"Hot Cop" is a song by the American disco group Village People recorded for their third studio album Cruisin' (1978). It was written by Jacques Morali and Village People lead singer Victor Willis.[1] It served as Willis' theme song with the Village People.[2] Although not released as a single, it was a disco hit.[3] A medley with "Y.M.C.A." reached number 2 on Billboard's Hot Disco Singles chart.[4]

"Hot Cop"
Label to Brazilian release as B-side of "Y.M.C.A." single
Single by Village People
from the album Cruisin'
Released	September 25, 1978
Recorded	1978 Sigma Sound Studios (New York, New York)
Genre	Disco
Length	6:19
Label	Casablanca
Songwriter(s)	Jacques Morali Victor Willis
Producer(s)	Jacques Morali

Composition

"Hot Cop" is a mid-tempo disco song.[5] Its danceability is enhanced by its cyclical beat.[5] Allmusic critic Amy Hanson describes the vocals as having a "funk style" that ranges from "righteous rolling to spoken word come-ons a la Earth, Wind & Fire."[5] The bassline is similar to that which Spandau Ballet would use on their early songs.[5] The lyrics are somewhat self-referential, as Willis dressed as a "Hot Cop" within the Village People concept, wearing a full policeman uniform.[2]

Reception

Although Allmusic critic Amy Hanson found "Hot Cop" to be "dismally boring" she describes it as a "tribute to the triumph of the disco scene, as Victor Willis patrolled the floors, letting all who dared to dance know, 'this is the hot cop talking to you. I want everybody to get on their feet.'"[5][6] "Hot Cop" was a disco hit during the late 1970s disco scene.[3][7] A medley with "Y.M.C.A." reached number 2 on Billboard's Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart.[4] Allmusic's Hanson praises the song's vocals, both the "powerful vocals" of lead singer Willis and the backing vocals provided by the other Village People members.[5] Marc Zakem of The Courier-Journal praises the lyrical wit and musical vitality of "Hot Cop" stating that it is "the first disco song I've heard in a long time in which I can actually imagine a roomful of dancing people."[8] and Paul Green of Billboard Magazine criticizes the "standard disco cliche" of the refrain, with its "Party, boogie, boogie" lyrics.[9]

Other appearances

The Village People performed "Hot Cop" on the first episode of Dance Fever on January 13, 1979.[10] They also performed "Hot Cop" on The Midnight Special on January 27, 1979.[11]

A live version of "Hot Cop" was included on the Village People's 1979 album Live and Sleazy.[9][12] Billboard Magazine rated it as one of the "best cuts" from Live and Sleazy.[13] The Village People performed the song in Jean Yanne's 1978 French musical film Je te tiens, tu me tiens par la barbichette.[2][14] It has been included on a number of Village People compilation albums, including Greatest Hits and The Best of Village People.[3][15]

Chart performance

Weekly charts

References