Computer Love (Zapp song)
"Computer Love" is a song performed by American funk band Zapp, issued as the fourth and final single from their fourth studio album The New Zapp IV U. Featuring vocals by Shirley Murdock and Charlie Wilson and written by Murdock and Zapp Band leader Roger Troutman,[1] the single peaked at number 8 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1986.[2]
"Computer Love" | ||||
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Single by Zapp featuring Shirley Murdock and Charlie Wilson | ||||
from the album The New Zapp IV U | ||||
Released | 1986 | |||
Recorded | 1985 | |||
Genre | R&B. Synth-Pop, Electro | |||
Length | 4:44 | |||
Label | Warner Bros. | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Roger Troutman | |||
Zapp singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Computer Love" on YouTube |
Background
In an interview with Wilson, the song's idea was presented to him by Troutman, during a particular phone call around 3 am. A music video was also discussed between Roger and Charlie for the single. However, this did not come to fruition, due to opposition from the label that Wilson was signed to at the time.[3] The fact that both singers were from rival bands played a hand in the opposition as well. However, the two maintained their close friendship, and would perform often the song together on stage.[4]
Chart positions
Chart (1986)[2] | Peak position |
---|---|
US Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard) | 13 |
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks (Billboard) | 8 |
UK Singles Chart (Official Singles Chart)[5] | 64 |
Cover versions
In 1989, Janet Kay did a cover of this song on her third album, Sweet Surrender.
Samples
"Computer Love" has been sampled on the following songs:
- "I Found it in You" by Ashanti from her 2005 compilation album Collectables by Ashanti
- "In the Hood (Remix) featuring Mookie" by Donell Jones from his 1996 album My Heart
- "Wanna Make Love" by Blackstreet from their eponymous solo debut album
- "Thug Passion" by 2Pac feat Dramacydal (aka Outlawz) and Jewell from the album All Eyez On Me
- "Love" by Eric B. from the album Eric B.
- "Download" by Lil' Kim feat T-Pain and Charlie Wilson
- "Reminisce" by Blazin' Squad
- “Temptations” by 2Pac from the album Me Against the World
- "Piru Love" by Bloods & Crips from the album Bangin' on Wax
- "I Get Around" by 2Pac featuring Shock-G and Money-B from the album Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.
- "Love Thru the Computer" by Gucci Mane featuring Justin Bieber from the album Delusions of Grandeur
- "Hold Me" by Brian McKnight from the album Anytime
- "Something New" by Wiz Khalifa featuring Ty Dolla Sign from the album Rolling Papers 2
- "Bad Habits" by Usher
References
- Elias, Jason. "All the Greatest Hits - Roger,Zapp - Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards - AllMusic". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
- "Zapp - Awards - AllMusic". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
- Jerry L. Barrow. "Charlie Wilson Remembers Rivalry With Roger Troutman, Making "Computer Love"". www.theurbandaily.com.
We had problems with the label when they found out I was singing with Roger... They said it wasn’t going to be a hit...
- Michael A. Gonzales (June 6, 2013). "Charlie Wilson's Lifetime Achievement [INTERVIEW]". www.ebony.com.
Nobody could make records that grooved the way George Clinton, Bernie Worrell and Bootsy Collins did. P-Funk were the best. Also, [Roger Troutman’s] Zapp and Gap was real rivals, but Roger and me became very close. He used to bring me out onstage with him to sing ‘Computer Love.’ It made my brother mad, but I did it anyway.
- "ZAPP | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Retrieved April 16, 2020.
External links
- "Computer Love" at AllMusic
- "Computer Love" at Discogs (list of releases)
- Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics
- Computer Love: How Charlie Wilson & Roger Troutman created the idea and it became a reality