Diana Ross, Upside Down | Throwback Vibez

In the 38th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Upside Down” by Motown icon Diana Ross.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 38^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Upside Down” performed by Diana Ross.

“Upside down / Boy, you turn me inside out / And ‘round and ‘round.” Word, Diana Ross (1944 – )! “Upside Down” is the opening track from her 1980 platinum-certified album, Diana.  Charity Stafford characterizes Diana in her AllMusic album review as ‘in many ways, Diana Ross’ best solo record.’ The Grammy-nominated (a travesty she has not won) icon landed a big hit with this hella danceable, infectious joint.  “Upside Down” was written and produced by Songwriting Hall of Fame inductees Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers of Chic fame.  One of six number-one hits by Ross, “Upside Down” spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was certified gold by the RIAA.  Yep, this is a ‘big fish’ of the Ross catalog!

The music is nothing short of electrifying on “Upside Down.” Yes, disco was dead by 1980, but dance music never ended with disco.  “Upside Down” is a prime catalyst for body movement.  The songwriting is sexy without crossing any lines – it was 1980, after all! “Instinctively, you give to me the love that I need,” Ross sings in the memorable first verse, continuing, “I cherish the moments with you.” But, to quote Linda Ronstadt, “baby, you’re no good”: “I’m aware that you’re cheating / When no one makes me feel like you do.” Hmm! The cheating, allegedly, continues in the second verse, where Ross asserts, “You always play the field / I’m crazy to think you’re all mine.” The section to beat is the rhythmic, unforgettable chorus excerpted above, which matches the song title – it sounds upside down.  “Upside Down” marked one of 13 instances where Diana Ross missed out on a Grammy.  That is a bummer, but a song this iconic does not require validation by a statuette.  It is timeless, and Ross sounds exceptional.

Diana Ross // Diana // Motown // 1980

Diana Ross, Upside Down: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 38 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]