Outstanding
1982 single by the Gap Band
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"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]
- 3:19 (album version)
- 6:13 (extended version)
| "Outstanding" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
| Single by the Gap Band | ||||
| from the album Gap Band IV | ||||
| B-side | "The Boys Are Back in Town" | |||
| Released | November 1982 | |||
| Genre | Funk[1] | |||
| Length |
| |||
| Label | Total Experience | |||
| Songwriter | Raymond Calhoun | |||
| The Gap Band singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Charts
| Chart (1982) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles (OCC) | 68 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 51 |
| US Hot Black Singles (Billboard) | 1 |
Kenny Thomas version
| "Outstanding" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Kenny Thomas | ||||
| from the album Voices | ||||
| Released | 1990 | |||
| Length | 3:49 | |||
| Label | Cooltempo | |||
| Songwriter | Raymond Calhoun | |||
| Producers |
| |||
| Kenny Thomas singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"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 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[5] | 7 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 12 |
| UK Airplay (Music Week)[6] | 2 |
| UK Dance (Music Week)[7] | 1 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1990) | Position |
|---|---|
| UK Club Chart (Record Mirror)[8] | 92 |
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.[11]
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.
