"Outstanding" is a song originally performed by

the Gap Band The Gap Band was an American Contemporary R&B, R&B and funk band that rose to fame during the 1970s and 1980s. The band consisted of three brothers: Charlie Wilson (musician), Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert Wilson, along with other members; it wa ...

and written by member Raymond Calhoun. The song originally appeared on the group's

platinum Platinum is a chemical element; it has Symbol (chemistry), symbol Pt and atomic number 78. It is a density, dense, malleable, ductility, ductile, highly unreactive, precious metal, precious, silverish-white transition metal. Its name origina ...

-selling 1982 album '' Gap Band IV''. It is one of their signature songs and biggest hits, reaching the number one spot on the U.S. R&B Singles Chart in February 1983. "Outstanding" peaked at number 51 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.

Chart positions

Cover versions

The song was later covered by British singer Kenny Thomas in 1990. It reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart. In 1999, footballer Andy Cole signed to WEA/Warner Music and released his version of "Outstanding" with added rap verses. Cole's version reached number 68 on the UK Singles Chart.

In popular culture

In late 2024, a highlight reel of Kevin Garnett playing for the

Brooklyn Nets The Brooklyn Nets are an American professional basketball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of Brooklyn. The Nets compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NBA), ...

during the 2013–14 NBA season set to this song surfaced online. The combination of Garnett's highlights and this song has been used on social media to describe anything or anyone (particularly athletes) that is past their prime.

References

External links

Outstanding - list of releases
at

Discogs Discogs ( ; short for " discographies") is a database of information about audio recordings, including commercial releases, promotional releases, and bootleg or off-label releases. Database contents are user-generated, and described in ''T ...

. {{Authority control The Gap Band songs 1982 songs 1982 singles 1990 singles Kenny Thomas (singer) songs Cooltempo Records singles Warner Music Group singles 1999 singles Funk ballads 1980s ballads Total Experience Records singles