Dressed for Success

Roxette

About Dressed for Success

"Dressed for Success" is a song by Swedish pop music duo Roxette, released on 3 August 1988 as the lead single from their second studio album, Look Sharp! (1988). Following the international success of "The Look" – the album's third single in their home country, but first to be released outside of Sweden – "Dressed for Success" was re-issued internationally from June 1989 and became a worldwide hit, most notably in Australia, where it peaked in the top three and was certified platinum by ARIA.  


Year:
2006
4:12
28 

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Tried to make it little by little
Tried to make it bit by bit on my own.
Quit the job, the grey believers
Another town where I get close to the bone.

Whatcha gonna tell your brother?
Oh oh oh
Whatcha gonna tell your father?
I don't know!
Whatcha gonna tell your mother?
Let me go... 

I'm gonna get dressed for success
Shaping me up for the big time, baby.
Get dressed for success
Shaping it up for your love yea yea yea. 

I'm not afraid
A trembling flower
I'll feed your heart
And blow the dust from your eyes and
In the dark things happen faster.
I love the way you sway your hips next to mine. 

I'm gonna get dressed for success
Hitting a spot for the big time, baby.
Get dressed for success
Shaping it up for your love. Look sharp!

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Roxette

Roxette is a Swedish pop rock duo, consisting of Marie Fredriksson (vocals) and Per Gessle (vocals and guitar). Formed in 1986, the duo became an international act in the late 1980s, when they released their breakthrough album Look Sharp!. Their third album Joyride, which was released in 1991, became just as successful as its predecessor. Roxette went onto achieve nineteen UK Top 40 hits and several US Hot 100 hits, including four US number-ones with "The Look", "Listen to Your Heart", "It Must Have Been Love", and "Joyride". Other hits include "Dangerous", "Fading Like a Flower", "Dressed for Success" and "The Centre of the Heart". more »

2 fans

Written by: Per Hakan Gessle

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release History
"Dressed for Success" was released in 1989 as the single from Roxette's second studio album, "Look Sharp!" The song didn't experience immediate success, with its initial release failing to chart.
Chart Performance
After being re-released in 1990, "Dressed for Success" reached the top 10 in the US, Australia, and several European countries. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, representing a significant achievement for Roxette.
Composition & Music Style
This pop-rock song echoes the quintessential 80s vibe with a catchy, upbeat tempo. It was written by Per Gessle, known for infusing his lyrics with a sense of positive forward motion—something you can see in the song's encouragement to dress for success.
Production
"Dressed for Success" was produced by Jonas Åkerlund, a Swedish director and drummer. He has gained fame for his music videos and commercial work for various other major artists such as Madonna and The Rolling Stones.
Critical Reception
Upon release, the song received mixed reviews from music critics. Some praised its catchy tune and motivational message, while others felt it was too formulaic and lacked originality. Despite this, it has since become a seminal hit for Roxette.
Music Video
The music video for "Dressed for Success" is iconic. It features Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle performing against a variety of colorful backdrops. The stylistic choices within the video perfectly encapsulates the high-energy, vibrant pop culture of the late-'80s.
Duo Dynamics
This track features lead vocals from both Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle, which was a prominent style in many of Roxette's most popular songs. The duo's collaborative chemistry significantly contributes to the song’s energy.
Live Performances
"Dressed for Success" is a staple number for Roxette during their live performances and is often a crowd favorite, showing off the enduring appeal of the song.
Legacy
Despite the early mixed reviews, "Dressed for Success" has proven to last the test of time. It's referred as one of Roxette's signature song, continuing to be played on radio and included in various compilation albums. The song is iconic to the band's long-lasting career.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered "Dressed for Success" over the years. The enduring popularity of the song has seen it reimagined in multiple genres, from acoustic to a capella styles.

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    Dressed for Success

    14.4M
    57,155     1,870

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1989

    Billboard #14


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