Straight up now tell me...what do you think?

I was a teen in the 80s, graduating from high school in 1988. And, back in the day, I really loved me some Paula Abdul. I thought she was a great dancer and performer. Looking back, she was the pre-Britney--you know before Brit-Brit got so messed up in the head? She had great videos and classic pop songs. Her cassette (for those who remember what those were!) was well worn by the time I was done with it, from many days practicing my baton twirling in the driveway to "Straight Up," "Cold Hearted," and "The Way that You Love Me." I thought she was the bomb right along with Arsenio Hall.

So, a few weeks back, I heard buzz of her coming out with a new song and people joking about this in the same way they talked about Sly Stallone making another Rocky. Where's the love, people?

The first time I listened to it, I thought, hmm... not bad for your first song in the past decade. It's very techno/synthesized, much like Spears' songs. That doesn't mean I can't enjoy the beat though.

Yesterday, I clicked over to watch her new video, which features Randy Jackson on guitar and Paula back dancing again. I watched and listened. And, honestly, I liked it. There are some cheese scenes with the dancers all posing in bizarre poses, but most of it is classic Abdul choreography.

It made me like the song more seeing the video. I like that she included Randy Jackson and a frozen shot of the American Idol celebs at the end. I like that she's gone right back to her great dancing and pop sound. And, honestly, homegirl looks pretty darn good in the shorty outfit for someone who is well into their 40s. A hell of a lot better than our current pop queen wasted and stumbling around the stage.

Now, the news is out today that Abdul is embarassed and unhappy with the video. I was surprised by this. The video has barely gotten time to get out there and she's already saying she doesn't like it? I see nothing to be embarassed about...but maybe it is because I used to like her so much.

Check it out here and tell me what you think. To me, it is no different than most of Britney's videos except thankfully she doesn't have choreographed gang-bang action or groping going on. I think Paula should feel pretty proud as this is a decent comeback effort, if you asked me! She's had her down moments and has battled through a lot over the years, including chronic health problems.

In fact, I think I'm going to go download that song and Straight Up to my Ipod--they'll make great workout songs!