Criticize (song)

Last updated
"Criticize"
Criticize.jpg
U.S. cover art
Single by Alexander O'Neal
from the album Hearsay
B-side "A Broken Heart Can Mend" / "Fake (Extended Version)" (UK 12" only)
ReleasedSeptember 23, 1987 (September 23, 1987)
Recorded1986 (album version)
1987 (remix version)
Genre R&B
Length4:09(album version)
4:00 (single version)
Label Tabu
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Alexander O'Neal singles chronology
"Fake"
(1987)		"Criticize"
(1987)		"Never Knew Love Like This"
(1988)

"Criticize" is a song by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal, written by O'Neal and Jellybean Johnson. It was the second single from O'Neal's second solo album, Hearsay (1987). The song's distinctive backing vocals were performed by Lisa Keith. Following the successful chart performances of the Hearsay single "Fake", "Criticize" was released as the album's second single.

Contents

Meaning

The song's lyrics are a personal commentary, critical of a nagging ex-lover, who criticizes his "friends", "ideals", "lifestyle", and "feeling[s]".

Release

"Criticize" peaked at number four on the R&B chart, and number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In the United Kingdom, "Criticize" peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart, becoming O'Neal's biggest hit in Britain, and in 2020 was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry.

In Ireland, "Criticize" peaked at number 14 on the Irish Singles Chart.

The song is featured in the soundtrack of the video game Grand Theft Auto IV on the in-game radio station "The Vibe 98.8".

Track listing

  1. "Criticize (Remix)" – 7:00
  2. "Criticize (Edit)" – 3:55
  3. "Criticize (A Cappella)" – 2:40
  4. "Criticize (Critical Mix)" – 5:30
  5. "Criticize (Critical Edit)" – 3:45
  6. "Criticize (Critical Dub)" – 4:30
  7. "Criticize (Nag Mix)" – 1:35
  1. "Criticize (Remix)" – 7:00
  2. "Criticize (Critical Mix)" – 5:30
  3. "Fake (Extended Version)" – 5:20
  1. "Criticize" – 4:00
  2. "A Broken Heart Can Mend" – 3:40

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes. [1]

Sales chart performance

Peak positions

Chart (1987)Position
Ireland (IRMA) [2] 14
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)17
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [3] 40
UK Singles (OCC) [4] 4
US Billboard Hot 100 [5] 70
US Dance Club Songs ( Billboard ) [6] 21
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [7] 4
West Germany (Official German Charts) [8] 24

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [9] Silver200,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Re-recording

Alexander O’Neal re-recorded “Criticize” in 1998 with producers Errol Jones and John Girvan. [10] The song was released as a commercial single, peaking at number 51 on the UK Singles Chart. [11]

Track listing

  1. "Criticize (‘98 Critical Yojo Working Radio Mix)" – 3:59
  2. "Criticize (‘98 Chill Out Positivity Krew Radio Mix)" – 4:38
  3. "Criticize (‘98 Critical Yojo Working Club Mix)" – 6:56
  4. "Criticize (‘98 House Positivity Mix)" – 4:20
  1. "Criticize (‘98 Critical Yojo Working Club Mix)" – 6:56
  2. "Criticize (‘98 Critical Yojo Working Radio Mix)" – 3:59
  3. "Criticize (‘98 Dub Mix)" – 4:38
  1. "Criticize 1999 (Bini & Martini Club Vocal Mix)" – 7:22
  2. "Criticize 1999 (Bini & Martini Ocean Dub)" – 6:05
  3. "Criticize 1999 (Bini & Martini Subsonic Vocal Mix)" – 8:30
  4. "Criticize 1999 (Bini & Martini Subsonic Dub)" – 7:52
  1. "Criticize (Stonebridge Club Mix)" – 9:52
  2. "Criticize (Critical Yojo Working Club Mix)" – 6:56
  3. "Criticize (Jamie Lewis Phat Club Mix)" – 7:49
  1. "Criticize '99 (Jamie Lewis Phat Club Mix)" – 7:49
  2. "Criticize '99 (Harley & Muscle Deep House Mix)" – 7:54
  1. "Criticize 1999 (Bini & Martini Club Vocal Mix)" – 7:22
  2. "Criticize 1999 (Bini & Martini Ocean Dub)" – 6:05
  3. "Criticize 1999 (Bini & Martini Sub Sonic Vocal Dub)" – 8:30

