Day 2 – Alexander O’ Neal – Criticize

There were 2 awesome production stables for up-tempo soul and dance in the late 80’s and early 90’s. On the one side was LA & Babyface, and on the other was Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. More videos from both houses coming up later this week, but for now let’s look at Jam And Lewis, who were responsible for many hits by Janet Jackson, New Edition, SOS Band, Cherrelle and Ralph Tresvant. A key album for Jam and Lewis, and one which was typical of their sound, was Alexander O’ Neal’s 1987 album ”Hearsay” which mixed soulful vocals, funky beats and electronic synths. Fake was the first single to be taken from the album and is perhaps one of the finest “Minneapolis Funk” tracks ever recorded (according to Wikipedia). However, this single wasn’t Alex’s biggest single in the UK – that honour went to Criticize.

Criticize was the 2nd Single to be released from Hearsay and reached number 4 on the UK Single Charts. I love this song to bits! The video has Alex locked in a club full of women performing his songs – aces!