Better the Devil You Know

Kylie Minogue

About Better the Devil You Know

"Better the Devil You Know" is a song by Australian singer and songwriter Kylie Minogue, taken from her third studio album Rhythm of Love (1990). The song was written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman. The song was released as the album's lead single on 30 April 1990 by PWL and Mushroom Records. "Better the Devil You Know" is known as the song that re-invented Minogue with more sex appeal, as her previous albums were presented with her "girl next door" persona. Her music onwards presented a more independent approach. The song's title is referenced as an idiom. Lyrically, the song was said to be about Minogue's leaving of her TV series Neighbours and her relationship with her then-boyfriend, INXS frontman and singer Michael Hutchence. The song was lauded by music critics, who noted the imagery change in her music. They also complimented the song itself and felt it was one of Minogue's best, along as a highlight to, not just her studio album but her compilations as well. Commercially, it was successful. The song peaked at number two in the United Kingdom and four in her native Australia. In other regions, it managed to peak inside the top forty in all the countries it charted in, including France, Austria, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden and Switzerland. 


Year:
1998
190 

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Better the devil you know 
Better the devil you know 
Woah Better the devil you know 
Better the devil you know 
Woah woah woah 

Say you won't leave me no more 
I'll take you back again 
No more excuses no, no 
'Cause I've heard them all before 
A hundred times or more 

[Chorus]
I'll forgive and forget 
If you say you'll never go 
'Cause its true what they say 
It's better the devil you know 

Woh woh woh 
Our love wasn't perfect I know 
I think I know the score 
If you say you love me, oh boy 
I can't ask for more 
I'll come if you should call 

[Chorus]

I'll be here every day 
Waiting for your love to show 
Yes it's true what they say 
It's better the devil you know 

Woh woh woh 
I'll take you back I'll take you back again 
I'll take you back I'll take you back again 

[Chorus until fade]

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Kylie Minogue

Kylie Ann Minogue, OBE ( /ˈkaɪliː mɨˈnoʊɡ/; born 28 May 1968), often known simply as Kylie, is an Australian singer, recording artist, songwriter, showgirl, and actress. After beginning her career as a child actress on Australian television, she achieved recognition through her role in the television soap opera Neighbours, before commencing her career as a recording artist in 1987. Her first single, "The Loco-Motion", spent seven weeks at number one on the Australian singles chart and became the highest-selling single of the decade. This led to a contract with songwriters and producers Stock, Aitken & Waterman. Her debut album, Kylie (1988), and the single "I Should Be So Lucky", both performed well on international charts, particularly in Australia and t… more »

4 fans

Written by: Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, Peter Waterman

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Date
"Better the Devil You Know" was released on 30th April 1990 as a part of Kylie Minogue's third studio album, "Rhythm of Love."
Songwriters
The song was written by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman, who were the in-house writers for her record label PWL.
Chart Performance
Despite its controversial theme, the song quickly climbed the charts, topping the Australian Singles Chart and securing a high-ranking position on the UK Singles Chart as well.
Pop Culture Influences
The song is considered one of Minogue's most successful singles, with its influence spanning pop culture; it was even featured on popular British drama series, "Doctor Who."
Influence on Minogue's Image
This song marked a shift in Kylie Minogue's image from an innocent pop star to a more mature and provocative artist.
Cover Versions
Over the years, "Better the Devil You Know" has been covered by other artists such as Steps and Sonia.
Music Video
The music video, directed by Paul Goldman, is remembered for Kylie's new 'SexKylie' image, which brought her a larger fanbase, especially among gay audiences.
Live Performances
The song became a staple in Minogue's live performances and has appeared on most of her concert tours.
Song's Legacy
"Better the Devil You Know" is often regarded as Minogue's signature song and has been listed among the best pop songs of the 1990s.
Awards and Accolades
In 1991, the song won Minogue an ARIA Music Award for highest-selling single. In 2010, The Guardian ranked it at number 2 in its list of "The 1000 Songs Everyone Must Hear."
Gay Anthem
The song is considered a classic gay anthem, especially within the British gay community.
Usage in Marketing
"Better the Devil You Know" was used in marketing campaigns, most notably in 1992 for an ad for Foster's Lager.

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