“Loco In Acapulco” is a feel-good, uptempo song by the legendary R&B group The Four Tops, released in 1988.1 It’s a significant track in their later career for its unique collaboration and its surprising commercial success in a new musical landscape.
A Star-Studded Collaboration
The song was written and produced by two music powerhouses: Phil Collins and Lamont Dozier, one-third of the legendary Motown songwriting team Holland-Dozier-Holland, who had penned many of the Four Tops’ greatest hits.2 Collins also played drums on the track and provided backing vocals.3 The song was specifically created for the soundtrack of the film Buster, which starred Phil Collins in the title role.4
This collaboration marked a full-circle moment, bringing the Four Tops back together with one of their original architects, Lamont Dozier, and blending his classic songwriting with Collins’ signature pop-rock production style.
Musical Style and Arrangement
“Loco In Acapulco” is a fun, energetic, and joyous song that perfectly captures the spirit of its title. It’s a blend of 1980s pop, funk, and soul, with a Latin-inspired feel that evokes images of a tropical party. The song’s rhythm is infectious, built on a driving bassline and Phil Collins’ tight, percussive drumming.
The arrangement is dynamic and vibrant, featuring horns and a chorus of backing vocals that create a lively, celebratory atmosphere. Levi Stubbs’ lead vocal, though a bit more subdued than on his classic Motown tracks, is still full of soul and charisma. He sings the lyrics with a sense of playful abandon, inviting the listener to join the party. The song’s most memorable hook is its simple, repeated chorus, “Going loco down in Acapulco,” which is instantly catchy and easy to sing along to.5
Commercial Success and Legacy
“Loco In Acapulco” was a major hit, especially in the UK and Europe.6 It reached number 7 on the UK Singles Chart and performed well across the continent.7 While it did not chart in the U.S. as a single (it was released as a B-side), its international success was a testament to the Four Tops’ enduring appeal.
The song’s legacy is tied to its role in the film Buster and its place as a fun, later-career highlight for the Four Tops. It’s a perfect example of a song that’s more than just a hit; it’s a nostalgic snapshot of the late 1980s, full of energy and a sense of carefree fun. “Loco In Acapulco” remains a beloved classic, especially on dance floors and in pop culture, and it stands as a testament to the Four Tops’ ability to stay relevant across multiple decades and musical genres.