Was Not Was – Spy In The House Of Love

Released in 1988, “Spy In The House Of Love” was one of the standout singles from Was (Not Was)’s album What Up, Dog?. Written by David Was and Don Was, the song showcased the Detroit duo’s eccentric blend of funk, pop, soul and rock. Produced by Paul O’Duffy, the track featured the polished, inventive production that had become a defining feature of their work, combining infectious grooves with an unmistakable sense of humour.

The song presents a playful tale of romantic suspicion, with the narrator adopting the role of an imaginary spy investigating a complicated relationship. Its tongue-in-cheek lyrics are matched by a funky, danceable arrangement built around a strong bass line, crisp percussion, keyboards and colourful guitar accents. The vocals add to the theatrical character of the recording, giving it an almost cinematic quality while maintaining the infectious energy of a late-1980s dance track.

“Spy In The House Of Love” arrived during a particularly successful period for Was (Not Was), following the international attention generated by songs such as “Walk The Dinosaur”. In the UK, it became another memorable chart entry for the duo and helped reinforce their reputation for creating sophisticated pop that refused to fit neatly into one genre.

Today, the song remains an entertaining example of Was (Not Was)’s distinctive approach to music. Its combination of funk, humour, clever production and memorable hooks captures the adventurous spirit of late-1980s pop and remains a favourite among fans of the duo.

The song peaked at No. 21 in the UK singles chart on the 20th February 1988.