The Deele, Shoot ‘Em Up Movies | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 137th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Shoot ‘Em Up Movies” by The Deele.

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 137^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Shoot ‘Em Up Movies” performed by The Deele.

“I was ready for that good old Western flick.” Oh, I see. And what happened, The Deele? “Then, all at once, an angel sat down next to me / So I had to think of something quick / What shall I do?” Ah, the girl changes the plans – typical! Early on, “Shoot ‘Em Up Movies”,  the second track from the R&B collective’s 1987 gold-certified album, Eyes of a Stranger, captivates with its narrative. “Movies” did not reach the pop charts, however. It did peak at number 10 on the R&B charts. Kenny Nolan (1949 – ) penned it while L.A. Reid and Babyface produced it.

The sound of “Shoot ‘Em Up Movies” is a selling point.  The picturesque keys and synths play are alluring. “Movies” also features the quintessential drums of the era, though not quite as boxy – more refined. Smooth lead vocals bring the melodies alive. Perhaps even more striking than the melodies is the unique songwriting, as evidenced earlier. Given a trip to see a western in the theatre, shooting-related lyrics are unavoidable.  “We talked and talked / As the bad guy shot up the town,” The Deele sings, and continues, “And then she smiled at me / With big brown eyes.” The best moments, which happen to be fun and playful, occur during the chorus:  

“Oh, I met my baby at the ‘bang-bang, gotcha’
Shoot ‘em up movies
During the gunfight, we fell in love
Oh, I met my baby at the ‘bang-bang, gotcha’
Shoot ‘em up movies, yeah…”

Outlandish? Yes, but creative.  The creative nature of the lyrics continues throughout as western imagery, and a budding romance are exceptionally conveyed.  Also exceptionally executed is the key change towards the end of the record.  1980s music excelled at key changes, while the 21^st century hasn’t been as eager for modulation. Bummer! Yes, “Two Occasions” is the song to beat by The Deele. Regardless, “Shoot ‘Em Up Movies” is another bop from the R&B collective.