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alexander O'Neal</span> American R&B singer, songwriter and arranger

Alexander O'Neal is an American R&B singer, songwriter and arranger from Natchez, Mississippi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sidewalk Talk</span> 1984 single by John Benitez

"Sidewalk Talk" is a song by American record producer John "Jellybean" Benitez from his first extended play, Wotupski!?! (1984). It was released on October 21, 1984, by EMI Records as the first single from the EP. The song was written by Madonna and produced by Benitez. They had initially met in 1983 and Benitez worked as a producer on Madonna's self-titled debut album. When he started work on his debut EP, Wotupski!?!, Madonna wrote "Sidewalk Talk" for him. The song features bass and electric guitars, synthesizers, piano, and drums. Lead vocals are by Catherine Buchanan with additional chorus vocals by Madonna.

<i>Sands of Time</i> (S.O.S. Band album) 1986 studio album by The S.O.S. Band

Sands of Time is the sixth album by the R&B band the S.O.S. Band, released on the Tabu label in April 1986. It was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. This would be the last album to feature original lead singer Mary Davis before she left the group to embark on a solo career.

<i>Hearsay</i> (album) 1987 studio album by Alexander ONeal

Hearsay is the second solo studio album by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It was released on July 29, 1987 by Tabu and Epic as the follow-up to O'Neal's critically and commercially successful studio album Alexander O'Neal (1985). Hearsay explores similar genres to those of Alexander O'Neal including pop, R&B, soul, post-disco, funk, and adult contemporary music, while also incorporating a newer genre, new jack swing. The songs were recorded from 1986 to 1987 in sessions that took place at Flyte Time Productions, Inc. Studio A & B in Minneapolis, Minnesota, assisted by R&B songwriting and record production team Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. It features contributions from guest musicians, including Cherrelle, David Eiland, and Lisa Keith, and is generally regarded as the culmination of the smoother, more adult-oriented sound of O'Neal's early work.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Knew Love Like This</span> 1988 single by Alexander ONeal featuring Cherrelle

"Never Knew Love Like This" is a top ten US R&B hit song duetted by American R&B singers Cherrelle and Alexander O'Neal; released in 1988. The song peaked at #2 in the US R&B chart, #26 in the UK and #28 in the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Lovers (Alexander O'Neal song)</span> 1988 single by Alexander ONeal

"The Lovers" is a song written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and recorded by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It is the fourth single from the singer's second solo album, Hearsay (1987). The song's distinctive backing vocals were performed by Cherrelle and Lisa Keith. Following the successful chart performances of the Hearsay singles "Fake", "Criticize", and "Never Knew Love Like This", "The Lovers" was released as the album's fourth single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me</span> 1988 single by Alexander ONeal

"(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me" is a song written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and recorded by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It is the fifth single from the singer's second solo album, Hearsay (1987). The song's distinctive backing vocals were performed by Lisa Keith. Following the successful chart performances of the Hearsay singles "Fake", "Criticize", "Never Knew Love Like This", and "The Lovers", "(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me" was released as the album's fifth single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hearsay (song)</span> 1989 single by Alexander ONeal

"Hearsay" is a song written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and recorded by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It is the fourth track from the O'Neal's second studio album, Hearsay (1987). The original track from the album wasn't released as a single but in 1989, a remixed version was released in the UK and it became a minor hit there, peaking at #56.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fake (Alexander O'Neal song)</span> 1987 single by Alexander ONeal

"Fake" is a song written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and recorded by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It is the first single from the O'Neal's second studio album, Hearsay (1987). It is one of the artist's most recognizable signature songs, and a favorite of many O'Neal fans worldwide.

