# Knocked Out

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1988 single by Paula Abdul

"Knocked Out" U.S. promotional cover Single by Paula Abdul from the album Forever Your Girl B-side "Knocked Out" (Instrumental) "Next to You" Released May 1988 (1988-05)[1] Studio Studio Masters Silverlake (Hollywood, CA) Length 3:52 Label Virgin Songwriters Antonio "L.A." Reid Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds Daryl Simmons Producers L.A. Reid Babyface Paula Abdul singles chronology "Knocked Out" (1988) "(It's Just) The Way That You Love Me" (1988) Music video "Knocked Out" on YouTube

"**Knocked Out**" is the debut single by American singer and dancer [Paula Abdul](/source/Paula_Abdul), released in May 1988 via [Virgin Records](/source/Virgin_Records) as the lead single to Abdul's debut studio album, *[Forever Your Girl](/source/Forever_Your_Girl)* (1988). The song was written by [Babyface](/source/Babyface_(musician)), [L.A. Reid](/source/L.A._Reid) and [Daryl Simmons](/source/Daryl_Simmons), and produced by Babyface and Reid, the only track on *Forever Your Girl* produced by the duo.[2] Babyface and Simmons provide background vocals along with [Pebbles](/source/Perri_Reid) and Yvette Marine. "Knocked Out" was later re-released to US radio in May 1990 following its re-issue in the United Kingdom and Europe.[3]

## Critical reception

Paul Mathur from *[Melody Maker](/source/Melody_Maker)* wrote, "Paula isn't as clever as [Jessica](/source/Jessica_Fletcher) but she's almost as accomplished in the art of artifice. When she sings, plastic takes on whole new forms, [Madonna](/source/Madonna_(entertainer)) looks like [Joni Mitchell](/source/Joni_Mitchell) and I'm humming for weeks. She cuts her soul pop jib with scissors the size of shears, but she doesn't give two hoots, and for that alone we should cherish her."[4] Dave Sholin of the *[Gavin Report](/source/Gavin_Report)* responded favorably, "If you're lookin' for hooks, this is it. Produced by L.A. Reid and Babyface, the arrangement lends itself to multi-format potential. This former Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader and choreographer for the likes of [Janet Jackson](/source/Janet_Jackson) is gonna be big."[1] Bill Coleman of [*Billboard*](/source/Billboard_(magazine)) called the track "an appealing number."[5] Ron Wynn of *[The Commercial Appeal](/source/The_Commercial_Appeal)* dismissed the song, calling the transition to singing "flawed" and felt that "she [is] better at constructing dance steps than structuring vocals".[6]

## Chart performance

"Knocked Out" debuted on the US [*Billboard* Hot 100](/source/Billboard_Hot_100) on June 18, 1988 at number 93.[7] peaked at number 41 on the US [*Billboard* Hot 100](/source/Billboard_Hot_100), the first of what would be fourteen charting entries through 1995.[8]

## Music video

Abdul's first music video was directed by Danny Kleinman and Limelight Film and Video Productions. The video features Abdul and her dancers working out choreography on the dance floor. It premiered to [BET](/source/BET) on June 11, 1988.[9]

## Personnel

Taken from the *Forever Your Girl* booklet.[10]

- [Paula Abdul](/source/Paula_Abdul) – lead and background vocals

- [Babyface](/source/Babyface_(musician)) – songwriter, producer, arranger, keyboards, background vocals

- [L.A. Reid](/source/L.A._Reid) – songwriter, producer, arranger, [LM-1](/source/Linn_LM-1) programming, percussion programming

- [Daryl Simmons](/source/Daryl_Simmons) – songwriter, arranger, background vocals

