| Something in Common | |
| Cover: | Somethingincommonduet.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston |
| Album: | Bobby |
| Studio: |
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| Genre: | R&B |
| Length: |
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| Label: | MCA |
| Producer: |
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| Chronology: | Bobby Brown |
| Prev Title: | That's the Way Love Is |
| Prev Year: | 1993 |
| Next Title: | Two Can Play That Game |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
"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 and released in December 1993 by MCA, and was also available on Brown's 1993 compilation album Remixes in the Key of B. It was written by Brown and Houston with Teddy Riley, Bernard Belle, Mark Middleton and Alfred Rosemond, while Riley and L.A. Reid produced it. The song stands as the couple's first musical collaboration and the only song released as a single. It examines two unlikely people coming together as they find "something in common." Its music video was directed by Andy Morahan.
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;[1] however, it peaked at numbers 32 and 30 on the Hot 100 Airplay and Hot R&B Airplay lists, respectively.[2] [3]
Larry Flick from Billboard felt the song is "actually quite sweet, and good fun ... not to mention a viable radio contender."[4] Troy J. Augusto from Cashbox named it Pick of the Week, declaring it as "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".[5] David Browne from Entertainment Weekly noted that here, Brown "coos to his new bride, Whitney Houston, in a bouncy duet".[6] 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 "Bobbi" joins in on the video only."[7]
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."[8] 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."[9] A reviewer from People Magazine felt it is "destined to be a much scrutinized cut", describing it as an "up-from-the-streets echo" of Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme.[10] In a retrospective review, Pop Rescue complimented Houston's vocals as "rich and confident".[11] James Hamilton from the Record Mirror Dance Update viewed it as "pleasant".[12] Mark Frith from Smash Hits was less enthustiastic, giving the song two out of five.[13]
The official music video for the song was directed by British commercial, film and music video director Andy Morahan.[14] It also features Brown and Houston's daughter, Bobbi.[7]
| Chart (1993–1994) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[15] | 82 |
| Canada Contemporary Hit Radio (The Record)[16] | 19 |
| Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[17] | 51 |
| Europe (European AC Radio)[18] | 11 |
| Europe (European Dance Radio)[19] | 2 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[20] | 36 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100)[21] | 40 |
| New Zealand (RIANZ)[22] | 33 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[23] | 41 |
| UK Dance (Music Week)[24] | 16 |
| UK Club Chart (Music Week)[25] | 63 |
| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | December 7, 1993 | MCA | ||
| United Kingdom | January 10, 1994 | [26] |