<i>Alexander ONeal</i> (album) 1985 studio album by Alexander ONeal

Alexander O'Neal is the debut solo studio album by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It was originally released in 1985 by Tabu and Epic. The songs were recorded during 1984 to 1985 in sessions that took place at Creation Audio in Minnesota, and Larrabee Sound in Los Angeles, California, assisted by R&B songwriting and record production team Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

<i>My Gift to You</i> (Alexander ONeal album) 1988 studio album by Alexander ONeal

My Gift to You is the first and only Christmas album by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal, released on November 11, 1988, by Tabu Records.

<i>All True Man</i> 1991 studio album by Alexander ONeal

All True Man is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. The album was a success in the UK, peaking at number two, though sales did not reach the levels of his previous album, Hearsay.

<i>Love Makes No Sense</i> 1993 studio album by Alexander ONeal

Love Makes No Sense is the fifth studio album by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. The album was O'Neal's final release for Tabu, and his first album made without formal production from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunshine (Alexander O'Neal song)</span> 1989 single by Alexander ONeal

"Sunshine" is a song written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and recorded by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It is the sixth and final single from the singer's second solo album, Hearsay (1987). Following the successful chart performances of the Hearsay singles "Fake", "Criticize", "Never Knew Love Like This", and "The Lovers", and "(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me", the single was released as an EP titled Sunshine and Rain. Despite its success on US radio, it was the album's poorest-selling single in the UK, peaking at #72. The song had been performed live prior to the song's release with Level 42 at the Prince's Trust Gala on 25 July 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All True Man (song)</span> 1991 single by Alexander ONeal

"All True Man" is a song written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and recorded by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It is the first single from the singer's fourth solo studio album, All True Man (1991). It is one of the artist's most recognizable signature songs, and a favourite of many O'Neal fans worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What Is This Thing Called Love? (Alexander O'Neal song)</span> 1991 single by Alexander ONeal

"What Is This Thing Called Love?" is a song written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and recorded by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It is the second single from the singer's fourth solo album, All True Man (1991). The song's distinctive backing vocals were performed by Lisa Keith. Following the successful chart performances of the All True Man single "All True Man", "What Is This Thing Called Love?" was released as the album's second single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Makes No Sense (song)</span> 1993 single by Alexander ONeal

"Love Makes No Sense" is a song written by Tony Tolbert and Lance Alexander and recorded by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It is the first single from the singer's fifth solo album, Love Makes No Sense (1993).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All That Matters to Me</span> 1993 single by Alexander ONeal

"All That Matters to Me" is a song written by Franne Golde and Allee Willis and recorded by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It is the fourth single from the singer's fifth solo album, Love Makes No Sense (1993). Following the successful chart performances of the Love Makes No Sense single "Love Makes No Sense", "In the Middle", and "Aphrodisia", "All That Matters to Me" was released as the album's fourth single.

<i>All Mixed Up</i> (Alexander ONeal album) 1988 remix album by Alexander ONeal

Hearsay - All Mixed Up is a remix album consisting of songs performed by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It was originally released in 1988, by Tabu and Epic. It collects together single remixes of tracks taken from O'Neal's critically and commercially successful 1987 album Hearsay. CD and cassette releases contain bonus tracks featuring contemporary remixes of songs from the earlier Alexander O'Neal album.

<i>This Thing Called Love: The Greatest Hits of Alexander ONeal</i> 1992 greatest hits album by Alexander ONeal

This Thing Called Love: The Greatest Hits of Alexander O'Neal is a compilation album by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal, released in 1992 by Tabu Records. It includes tracks from three of O'Neal's previous studio albums: Alexander O'Neal (1985), Hearsay (1987) and All True Man (1991).

References

  1. ↑ Hearsay liner notes. Tabu Records. 1987.
  2. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Criticize". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  3. ↑ "Alexander O'Neal – Criticize". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  4. ↑ "Alexander O'Neal: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  5. ↑ "Alexander O'Neal Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Alexander O'Neal Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  7. ↑ "Alexander O'Neal Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  8. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Alexander O'Neal – Criticize" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  9. ↑ "British single certifications – Alexander O'Neal – Criticize". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  10. ↑ Criticize '98 Mix liner notes. One World Entertainment Co. Limited. 1998.
  11. ↑ "UK Charts > Alexander O'Neal". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  12. ↑ "Discogs > Criticize". Discogs . Retrieved 2020-05-15.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.