"One Night in Bangkok" is a song from the concept album and subsequent musical Chess by Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and Björn Ulvaeus. English actor and singer Murray Head raps the verses, while the chorus is sung by Anders Glenmark, a Swedish singer, songwriter, and producer.
The release topped the charts in many countries, including South Africa, the Netherlands, West Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, and Australia. It peaked at 3 in both Canada and the United States in May 1985 and at No. 12 in the United Kingdom.
Lyrics and music Whereas the choruses extol Bangkok's reputation and exciting atmosphere, the American's verses ridicule the city, describing its attractions—the red-light district (Soi Cowboy), Chao Phraya River ("muddy old river"), Wat Pho ("reclining Buddha")—as less interesting to him than a game of chess. These sarcastic denunciations led to Thailand's Mass Communications Organisation issuing a ban on the song in 1985, stating its lyrics "cause misunderstanding about Thai society and show disrespect towards Buddhism".
Track listings 7-inch single "One Night in Bangkok" – 3:54 "Merano" by the London Symphony Orchestra and the Ambrosian Singers – 7:08
12-inch maxi "One Night in Bangkok" – 5:38 "Merano" by the London Symphony Orchestra and the Ambrosian Singers – 7:08
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1984–1985) Peakposition Australia (Kent Music Report) 1Canada Retail Singles (The Record)1 Europe (European Airplay Top 50) 1 Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) 1 Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) 1 South Africa (Springbok Radio) 1 Spain (AFYVE) 1 US Billboard Hot 100 3 US Billboard 12-inch Singles Sales 8 US Billboard Adult Contemporary 35 US Billboard Dance/Disco Club Play 5 US Billboard Hot Black Singles 89 US Cash Box 4
Year-end charts Chart (1985) Position Australia (Kent Music Report) 15 Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) 13 Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) 12 Canada Top Singles (RPM) 17 France (SNEP) 25 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 33 Netherlands (Single Top 100) 29 New Zealand (RIANZ) 12 South Africa (Springbok Radio) 2 Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) 8 US Billboard Hot 100 54 US Cash Box 42 West Germany (Media Control) 7
Certifications
Robey version While Head's "Bangkok" was just starting to climb the Billboard Hot 100, Canadian singer and actress Robey hit the charts with her version. It spent three weeks on the Hot 100 in March 1985, peaking at No. 77. Robey's version fared better on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, peaking at No. 9.
Charts Chart (1985) Peakposition US Billboard Hot 100 77 US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play 9 US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales 45 US Cash Box 75
C21 version
The Danish boy band C21 released their version in October 2003 as the fourth and final single from their debut album C21.
It reached No. 11 in Denmark. and spent four weeks on the chart.
Release
The single was released in multiple editions, with the European release issued by EMI featuring different cover artwork from the Danish edition released by Parlophone Music Denmark.
Tracklisting
Charts Chart (2003) Peakposition
Vinylshakerz version
In 2005, the German group Vinylshakerz covered the song. It was released in 2005 as the lead single from their debut studio album Very Superior, reaching number 6 in Finland and charting in several other European countries.
Charts Chart (2005) Peakposition
See also List of number-one singles in Australia during the 1980s List of European number-one hits of 1985 List of number-one hits of 1985 (Germany) List of number-one singles of the 1980s (Switzerland)
References
External links