History
"Obsession" was originally written and recorded as a duet by songwriter Holly Knight and musician Michael Des Barres in 1983. This version was prominently featured in the 1983 film A Night in Heaven, most notably in a scene in which Christopher Atkins bumps and grinds in Lesley Ann Warren's face in sync with the rhythm of the song. The song was featured on the film's soundtrack, but did not receive enough attention to warrant much radio play or a place on any Billboard charts. That version was also featured in the theatrical trailer to the 1986 film 9½ Weeks, starring Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger.
The Los Angeles-based synth-pop band Animotion recorded a version of the tune for their self-titled debut album, released in 1984. This version became a massive success, and it remains Animotion's biggest hit.
Animotion's version is a mainstay on 1980s compilations and is featured in the 2002 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City as part of the New Wave radio station Wave 103. It has also been used as the theme song for WWE Saturday Night's Main Event (aired on NBC) and FashionTelevisionChannel, as well as MTV's House of Style. It was featured in the 2000 comedy film Lucky Numbers and documentary "What the Bleep Do We Know!?". Various artists have covered the song, including The Azoic in 2004. The song has been used as the opening theme for the internationally syndicated Canadian program FT - FashionTelevision since it premiered in 1986. It has recently been featured in the films El Cantante and Adventureland, the TV show Weeds, Nip/Tuck and was featured in the trailer for Hot Tub Time Machine and the movie itself.
Contrary to popular belief, the song was never covered by The Human League and has often been falsely attributed to them (according to the AllMusic Guide, The Human League were in fact a musical influence for Animotion) .
Read more about this topic: Obsession (song)
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