The best thing about this song is that you kinda assume its so difficult to sing that Chris Isaak wont be able to bring it like this live, but then you watch the live performace and its even better. Also what are the chances that someone was able to write this song and also have the perfect voice to perforn it. Havent seen a cover come close.
I was surprised at how perfectly he sang while sitting on a couch on a talk show because I forgot that talented singers don't need ideal circumstances to sound fantastic.
The simple instrumentation in this song makes you appreciate the space behind the notes, not just the notes, themselves. That bass line is absolutely killer.
If you think this song is good on the studio version it has nothing on the live version. He sings this song at EVERY concert. 35 years later Chris is now in his sixties and he still sounds as good as he did in his 20s. I've been going to his concerts since the late 80s - I see him at least every 15 months, lol. Herschel on electric guitar with that original chord just sends shivers down my spine every time (yes, I know Herschel wasn't the original guitarist on this album but he's been part of Silvertone since the early 90s so he's definitely made it his own by now). That long note at the end is just as long live, just as long 40 years later. It's amazing. PS - the music video is one of THE sexiest videos of all time
I saw Chris back in ‘86 or ‘87 in San Jose, CA. The place was a tiny little bar and he was amazing. Think he may have had only a couple albums out at the time, but that voice! Damn! He could sing the phone book and I’d buy it.
I'm 2 years late to this party but I have a story - I went to a restaurant in the SF Bay Area and my waitress turned out to be one of the backup singers in this song. And she told me that if she didn't like a customer at the diner, she'd make their milkshake with full-fat milk "so they'd die faster". Anyway, I love you guys' reactions - subscribed! XO
You guys should revisit him. His voice is just wonderful in the slow songs, but he's a rocker too. "Blue Hotel," "Cryin'," "Don't Make Me Dream About You," "Wrong To Love you," "Forever Young," "Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing," "Don't Leave Me On My Own," "Flying," and a bunch more I can't think of right now. He's influenced many contemporary singers like Orville Peck, and the band Midland, who have covered "Wicked Game" in their live shows.
Fellas, this is the type of song Elvis would have done and Chris is nailed how Elvis could have sung it, IMO. Especially, in the second verse. (Elvis - In the Ghetto)
Smokin HOT tune and his voice, like Elvis, is what "crooning" is ALL about! Y'all should check out The Stray Cats! And yeah, Orbison was a king of music! Great stuff!
First time I heard this song, it was the instrumental version... in the haunting movie 'Wild At Heart' of David Lynch. Chris Isaak also played a FBI detective in Lynch's movie 'Twin Peaks: Fire, Walk With Me' (and he was also part of the FBI squad in the famous flick 'The Silence of the Lambs'). I love Isaak's modern 'Big O' (Roy Orbison) style of music making, with his very own signature all over it.
100x yes. This song was so perfectly used by David Lynch for the scene where Cage and Dern come across an accident while driving with the top down in the desert in the dark.
I've never heard this song while driving along a coastal road at the height of summer in a convertible with the top down, but whenever I hear it I feel as though I have. lol There's a really good live performance of this on YT that you'd probably like.
Yes, it's a beautifully photographed video shot by Herb Ritts, one of THE photographers of that time who photographed celebrities and models, and it features Helene Christensen, an absolutely gorgeous Scandinavian-South American supermodel.
Chris Isaak doesn't have any bad songs. They all hit the sweet spot. One of my other favorites from him is "Can't Do a Thing to stop me" similar spooky sound
He does kill it live. I recommend a quick view. He just does it straight, makes it look easy, and leaves you wondering about the non gay man crush you're left with lol.
It's been a long time since you guys did this Chris Isaak reaction. As a follow up, here are some really good CI songs that you should check out: 1) Lie To Me (Great song! Just as good as Wicked Game). 2) Blue Hotel 3) Fadeaway 4) Somebody's Crying 5) Graduation Day 6) Go Walking Down There 7) Blue Spanish Sky 8) Funeral In The Rain. (Nice sad song!). I think some of you will find some gems listed here. Enjoy!
As always, "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak never fails to give me goosebumps. Now, YOU GUYS DEFINITELY NEED to listen/react to the INCREDIBLE METAL cover version of this song by HIM. Do it!!
