Ballad of Cleo and Joe

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 Producer(s) | * Cyndi Lauper
* Mark Saunders

**"Ballad of Cleo and Joe"** is a song by American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper, released as the third single from her fifth studio album, *Sisters of Avalon* (1996). The song was written by Lauper and Jan Pulsford, and produced by Pulsford, Mark Saunders and Lauper. It was released on September 16, 1997 by Epic Records. Lyrically, the song describes the double life of a drag queen, the titular 'Joe' (by day) and 'Cleo' (by night).

The song received positive reviews from music critics. It did not enter the US *Billboard* Hot 100, but debuted at number 24 on the *Billboard* Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.

## Background

In early 1996, Lauper began working on what would be *Sisters of Avalon*. Thematically the album expounded on the issue of complacency and ignorance in popular culture and the discrimination of minorities, gays, and women. "Ballad of Cleo and Joe" is a song about the double life of a cross dresser. The song is about the double life of a drag queen, the titular 'Joe' (by day) and 'Cleo' (by night). This song was one of the many songs on the album that was about a taboo subject.

## Critical reception

Larry Flick from *Billboard* wrote, "It is downright criminal that Lauper's current "*Sisters Of Avalon*" set is not a huge hit. It's chock-full of rhythm-smart, lyrically sharp jams like "The Ballad Of Cleo And Joe", which sparks with a credible house beat and an enthralling tale of a couple just trying to get by in the naked city. Lauper's sterling composition is enhanced by the time-sensitive post-production of Ernie Lake and Bobby Guy, who juice up the bassline, tweak the chorus, and mold a few simple refrains into rousing riot chants. Support this record. After years of warbling about goonies and girls just wanting to have fun, Lauper has hit creative pay dirt."

Bob Cannon from *Entertainment Weekly* gave the song an B, adding, "Lauper's a dance diva, this pounding slice of electro-pop would have us believe. But she has too much personality to disappear into an anonymous dance mix. Having dropped her Betty Boop mannerisms, she sounds earthier than usual, giving "Cleo & Joe"--an homage to a drag queen--the gospelish feel of early Donna Summer."

## Music video

A music video was released for the song, featuring a pregnant Lauper rotating on a platform with her stomach decorated to look like a disco ball. The video received play primarily in clubs.

## Track listing

* **US CD single**

1. "Ballad of Cleo and Joe" (Soul Solution Radio Edit) – 3:54
2. "Ballad of Cleo and Joe" (Soul Solution Vocal Dub) – 8:46
3. "Ballad of Cleo and Joe" (Soul Solution Tribal Dub) – 3:35
4. "Ballad of Cleo and Joe" (Soul Solution Instrumental) – 8:51
5. "Ballad of Cleo and Joe" – 3:59

## References

1. ↑ "Ballad of Cleo & Joe: Cyndi Lauper: Music". *Amazon.com*. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
2. ↑ "Das österreichische Hitparaden- und Musik-Portal". *Austriancharts.at*. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
3. ↑ "Cyndi Lauper – Ballad Of Cleo & Joe (1997, CD)". *Discogs.com*. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
4. ↑ Bob Cannon. "Music Review: 'Ballad of Cleo & Joe'". *EW.com*. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
5. ↑ Flick, Larry (20 September 1997). "Reviews & Previews: Singles" (PDF). *Billboard*. p. 68. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
6. ↑ Cannon, Bob (24 October 1997). "This Week". *Entertainment Weekly*. Issue 402.
7. ↑ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: *Cyndi Lauper - Ballad Of Cleo & Joe*. *YouTube*.
8. ↑ "Cyndi Lauper - Ballad Of Cleo & Joe CD Single". *Cduniverse.com*. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
9. ↑ "CYNDI LAUPER \* BALLAD OF CLEO & JOE \* US 5 TRK CD \* HTF! \* SISTERS OF AVALON | eBay". Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
10. ↑ "Billboard". 7 February 1998.
11. ↑ "Cyndi Lauper | Awards". *AllMusic*. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
12. ↑ "Cyndi Lauper". *Billboard*. Retrieved 18 December 2021.