Give It Up, Turn It Loose

Last updated

"Give It Up, Turn It Loose"
Give It Up, Turn It Loose.jpg
Single by En Vogue
from the album Funky Divas
B-side "Free Your Mind" (Theo's Rec & Wreck Remix)
ReleasedNovember 19, 1992 (1992-11-19)
RecordedNovember 1991–January 1992 [1]
Length5:13
Label EastWest
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Denzil Foster
  • Thomas McElroy
En Vogue singles chronology
"Free Your Mind"
(1992)		"Give It Up, Turn It Loose"
(1992)		"Love Don't Love You"
(1993)
Music video
"Give It Up, Turn It Loose" on YouTube

"Give It Up, Turn It Loose" is a song by American R&B/pop vocal group En Vogue, released as the fourth single from their second album, Funky Divas (1992). The song's title is a reference to the 1969 James Brown song "Give It Up or Turnit a Loose". Released on November 12, 1992 by Eastwest Records, the single reached number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number 16 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, and number 22 on the UK Singles Chart. It was written and produced by Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster, and features Maxine Jones on lead entirely. The music video was directed by Marcus Nispel. In 1994, the song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards. [2]

Contents

Critical reception

AllMusic editor Jose F. Promis described "Give It Up, Turn It Loose" as a "doo wop good-feelin'"-song. [3] Daryl Easlea for BBC noted its "smooth old-school groove". [4] Larry Flick from Billboard felt that here, the group vocally "glides with ease over a languid, retro-soul shuffle beat. Jazzy flutes and restrained funk guitars add texture that will warm the hearts of pop and urban folks alike." [5] Randy Clark from Cash Box stated, "Although they use the same basic sound and style, these Funky Divas have opted for a more smooth and kicked back approach on this track, compared to their current spirited hit single, with an over-all vibe that's slightly reminiscent of Cheryl Lynn's 'Got to Be Real'." [6] John Martinucci from the Gavin Report found that "Maxine and the girls are giving some sisterly advice for those who are stuck in dead end relationships", calling it a "down-tempo track". [7] In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton wrote, "If anything 'Give It Up' has less to recommend it than some of the others and so is unlikely to end up one of their bigger hits." [8]

Paul Lester from Melody Maker viewed it as "yet another funky En Vogue thing." [9] Pan-European magazine Music & Media commented, "In which direction will the catwalk lead this time? To soul music a la the Pointer Sisters, or four Mariah Careys." [10] Parry Gettelman from Orlando Sentinel declared the "mid-tempo workout" as "a neat kiss-off song". [11] In a retrospective review, Pop Rescue called it "such a funky track". [12] Mark Sutherland from Smash Hits gave it four out of five, adding, "Not quite as snazzy as their last two hits, but still rather fabulous. The four Voguestresses strut about funkily and inform us that "love knocks you on your behind" in such a poignant fashion that you can only nod sagely and mutter 'how true'." [13] Cheo H. Coker from Stanford Daily named it "perhaps the most enjoyable on the album; the jam is the catchiest thing since its Debarge predecessor, 'I Like It', from which it takes its inspiration." [14]

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Give It Up, Turn It Loose" was directed by German feature film director and producer Marcus Nispel. [15] It is made in black-and-white and features the group performing in a beauty parlor while clips of life in the city play throughout the video. It was later made available on YouTube in 2015, and had generated more than 1.1 million views as of February 2023. [16]

Track listings

Charts

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesNovember 19, 1992CD EastWest [39]
United KingdomJanuary 4, 1993
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
 [40]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">En Vogue</span> American vocal girl group

En Vogue is an American vocal girl group whose original lineup consisted of singers Terry Ellis, Dawn Robinson, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones. Formed in Oakland, California, in 1989, En Vogue reached No. 2 on the US Hot 100 with the single "Hold On", taken from their 1990 debut album Born to Sing. The group's 1992 follow-up album Funky Divas reached the top 10 in both the US and UK, and included their second US number two hit "My Lovin' " as well as the US top 10 hits "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" and "Free Your Mind".