Like others have said, the video was sooooo hot--I don't know where I got the idea from, but I always pictured it as an ilicit affair (the wicked game), where the woman was tied to another man and that was what created the tension of wanting, loss, being played and knowing it was all so wrong. I also loved his TV show--quirky, funny and great music.
I had no idea this song was written as a result of a "booty call"... it don't matter, it's still one of the greatest cuts of ALL time. Everyone hits that long note at the end, EVERYONE.
What a vibe. Have loved this song forever. Definitely: Check out the killer- warped David Lynch movie Wild at Heart with Nicholas Cage, Laura Dern, Isabella Rossilini, etc … perfect song in this movie. Also, watch the original music video featuring both Chris Isaak and Helena Christiensen. IMHO, maybe the most sultry, sexy music video ever made. Cheers!
The "wicked game" is getting that late night "bootie call" from that person you WANT but wouldn't "have" you otherwise... so you can have your "once and a lifetime night" but it can't last cause your only getting a one night pass... Soo... do you give in to BEST NIGHT EVER (once in a lifetime) or bow out and keep it real... that's a wicked decision, a wicked game, and a very melancholy feeling (which the song portrays very well with it's use of reverb and "dreamy" vibrato)
I don’t agree, I never got it. When it came out I couldn’t figure out what he was saying, or why. To me, it’s a bit creepy, not sexy and definitely not hot or a turn on.
I've interpreted the lyrics of this song to mean that he doesn't want to fall in love because he's worried about how he himself may be a heartbreaking disappointment to her, maybe because he's not ready to commit, has too many "skeletons in the closet", or who knows. But it also could be about the person he's resisting falling in love with...
These guys are remembering this song being "covered" and I remember when the song just came out. Im only 52 but Im old. Dudes with beards are little kids to me in 2022.
I had not heard the story of Chris Isaak writing the song when a woman had called and said she was coming over to "talk". It's interesting but maybe limits the theme of the song too much, as one of you says. It's not just about that specific woman and her effect on him, it's broader than that. It's about several things in a relationship that can't work, an unrequited love and a heartbreak that is devastating. Anyway, his voice is great, the instrumental work and the arrangement are also excellent in this, so that the whole mood is established in a way that draws you in and carries you away with it. That tremolo guitar sound is so well done.
If you like “dark songs” check out Neil Young’s Down By The River. He wrote it and recorded it while he was delirious with fever from the flu. Has the same vibe as Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix.
Was going through a divorce when this song came out. It is haunting beautiful. He is from Stockton Ca. about 30 minutes from where I lived for about 26 years. It was hugely popular in California. I love this song, but it makes me sad.
Guys, follow this up with Can't Do A Thing To Stop Me. Kinda in the same vain but on the flip side of the coin. IMO, one of his finest songs ever. After that get your best girls together, turn the lights down, light up some candles, a little wine and a nice fire. Have a Chris Isaak listening party and I bet it won't be long before you all forget about the music. ua-cam.com/video/HcOgHIH8VOc/v-deo.htmlsi=pMicTjYJTN0cbM0T
I did not like the song when it came out. But have come to appreciate it now. It does sound really good. Especially the guitar. He seems like a good guy. He was on an episode of Friends and had a bit part in That Thing You Do.
Chris was a ladies man, this song was for all the ladies and other lady's men. He had whatever woman he wanted except 1 and that 1 becomes all you want because she's unattainable. Listen to the rest of his music it was pretty much break up songs for men from 1990-2004 lol
A great follow-up from twenty years earlier would be Gordon Lightfoot's "Sundown" (assuming you've never heard it), really sexy sounding tune with a great guitar solo, song is about his relationship with the woman who years later would be sent to prison for delivering a lethal dose of heroin to John Belushi
This is one of the sexiest songs of all time. His voice. The guitar. Magic.
I saw him in concert and after the concert... I met him. I even got a birthday kiss from him. 😁😘 I was happy.
This guy has is all: the looks, the sexiness, the attitude and especially the voice!!!
The video is straight 🔥 with Chris and Helena Christensen
The best thing about this song is that you kinda assume its so difficult to sing that Chris Isaak wont be able to bring it like this live, but then you watch the live performace and its even better. Also what are the chances that someone was able to write this song and also have the perfect voice to perforn it. Havent seen a cover come close.