- [Kayo](/source/The_Deele) – [Memory Moog](/source/Memorymoog) bass

- [Perri "Pebbles" Reid](/source/Perri_Reid) – background vocals

- Yvette Marine – background vocals

## Charts

Weekly charts Weekly chart performance for "Knocked Out" Chart (1988–90) Peak position Australia (ARIA)[11] 82 Australia (ARIA)[12] Shep Pettibone remix version 115 Canada Top Singles (RPM)[13] Shep Pettibone remix version 27 Canada Contemporary Hit Radio (The Record)[14] 18 Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[15] Shep Pettibone remix version 59 France (SNEP)[16] 45 Ireland (IRMA)[17] 17 Luxembourg (Radio Luxembourg)[18] 15 UK Singles (OCC)[19] Shep Pettibone remix version 21 US Billboard Hot 100[20] 41 US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[21] 14 US Dance Singles Sales (Billboard)[22] 11 US Hot Crossover 30 (Billboard)[23] 4 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[24] 8 US Cash Box Top 100[25] 43 US Top 12" Dance Singles (Cash Box)[26] 7 US Top Black Contemporary Singles (Cash Box)[27] 7 US Urban/Contemporary (Gavin Report)[28] 5 US Urban Contemporary (Radio & Records)[29] 6 Year-end charts Year-end chart performance for "Knocked Out" Chart (1988) Position US Hot Black Singles (Billboard)[30] 100 US Urban Contemporary (Gavin Report)[31] 69 US Urban (Radio & Records)[32] 80