<i>Funky Divas</i> 1992 studio album by En Vogue

Funky Divas is the second studio album by American recording group En Vogue, released by Atlantic Records division East West on March 24, 1992, in the United States. Conceived after the success of their Grammy Award–nominated debut album Born to Sing (1990), En Vogue reteamed with their founders Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy to work on the entire album. As with Born to Sing, the pair borrowed from contemporary R&B, new jack swing, and hip hop, while also incorporating classic soul, blues and doo-wop elements, particularly on its on two Sparkle cover versions, as well as, in the case of "Free Your Mind," heavy metal sounds. The album became the quartet's second album to earn a Grammy Award nomination in the Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals category at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards, while winning Favorite Soul/R&B Album at the American Music Awards of 1993 and the Sammy Davis Jr. Award for Entertainer of the Year at the 1993 Soul Train Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maxine Jones</span> American singer

Maxine Jones, is an American singer, songwriter, actress and businesswoman, best known as a founding member of the R&B/pop group En Vogue, one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. She sang lead vocals on the group's signature singles "My Lovin' " and "Don't Let Go (Love)", both of which garnered international success and sold over a million copies. Throughout her career, Jones has sold over 20 million records with En Vogue. Her work has earned her several awards and nominations, including two American Music Awards, a Billboard Music Award, four MTV Video Music Awards, and four Soul Train Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Play (Jennifer Lopez song)</span> 2001 single by Jennifer Lopez

"Play" is a song recorded by American singer Jennifer Lopez for her second studio album, J.Lo (2001). It was released on March 20, 2001, as the album's second single. The song was written by Cory Rooney, Christina Milian, Arnthor Birgisson and Anders Bagge, with production done by the latter two under their production name, Bag & Arnthor. A dance-pop track, it was noted for its funky vibe, compared to the works of Madonna by critics. Over an electric guitar and a funky beat, Lopez sings about pleading a DJ to play her favorite song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)</span> 1992 single by En Vogue

"My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" is a song by American pop/R&B group En Vogue, released in March 1992 by Eastwest Records as the lead single from their multi-platinum second album, Funky Divas (1992).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Too Funky</span> 1992 single by George Michael

"Too Funky" is a song written and performed by English singer and songwriter George Michael and released by Columbia Records in the United States and Epic Records elsewhere in 1992. The song was Michael's final single for his recording contract with Sony Music before he started legal action to extricate himself from it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Outta Love</span> 2000 single by Anastacia

"I'm Outta Love" is the debut single of American singer Anastacia. Written by Anastacia, Sam Watters, and Louis Biancaniello and produced by the latter two, it was released on February 29, 2000, as the lead single from her debut album, Not That Kind (2000). The song became a major hit in Europe and Australia, reaching number one in Wallonia, Australia, and New Zealand; it was the most successful song of 2000 in the latter two regions. It additionally reached the top five in several others, including France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Real Love (Mary J. Blige song)</span> 1992 single by Mary J. Blige

"Real Love" is a song by American singer Mary J. Blige from her debut studio album, What's the 411? (1992). Based on real life experiences, it was written and produced by Cory Rooney and Mark Morales, and samples Audio Two's 1987 song "Top Billin'". The song was issued as the album's second single on July 28, 1992 by Uptown and MCA. It became Blige's first top-10 hit, peaking at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rhythmic charts and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on November 4, 1992. Marcus Raboy directed the song's music video. Rolling Stone included "Real Love" in their list of "500 Best Songs of All Time" in 2021 at number 327.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Free Your Mind (song)</span> 1992 single by En Vogue

"Free Your Mind" is a song by American female group En Vogue from their second album, Funky Divas (1992). The track was composed and produced by Foster and McElroy. They were inspired by the Funkadelic song "Free Your Mind and Your Ass Will Follow." The guitar and bass tracks for the song were written and recorded by San Francisco-based guitarist Jinx Jones. The opening line: "Prejudice, wrote a song about it. Like to hear it? Here it go!", is adapted from a line originally used by David Alan Grier's character Calhoun Tubbs from Fox's In Living Color.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hold On (En Vogue song)</span> 1990 single by En Vogue

"Hold On" is a song by American girl group En Vogue, released in early 1990 as the first single from their debut album, Born to Sing (1990). It was produced by Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, and written by the former two and all members of the group. It peaked at number five in the United Kingdom and number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. In the latter country, the song reached number one on the Billboard Dance Club Play, 12-inch Singles Sales, and Hot Black Singles charts. En Vogue performed "Hold On" at the 2008 BET Awards with Alicia Keys. In 2017, it was ranked number four on Spin magazine's ranking of "The 30 Best '90s R&B Songs".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Something He Can Feel</span> 1976 single by Aretha Franklin