I was surprised at how perfectly he sang while sitting on a couch on a talk show because I forgot that talented singers don't need ideal circumstances to sound fantastic.
He IS better live. Crazy aint it?
Beth Roars recently did a cover. I'm not saying it's as good....but worth hearing.
Surprisingly the Tenacious D cover is actually amazing.
The simple instrumentation in this song makes you appreciate the space behind the notes, not just the notes, themselves. That bass line is absolutely killer.
Sang this one a ton of times in our band People loved it but the rest of band weren’t big fans It was fire to me!!!
I once heard Chris described as looking like Elvis, sounding like Roy Orbison.
If you think this song is good on the studio version it has nothing on the live version. He sings this song at EVERY concert. 35 years later Chris is now in his sixties and he still sounds as good as he did in his 20s. I've been going to his concerts since the late 80s - I see him at least every 15 months, lol. Herschel on electric guitar with that original chord just sends shivers down my spine every time (yes, I know Herschel wasn't the original guitarist on this album but he's been part of Silvertone since the early 90s so he's definitely made it his own by now). That long note at the end is just as long live, just as long 40 years later. It's amazing. PS - the music video is one of THE sexiest videos of all time
I saw Chris back in ‘86 or ‘87 in San Jose, CA. The place was a tiny little bar and he was amazing. Think he may have had only a couple albums out at the time, but that voice! Damn! He could sing the phone book and I’d buy it.
This world is only gonna break your heart
Oh how everyone feels that at one time or another
Saw him sing this live in a small venue in England in '91.
Good memory
The video of this song makes it even better. His voice is hypnotic & smooth. Good song...
I'm 2 years late to this party but I have a story - I went to a restaurant in the SF Bay Area and my waitress turned out to be one of the backup singers in this song. And she told me that if she didn't like a customer at the diner, she'd make their milkshake with full-fat milk "so they'd die faster". Anyway, I love you guys' reactions - subscribed! XO
Oh my gosh - that voice is so emotional and incredible. Wow.
one of the few songs ever where the video actually adds to the song
Chris Issak super talented artist, he sounds just as good live, he has a great band around him they have been together about 3 decades.....
Chris was in the movie: " the silence of the lambs"; actor looks, velvet Voice; so gifted, talented
A haunting heartache of vocal purity. Great tune...
502 dudes oh yea you have to listen to Chris Isaak song. 'Dancing' official music video. it's a jam and smooth. thanks be safe peace. johnny
That last line really sends it home
The backup singers words are so hitting and hunting.
I also really love the backing vocals. So soothing.
I’ve been so fortunate enough to have been to see and hear him and his great group in two live concerts . This guy was amazing love him .
So true! Have seen him 4 times and all were top notch. He is a true entertainer!!!
You guys should revisit him. His voice is just wonderful in the slow songs, but he's a rocker too. "Blue Hotel," "Cryin'," "Don't Make Me Dream About You," "Wrong To Love you," "Forever Young," "Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing," "Don't Leave Me On My Own," "Flying," and a bunch more I can't think of right now. He's influenced many contemporary singers like Orville Peck, and the band Midland, who have covered "Wicked Game" in their live shows.
Played this on loop for years....!!!
This guy......turned down the lights!...in 1995 in Nashville!....TN.... Spot light on me and him...I freaking melted!!.....
You need to see the original video for this song... very hot!
Its not just his voice that's sexy. Definitely more Roy Orbison than any other. Hes just generally amazing.
Fellas, this is the type of song Elvis would have done and Chris is nailed how Elvis could have sung it, IMO.
Especially, in the second verse.
(Elvis - In the Ghetto)
Smokin HOT tune and his voice, like Elvis, is what "crooning" is ALL about!
Y'all should check out The Stray Cats!
And yeah, Orbison was a king of music! Great stuff!
First time I heard this song, it was the instrumental version... in the haunting movie 'Wild At Heart' of David Lynch. Chris Isaak also played a FBI detective in Lynch's movie 'Twin Peaks: Fire, Walk With Me' (and he was also part of the FBI squad in the famous flick 'The Silence of the Lambs'). I love Isaak's modern 'Big O' (Roy Orbison) style of music making, with his very own signature all over it.
100x yes. This song was so perfectly used by David Lynch for the scene where Cage and Dern come across an accident while driving with the top down in the desert in the dark.
