 "The Only Way Is Up" was Yazz's first solo single, credited to her under the name Yazz and the Plastic Population.Released as a single in July 1988, the song became an instant smash hit, spending five weeks at number one in the United Kingdom, and ultimately becoming the second biggest selling single of the year.In the United States it reached number two on the "Billboard" dance chart, although only making number 96 on the "Billboard" Hot 100.