"Something in Common" is a song by American singers Bobby Brown and then-wife Whitney Houston, that was featured on Brown's third album, Bobby (1992). The single version was re-recorded in 1993 and also available on Brown's 1993 compilation album, Remixes in the Key of B. It stands as the couple's first musical collaboration and the only one released as a single. The song examines two unlikely people coming together as they find "something in common."
"Something in Common" | ||||
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Single by Bobby Brown featuring Whitney Houston | ||||
from the album Bobby | ||||
Released | December 7, 1993 (1993-12-07) | |||
Recorded | 1992–1993 | |||
Studio | NJS Future Records (Virginia Beach, Virginia)[1] Studio LaCoCo (Atlanta, Georgia) | |||
Length | 4:59 (album version) 4:23 (radio edit) | |||
Label | MCA | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) |
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Bobby Brown singles chronology | ||||
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Whitney Houston singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Something in Common" on YouTube | ||||
The song was released as a single track in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 16. Although the song and its music video received moderate rotation in the United States, "Something in Common" was not released as a commercial single and was ineligible to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B Singles charts;[2] however, it peaked at numbers 32 and 30 on the Hot 100 Airplay and Hot R&B Airplay lists, respectively.[3][4]
Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that the song is "actually quite sweet, and good fun ... not to mention a viable radio contender."[5] Troy J. Augusto from Cashbox stated that it is "quite a catchy number thanks to the always reliable production skills of Teddy Riley as well as LA. Reid's remix and the duo's pleasant delivery." He also called it a "happy, positive cut".[6] David Browne from Entertainment Weekly noted that Brown "coos to his new bride, Whitney Houston, in a bouncy duet".[7] Pan-European magazine Music & Media commented, ""My Maaaaaan," Whitney sings proudly on a thundering swingbeat. "Giiiiiiiirl", Bobby replies passionately, and together they sing about their much-publicised happy marriage. Baby "Bobbie" joins in on the video only."[8]
Alan Jones from Music Week wrote, "This shuffling jackswing/soul number draws fine vocal performances from the husband and wife team and is the commercial highlight of Brown's album."[9] James Hamilton from the magazine's RM Dance Update viewed it as "pleasant".[10] The Network Forty declared it "a wonderful uptempo track", adding that "the electric vocals of Houston and Brown gives an urban edge to their strong dance and pop base."[11] A reviewer from People Magazine said it is "destined to be a much scrutinized cut", describing it as an "up-from-the-streets echo" of Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme.[12] Pop Rescue complimented Houston's vocals as "rich and confident".[13] Mark Frith from Smash Hits gave the song two out of five.[14]
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The official music video for the song was directed by British commercial, film and music video director Andy Morahan.[15] It was later published on Brown's official YouTube channel in June 2009. The video has amassed more than 17,1 million views as of September 2021.[16]
Chart (1993–1994) | Peak position |
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Australia (ARIA)[17] | 82 |
Canada Contemporary Hit Radio (The Record)[18] | 19 |
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[19] | 51 |
Germany (Media Control Charts) | 58 |
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[20] | 36 |
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[21] | 40 |
New Zealand (RIANZ)[22] | 33 |
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[23] | 41 |
UK Singles (OCC)[24] | 16 |
UK Dance (Music Week)[25] | 16 |
UK Club Chart (Music Week)[26] | 63 |
US Radio Songs (Billboard)[27] | 32 |
US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard)[28] | 30 |
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[29] | 12 |
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[30] | 30 |
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