Simply Irresistible

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some juicy trivia about "Simply Irresistible" by Robert Palmer from his 1988 album Heavy Nova, spinning right now on THE ZOO! This track, a hard-charging rock anthem, was Palmer’s last Top Ten hit in the US, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, just behind "Sweet Child o’ Mine" by Guns N’ Roses. It ruled the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for three weeks and snagged Palmer his second Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1989. The song’s iconic music video, directed by British fashion photographer Terence Donovan, is a visual feast, featuring Palmer surrounded by a troupe of synchronized, heavily made-up women with slicked-back hair, some of whom he met at the Kentucky Derby. The video’s bold, stylized aesthetic, reminiscent of his earlier hit "Addicted to Love", became a staple on MTV and cemented Palmer’s suave, cool image in the late ‘80s pop culture scene.

Another fun tidbit: "Simply Irresistible" took three years to perfect, with Palmer nailing the song’s infectious hook after a pause in the lyrics, “Now I find her… simply irresistible.” This track’s big, sexy energy has made it a pop culture mainstay, popping up in films like American Psycho (2000), where Patrick Bateman gripes about not enjoying his “new Robert Palmer tape,” and in a 1989 Pepsi commercial that parodied the video by splicing in shots of the “simply irresistible” soft drink. The song’s been covered by artists like Van Halen, Garth Brooks, and Florence + The Machine, and even made a memorable appearance in 1988’s Cocktail, with Tom Cruise belting out the chorus. Fans on Reddit have shared stories of the song being an earworm, with one user describing it as a “multi-headed hydra” that got stuck in their head for three days, thanks to its jarring keyboard stabs and squealing guitar riffs.

Let’s dive into how Robert Palmer got his start, Zoo Crew! Born on January 19, 1949, in Batley, West Yorkshire, England, Palmer’s early life was shaped by global influences. His family moved to Malta when he was a baby, where his father worked in British naval intelligence, exposing young Robert to blues, soul, and jazz on American Forces Radio. Back in the UK by age 12, he settled in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, and joined his first band, the Mandrakes, at 15 while still in high school. After nabbing six O-levels, he briefly studied art at Scarborough School of Art & Design before working at the Scarborough Evening News. At 17, he left school and joined the jazz-rock band Dada, which evolved into Vinegar Joe, a gritty rock outfit signed to Island Records. After three albums, Vinegar Joe split, and Palmer went solo, heading to New Orleans to record his 1974 debut, Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley, with funk legends The Meters and Lowell George of Little Feat. This album laid the foundation for his eclectic career, blending soul, rock, reggae, and funk.

Palmer’s journey took him through diverse sounds, from reggae-tinged tracks to new wave experiments, before his 1985 album Riptide and its smash hit "Addicted to Love" made him a global star. His time with The Power Station, alongside Duran Duran members and Chic’s Tony Thompson, also fueled his rock edge, influencing "Simply Irresistible". Sadly, Palmer passed away in 2003, but his legacy lives on. You can explore more about him on his official website at robertpalmer.com. His official Facebook page keeps the vibes alive, while fans share memories on the Robert Palmer Fan Group on Facebook. For more fan love, check out theband.hiof.no, a dedicated fan site. Unfortunately, there are no verified Instagram or X accounts for Palmer, but his music continues to rock the airwaves here at THE ZOO!