I've never heard this song while driving along a coastal road at the height of summer in a convertible with the top down, but whenever I hear it I feel as though I have. lol
There's a really good live performance of this on YT that you'd probably like.
If you have not seen Chris in concert you have missed one of the best entertainers out there!
Definitely set to become a timeless classic...I can just get lost for a few minutes
There is also Blue Hotel, Fender Strat that's where it's at . Smooth
The music video is insane! Look for it fellas!
One of my all time fave singers. I adore Chris Isaak - he is just so sexy in every way.
You guys should view the original black and white version too.
Yes, it's a beautifully photographed video shot by Herb Ritts, one of THE photographers of that time who photographed celebrities and models, and it features Helene Christensen, an absolutely gorgeous Scandinavian-South American supermodel.
No matter if the original or this one. Chris is just mega s
Chris Isaak doesn't have any bad songs. They all hit the sweet spot. One of my other favorites from him is "Can't Do a Thing to stop me" similar spooky sound
He does kill it live. I recommend a quick view. He just does it straight, makes it look easy, and leaves you wondering about the non gay man crush you're left with lol.
I love this song anyone who knew someone like the person he is singing about understands the song and he has such a smooth sexy voice 💋💋💋
Great song!
The hair ... I got alot on my wish list now hahahah
It's been a long time since you guys did this Chris Isaak reaction. As a follow up, here are some really good CI songs that you should check out:
1) Lie To Me (Great song! Just as good as Wicked Game). 2) Blue Hotel 3) Fadeaway 4) Somebody's Crying 5) Graduation Day 6) Go Walking
Down There 7) Blue Spanish Sky 8) Funeral In The Rain. (Nice sad song!). I think some of you will find some gems listed here. Enjoy!
Another good song of that Era was "Black Velvet" by Allanah Myles...
Wicked Games is featured in David Lynch flick the disturbing “ Wild At Heart”
Haunting and very very pretty. Was a huge hit the year I graduated hs. Brings back great memories!
This "Wicked Game" is fire!!!!
As always, "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak never fails to give me goosebumps. Now, YOU GUYS DEFINITELY NEED to listen/react to the INCREDIBLE METAL cover version of this song by HIM. Do it!!
Like others have said, the video was sooooo hot--I don't know where I got the idea from, but I always pictured it as an ilicit affair (the wicked game), where the woman was tied to another man and that was what created the tension of wanting, loss, being played and knowing it was all so wrong. I also loved his TV show--quirky, funny and great music.
I had no idea this song was written as a result of a "booty call"... it don't matter, it's still one of the greatest cuts of ALL time. Everyone hits that long note at the end, EVERYONE.
Awesome Review show! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💛🔥
Lol you should see the music video that this was released to. Wicked nasty.
Great video
Super sexy!
Heard this song the first time 1989 on the way to Italia for Holiday. Unforgetten!
What a vibe. Have loved this song forever. Definitely: Check out the killer- warped David Lynch movie Wild at Heart with Nicholas Cage, Laura Dern, Isabella Rossilini, etc … perfect song in this movie. Also, watch the original music video featuring both Chris Isaak and Helena Christiensen. IMHO, maybe the most sultry, sexy music video ever made. Cheers!
This is one of those songs where it is actually is good to see the video at the same time (or at least it doesn't skew it like some music videos do).
The "wicked game" is getting that late night "bootie call" from that person you WANT but wouldn't "have" you otherwise... so you can have your "once and a lifetime night" but it can't last cause your only getting a one night pass... Soo... do you give in to BEST NIGHT EVER (once in a lifetime) or bow out and keep it real... that's a wicked decision, a wicked game, and a very melancholy feeling (which the song portrays very well with it's use of reverb and "dreamy" vibrato)
The official video of "Wicked Game" is, well you just got to see it. Same beautiful song, but damn, it's sexy as hell.
If this song doesn’t shock you to the core, nothing will. Thanks Gentlemen. 🇬🇧🇺🇸❤️
Check out his live version if you doubt his vocal range...
If you ever want to woo a woman play this for her and slow dance with her. This song makes women swoon
I don’t agree, I never got it. When it came out I couldn’t figure out what he was saying, or why. To me, it’s a bit creepy, not sexy and definitely not hot or a turn on.
@@acookslapoor girl.
