| Cover | GapBandOutstanding.jpg |
|---|---|
| Artist | the Gap Band |
| Album | Gap Band IV |
| B-side | The Boys Are Back in Town |
| Released | November 1982 |
| Genre | Funk[1] |
| Length |
|
| Label | Total Experience |
| Writer | Raymond Calhoun |
| Prev year | 1982 |
| Next year | 1983 |
"Outstanding" is a song originally performed by American R&B and funk band the Gap Band, written by member Raymond Calhoun. The song originally appeared on the group's 1982 album Gap Band IV. It is one of their signature songs and biggest hits, reaching the number-one spot on the US Billboard Hot Black Singles chart in February 1983. "Outstanding" also peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.[2]
Charts
| Chart (1982) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles (OCC) | 68 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 51 |
| US Hot Black Singles (Billboard) | 1 |
Kenny Thomas version
| Cover | Kenny Thomas-Outstanding.jpg |
|---|---|
| Artist | Kenny Thomas |
| Album | Voices |
| Released | 1990 |
| Length | 3:49 |
| Label | Cooltempo |
| Writer | Raymond Calhoun |
| Producer |
|
| Prev year | 1988 |
| Next year | 1991 |
"Outstanding" was covered by British singer Kenny Thomas in 1990 and released as a single from his debut album, Voices (1990). It reached number nine in Luxembourg, number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and number seven in New Zealand.[3]
Charts
Weekly charts
| Chart (1990) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles (OCC) | 79 |
| Chart (1991) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Luxembourg (Radio Luxembourg)[4] | 9 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 12 |
| UK Airplay (Music Week)[5] | 2 |
| UK Dance (Music Week)[6] | 1 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1990) | Position |
|---|---|
| UK Club Chart (Record Mirror)[7] | 92 |
| Chart (1991) | Position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles (OCC)[8] | 93 |
| UK Club Chart (Record Mirror)[9] | 18 |
Andy Cole version
In 1999, footballer Andy Cole signed to WEA/Warner Music and released his version of "Outstanding" with added rap verses. Cole's version reached number 68 on the UK Singles Chart.[10]
In popular culture
In late 2024, a highlight reel of Kevin Garnett playing for the Brooklyn Nets during the 2013–14 NBA season set to this song surfaced online. The combination of Garnett's highlights and this song has been used on social media to describe anything or anyone (particularly basketball athletes) that is past their prime.[citation needed]
References
- ^ La Haine/Métisse - Original Soundtrack | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 223.
- ^ "Outstanding | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
- ^ Radio Luxembourg Singles. 3 March 1991.
- ^ "Playlist Chart". Music Week. 23 March 1991. p. 20. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
- ^ "Top 60 Dance Singles". Music Week. January 26, 1991. p. xii. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
- ^ "The Record Mirror Year End Club Chart". Record Mirror. Vol. 38, no. 1. January 5, 1991. p. 41. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ "1991 Top 100 Singles". Music Week. January 11, 1992. p. 20. Retrieved September 11, 2025.
- ^ "The Record Mirror Club Chart 1991". Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). January 4, 1992. p. 8. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ "ANDY COLE | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts