(Debuted August 8, 1987, Peaked #51, 11 Weeks on the Charts)
"Oh Yeah" was a perfect example of what can happen if you place something in context. When it was originally released in 1985, the song passed with little notice. However, it was used in the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off, where it became one of the decade's most-recognized songs. In fact, the song still shows up in commercials, where it's used to convey desire or attention. Oddly, it sill took another full year to release the song as a single again, which helps explain why it only peaked at #51.
Yello was a Swiss electronica band formed in 1979 whose work featured modulated effects and vocals played at various speeds, qualities that essentially define "Oh Yeah." The 1987 re-issue of the song was actually a remake, as a few new lyrics were added to the song. Though the band (which was eventually reduced to a duo) is still together, "Oh Yeah" would be their only single on the Hot 100.
I always thought this was such an odd song. But, it certainly is memorable. And once you've got it in your head, good luck getting it out.
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