3rd vid today, 16th overall….I had to leave the 70s to get to this 80s classic. Chris Isaak is remarkable!
I've interpreted the lyrics of this song to mean that he doesn't want to fall in love because he's worried about how he himself may be a heartbreaking disappointment to her, maybe because he's not ready to commit, has too many "skeletons in the closet", or who knows. But it also could be about the person he's resisting falling in love with...
These guys are remembering this song being "covered" and I remember when the song just came out. Im only 52 but Im old. Dudes with beards are little kids to me in 2022.
You guys gotta watch the official video!!!
I had not heard the story of Chris Isaak writing the song when a woman had called and said she was coming over to "talk". It's interesting but maybe limits the theme of the song too much, as one of you says. It's not just about that specific woman and her effect on him, it's broader than that. It's about several things in a relationship that can't work, an unrequited love and a heartbreak that is devastating. Anyway, his voice is great, the instrumental work and the arrangement are also excellent in this, so that the whole mood is established in a way that draws you in and carries you away with it. That tremolo guitar sound is so well done.
Nice man 👍👍👍
React + songs Chris Isaak!
He played himself with his band on his TV I think on VH1.
It was good, funny
It's so good we didn't no what to think of it.
💯 One word guys: VIDEO‼🔥
it feels like a surfer break up song....and that is AMAZING
Yes, definitely surf music.
ROFLMAO
You three are awfully stinkin' cute, lol. Looks like you are having fun.
Yes totally watch the video
And on Beverly hills 90210 ♡
"...Nobody loves no one"
These are some of the weirdest takes from rush hour to walking into a bar to Rick Astley lol
The music video of this song is one of the sexiest things I have ever seen. Black and white, French model, it is gorgeous.
Helena Christensen, Danish super model
And her mother is Peruvian! So she's half Danish, half Peruvian.
Check out Baby did a Bad,Bad, thing!
You have to see the video with the song it’s amazing
The antidote for this song is Dance the night away by The Mavericks
Ok this song definitely needs the video !
Dang I had no idea you guys have been doing this for that long
If you like “dark songs” check out Neil Young’s Down By The River. He wrote it and recorded it while he was delirious with fever from the flu. Has the same vibe as Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix.
I know for sure it was in the show friends with Rachel and Ross did it the first time
502 dudes listen to Chris Isaak song- can't do a thing to stop me. official music video. it's a smooth groove song. thanks be safe peace . johnnyboy
Never heard of him? Wow
Watch the official video. He shows the woman he loves and how she is treating him.
Wife Speaking....Beautifully Poetic song.., but...We voluptuous women can put it on...!!! (Ty)
this is about a toxic relationship. you love the hell out of them in the bedroom, but outside of it, you can't stand each other.
502 guys watch the video for this song. Truly magic!!!!!
Was going through a divorce when this song came out. It is haunting beautiful. He is from Stockton Ca. about 30 minutes from where I lived for about 26 years. It was hugely popular in California. I love this song, but it makes me sad.
Listen to Gary Allen's "Smoke Rings in the Dark"...same sort of vibe, with a country twist.
Guys, follow this up with Can't Do A Thing To Stop Me. Kinda in the same vain but on the flip side of the coin. IMO, one of his finest songs ever. After that get your best girls together, turn the lights down, light up some candles, a little wine and a nice fire. Have a Chris Isaak listening party and I bet it won't be long before you all forget about the music. ua-cam.com/video/HcOgHIH8VOc/v-deo.htmlsi=pMicTjYJTN0cbM0T
I did not like the song when it came out. But have come to appreciate it now. It does sound really good. Especially the guitar. He seems like a good guy. He was on an episode of Friends and had a bit part in That Thing You Do.
Chris is as good if not better live. Check it out.
Chris was a ladies man, this song was for all the ladies and other lady's men. He had whatever woman he wanted except 1 and that 1 becomes all you want because she's unattainable. Listen to the rest of his music it was pretty much break up songs for men from 1990-2004 lol
yeah I don't think these boys would survive the official video...heads would explode!
You guys have to see it with the video
A great follow-up from twenty years earlier would be Gordon Lightfoot's "Sundown" (assuming you've never heard it), really sexy sounding tune with a great guitar solo, song is about his relationship with the woman who years later would be sent to prison for delivering a lethal dose of heroin to John Belushi