James Atkin, and rousing shouts to storm to the top of the pop charts." AllMusic editor Alex Henderson described it as "so insanely infectious" in his review of the 'Schubert Dip' album. He also noted its "dizzying infectiousness". Larry Flick from 'Billboard' declared it as a "insinuating, Manchester-influenced rave. Scratchy, neopsychedelic guitar riffs nicely contrast track's hip hop groove, promising extensive exposure here at both club and radio levels." John Earls from 'Classic Pop' deemed it "mighty". Annette Petruso from 'The Michigan Daily' said that "the boys from the Forest of Dean, Great Britain have created an undeniably perfect pop single with the ultra-simple, ultra-catchy and ultra-overplayed "Unbelievable"."
The song was ranked no. 31 on VH1's '100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders' in 2002 and no. 98 on VH1's '100 Greatest Songs of the 90s' in 2007. Australian music channel Max placed it at number 547 in their list of '1000 Greatest Songs of All Time' in 2011. 'Rolling Stone' listed "Unbelievable" at number 12 in their '20 Biggest Songs of the Summer: The 1990s' list in July 2014. In 2020, Cleveland.com listed it at number 41 in their ranking of the best 'Billboard' Hot 100 No. 1 song of the 1990s.
Music video
A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by American music video director Josh Taft.
Formats and track listings
*'UK 7" (R 6273)'
#"Unbelievable" 3:30
#"EMF" (live at The Bilson) 3:53
*'UK CD (CDR 6273)'
#"Unbelievable" 3:30
#"Unbelievable" (The Cin City Sex Mix) 5:14
#"EMF" (live at The Bilson) 3:53
*'US CD (E2-56210)'
#"Unbelievable" (single version) 3:30
#"Unbelievable" (Cin City Sex Mix) 5:14
#"Unbelievable" (Boot Lane Mix) 6:20
#"Unbelievable" (House Mix) 4:26
#"Unbelievable" (Hip Hop Mix) 4:10
#"EMF" (live at The Bilson) 3:53
Charts and sales
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
All-time charts
Certifications
See also
*List of 'Billboard' Hot 100 number-one singles of 1991
*List of 'Cash Box' Top 100 number-one singles of 1991
References
Category:1990 songs
Category:1990 debut singles
Category:1991 singles
Category:Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles
Category:Cashbox number-one singles
Category:EMF (band) songs
Category:EMI Records singles
Category:Parlophone singles
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