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-gavin520_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-gavin520_1-1) Fell, Ron (May 20, 1988). "Dave Sholin's Personal Picks — Singles". *[Gavin Report](/source/Gavin_Report)*. Vol. 1707. p. 57.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Breihan, Tom (June 25, 2021). ["The Number Ones: Paula Abdul's "Straight Up"](https://www.stereogum.com/2151499/the-number-ones-paula-abduls-straight-up/columns/the-number-ones/). *[Stereogum](/source/Stereogum)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210625130636/https://www.stereogum.com/2151499/the-number-ones-paula-abduls-straight-up/columns/the-number-ones/) from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** "CHR National Airplay: Significant Action". *[Radio & Records](/source/Radio_%26_Records)*. No. 840. May 18, 1990. p. 106.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Mathur, Paul (September 3, 1988). ["Singles"](https://www.flickr.com/photos/nothingelseon/51164217115/). *[Melody Maker](/source/Melody_Maker)*. p. 28. Retrieved October 31, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Coleman, Bill (April 30, 1988). "Dance Trax: Atlantic's Dazzling Dance Department Regroups". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Vol. 100, no. 18. [Prometheus Global Media](/source/Prometheus_Global_Media). p. 29. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0006-2510](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0006-2510).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Wynn, Ron (June 10, 1988). ["Singles"](https://www.newspapers.com/image/773509148/?match=1&terms=paula%20abdul). *[The Commercial Appeal](/source/The_Commercial_Appeal)*. pp. E22. Retrieved July 26, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Paula Abdul Chart History"](https://www.billboard.com/artist/paula-abdul/). *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved November 12, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Warner, Jay (2008). *Notable Moments of Women in Music*. [Hal Leonard Books](/source/Hal_Leonard_Books). p. 269. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781423429517](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781423429517).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** "The Clip List". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Vol. 100, no. 24. [Nielsen Business Media](/source/Nielsen_Business_Media). June 11, 1988. p. 67. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0006-2510](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0006-2510).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** *Forever Your Girl* (album liner notes). Paula Abdul. Virgin Records. 1988. 90943.{{[cite AV media notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_AV_media_notes)}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_others_in_cite_AV_media_(notes)))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-aus_11-0)** ["Response from ARIA re: chart inquiry, received January 17, 2014"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141129020822/http://i.imgur.com/j7baC6b.png). imgur.com. Archived from [the original](http://i.imgur.com/j7baC6b.png) on November 29, 2014. Retrieved August 29, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Week commencing 30 July 1990"](https://www.bubblingdownunder.com/2021/07/week-commencing-30-july-1990.html). *Bubbling Down Under*. Retrieved July 18, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-rpm_13-0)** "[Top RPM Singles: Image 972](https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.972&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.972.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.972)". *[RPM](/source/RPM_(magazine))*. [Library and Archives Canada](/source/Library_and_Archives_Canada). Retrieved May 7, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** [Lwin, Nanda](/source/Nanda_Lwin) (2000). *Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide*. Music Data Canada. p. 18. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-896594-13-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-896594-13-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Eurochart Hot 100 Singles"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1990/MM-1990-08-04.pdf) (PDF). *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)*. August 4, 1990. Retrieved June 20, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-France_16-0)** "[Paula Abdul – Knocked Out](https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Paula+Abdul&titel=Knocked+Out&cat=s)" (in French). [Le classement de singles](/source/SNEP). Retrieved January 19, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Ireland2_Paula_Abdul_17-0)** "[The Irish Charts – Search Results – Paula Abdul](http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement?page=1&search_type=artist&placement=Paula%20Abdul)". [Irish Singles Chart](/source/Irish_Singles_Chart). Retrieved February 17, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** [Radio Luxembourg Singles. July 29, 1990.](http://www.umdmusic.com/default.asp?Lang=English&Chart=F&ChDate=19900722&ChMode=N)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_UK_Paula_Abdul_19-0)** "[Official Singles Chart on 21/7/1990 – Top 100](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19900721/7501/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved May 7, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-hot100_20-0)** "[Paula Abdul Chart History (Hot 100)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Paula-Abdul/chart-history/HSI)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved May 4, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Billboarddanceclubplay_Paula_Abdul_21-0)** "[Paula Abdul Chart History (Dance Club Songs)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Paula-Abdul/chart-history/DSI)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved May 4, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Billboarddancesales_Paula_Abdul_22-0)** "[Paula Abdul Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Paula-Abdul/chart-history/DSA)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved March 15, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** "Radio: Hot Crossover 30". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Vol. 100, no. 31. [Nielsen Business Media](/source/Nielsen_Business_Media). July 30, 1988. p. 16. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0006-2510](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0006-2510).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Billboardrandbhiphop_Paula_Abdul_24-0)** "[Paula Abdul Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Paula-Abdul/chart-history/BSI)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved May 4, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** "Cash Box Top 100 Singles". *[Cashbox](/source/Cashbox_(magazine))*. Vol. LII, no. 8. [New York, NY](/source/New_York%2C_NY). August 20, 1988. p. 2. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0008-7289](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0008-7289).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** "Cash Box Top 12" Dance Singles". *[Cashbox](/source/Cashbox_(magazine))*. Vol. LII, no. 4. [New York, NY](/source/New_York%2C_NY). July 23, 1988. p. 21. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0008-7289](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0008-7289).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** "Cash Box Top Black Contemporary Singles". *[Cashbox](/source/Cashbox_(magazine))*. Vol. LII, no. 5. [New York, NY](/source/New_York%2C_NY). July 30, 1988. p. 17. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0008-7289](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0008-7289).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** "the Gavin Report: Urban Contemporary". *[Gavin Report](/source/Gavin_Report)*. No. 1717. July 29, 1988. p. 14. *Note: The July 22 issue that "Knocked Out" reached its peak position has not been archived; the peak for this week is derived from the "Last Week" position in the July 29 issue.*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** "The Back Page". *[Radio & Records](/source/Radio_%26_Records)*. July 29, 1988. p. 112. [ProQuest](/source/ProQuest) [1017204959](https://www.proquest.com/docview/1017204959).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** "No. 1 Awards: Top Black Singles". *Billboard*. Vol. 100, no. 52. December 24, 1988. p. Y-23.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** "Urban Contemporary 1988 · Top 100". *Gavin Report*. No. 1735. December 9, 1988. p. 19.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** "The Top 88 of Eighty-Eight – Urban". *Radio & Records*. No. 768. December 16, 1988. p. 80. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0277-4860](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0277-4860).

v t e Paula Abdul Discography Studio albums Forever Your Girl Spellbound Head over Heels Remix albums Shut Up and Dance: Mixes Compilations Greatest Hits Greatest Hits: Straight Up! Singles "Knocked Out" "(It's Just) The Way That You Love Me" "Straight Up" "Forever Your Girl" "Cold Hearted" "Opposites Attract" "Rush Rush" "The Promise of a New Day" "Blowing Kisses in the Wind" "Vibeology" "Will You Marry Me?" "My Love Is for Real" "Crazy Cool" "Ain't Never Gonna Give You Up" "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" "I'm Just Here for the Music" Concert tours Under My Spell Tour Total Package Tour Straight Up Paula! Paula Abdul: Forever Your Girl Television American Idol Hey Paula Live to Dance The X Factor So You Think You Can Dance Category

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Knocked Out](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knocked_Out) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knocked_Out?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.