"Oh Sheila" is a song by American R&B band Ready for the World. Released as a single in 1985, it reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart, and the Billboard Hot Dance/Disco Club Play chart. It was the first of two chart toppers for the band on the Billboard R&B chart, preceding their 1986 number-one R&B hit "Love You Down".
The song is commonly misattributed to Prince, due to the similarities to his vocal and musical style, heavy use of the detuned rimshot in courtesy of a Linndrum, and the belief that the song's lyrics allude to frequent Prince collaborator Sheila E.
The use of a faux British accent during parts of the song was the preference of singer Melvin Riley Jr., who said "I like that kind of accent, so I thought I'd use that sound."
Track listings 7-inch vinyl version "Oh Sheila" (single version) – 3:36 "I'm the One Who Loves You" – 3:20
12-inch vinyl version "Oh Sheila" (extended version) – 6:48 "Oh Sheila" (Dubstramental) – 4:00 "Oh Sheila" (a cappella)" – 3:54
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1985)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)14US Billboard Hot 1001US 12-inch Singles Sales (Billboard)6US Hot Black Singles (Billboard)1US Hot Dance/Disco Club Play (Billboard)1US Cash Box3
Year-end charts Chart (1985)PositionCanada Top Singles (RPM)27US Billboard Hot 10031US Cash Box40
Angel City version
In 1999, Dutch dance duo Angel City covered the song, featuring vocals by British singer Lara McAllen. The song was first released in 1999 and again in 2003. It is the lead single from the band's 2005 debut album, Love Me Right. Angel City's version retains the verses from the original song but changes the chorus.
"Love Me Right (Oh Sheila)" reached number 11 on the UK Singles Chart and number 95 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, becoming their first charting single in the latter. The single also charted in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Charts Weekly charts Chart (1999)Peakposition Chart (2003–2004)Peakposition Hungary (Editors' Choice Top 40) 35US Billboard Hot 10095US Dance Radio Airplay (Billboard)1
Year-end charts Chart (2003)PositionUK Singles (OCC)174 Chart (2004)PositionUS Dance Radio Airplay (Billboard)9
See also List of Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles of 1985 List of number-one dance singles of 1985 (U.S.) List of number-one R&B singles of 1985 (U.S.) List of number-one singles of 1985 (Canada) List of number-one dance airplay hits of 2004 (U.S.)
References