The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You

Album: 18 til I Die (1996)
Charted: 6 52
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The lead single from 18 til I Die, Adams wrote and produced the song with Mutt Lange, who produced Adams' 1991 hit "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You."
  • In this song, Adams gets his swagger on, telling a girl, "The only think that looks good on me is you." It's a cheesy line, but he sells it. The lyric is filled with fashion references: Armani, Gucci and Versace all get mentions.
  • The video was directed by Matthew Rolston and stars various fashion models, including Ana Cristina de Oliveira. In a Songfacts interview, Adams said: "Probably my favorite music video was 'The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You.' When I watch my old videos on YouTube I sometimes think that the film doesn't match the music, and that was when videos mattered! I once worked with a director who said to me, 'if it's not unusual why do it?' nowadays, I think the best videos are the live ones, as they truly showed what was going on with the artist and the song." (Check out our interview with Bryan Adams.)

Comments: 1

  • Ang from Columbus, Oh
    The produces of the 1996 VH1 Fashion Adwards show asked Adams to drop a couple lines from the song, since he was slated to preform the same time the models would be showing off clothing by Versace.

    When Adams preformed the song, some of the models clearly tensed up when he belted out the lines: "I'm not satisfied with Versace style/Put those patent leather pants - in the circular file"
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo Lyric

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo LyricMusic Quiz

In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.