"Something He Can Feel" is a song composed by Curtis Mayfield for the 1976 motion picture Sparkle. The song, a love ballad in a Chicago-/Philly-soul style, became a number-one hit on the Billboard's R&B singles chart in the United States twice with two separate recordings: a 1976 version by Aretha Franklin from the film's soundtrack, and a 1992 cover by girl group En Vogue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Don't Love You</span> 1993 single by En Vogue

"Love Don't Love You" is a song by American R&B/pop vocal group En Vogue, released in February 1993 by Eastwest Records as the final single from their second album, Funky Divas (1992). The song was both written and produced by Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster, and became the group's fifth consecutive top-40 single from the album in the United States. It peaked at numbers 36 and 31 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100. The song is led by group members Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What Is Love (En Vogue song)</span> 1993 single by En Vogue

"What Is Love" was the final single from En Vogue's second album, Funky Divas. The song was not released commercially, but was instead shipped to dance clubs across the United States. "What Is Love" reached the Top 10 of the US dance charts. The song appeared again in 1993 as part of the group's Runaway Love EP. This was the only song En Vogue produced for market featuring Maxine Jones and Cindy Herron sharing lead vocals. It was initially supposed to be included on the EP Remix to Sing as a new song, but missed the production deadline and was added to their subsequent album Funky Divas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What a Man (song)</span> 1968 single by Linda Lyndell

"What a Man" is a song written by Dave Crawford, and originally recorded for Stax Records' Volt imprint by Linda Lyndell, whose recording reached number 50 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1968. The song was sampled and reinterpreted as "Whatta Man" in 1993 by the trio Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue, which became a commercial success; reaching the top ten in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In 2011, German singer Lena Meyer-Landrut covered the song while retaining the original title and lyrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whatever (En Vogue song)</span> 1997 single by En Vogue

"Whatever" is a song by American female vocal group En Vogue. It was written by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Keith Andes, and Giuliano Franco for the group’s third studio album, EV3 (1997), while production was helmed by Edmonds, featuring additional production by Franco. Selected and released as the album's second single, it was the final single from EV3 to precede the release of its parent album. "Whatever" reached the top 10 in Canada and on the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart while peaking within the top 20 in Finland, the United Kingdom, and on the Billboard Hot 100. "Whatever" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments of over 500,000 units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Too Gone, Too Long</span> 1997 single by En Vogue

"Too Gone, Too Long" is a song by American R&B vocal group En Vogue. Written by Diane Warren and produced by longtime collaborator David Foster, it was recorded for their third album, EV3 (1997). A power ballad that blends pop and contemporary R&B elements, it was selected as the album's third and final single and reached number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also peaked within the top twenty of the UK Singles Chart and became the group's final top twenty hit there.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Runaway Love (En Vogue song)</span> 1993 single by En Vogue

"Runaway Love" is a song by American R&B/pop group En Vogue, released in September 1993 by Eastwest Records as the first single from the group's extended play (EP) Runaway Love. After the huge success of their second album, Funky Divas (1992), the single was released. It was written and produced by Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster. Group members Cindy Herron and Terry Ellis share lead vocals, Dawn Robinson leads on the bridge, and spoken intro is by Maxine Jones. Elroy and Foster contributed vocals and spoken rap, their known as the alias FMob group. In the US, the song reached numbers 51 and 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">En Vogue discography</span>

This is the discography of American pop/R&B quartet En Vogue who began their career in early 1990s. Their discography includes seven studio albums, two EPs, 28 singles—four as featured artists, and 21 music videos on their former record labels Atlantic, East West, Elektra, Discretion, and 33rd Street.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rocks (song)</span> 1994 single by Primal Scream

"Rocks" is a song by the Scottish rock band Primal Scream that came out in 1994 with the release of Give Out But Don't Give Up, which was the group's fourth studio album. This track was the first indication of the band's evolution in musical genre, contrasting with the approaches utilized in Primal Scream's previous album, titled Screamadelica, which had gotten released in 1991 and featured dance-related leanings. "Rocks" featured a more bluesy hard rock approach akin to arena-friendly songs of the past, being inspired by British artists such as T. Rex, the Rolling Stones, and Faces.

<i>Runaway Love</i> (EP) 1993 EP by En Vogue

Runaway Love is an EP by American recording group En Vogue. It was released by East West Records on September 21, 1993, in the United States. The EP followed their multi-platinum hit album Funky Divas in 1992. The EP contains the title track, "Runaway Love" featuring FMob, known as Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster.

References

  1. ↑ "Don't think I can make it. By Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy, Will Townsend, Pharoah Davis, Warren Robinson & Andre Zachary". Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved December 28, 2009.
  2. ↑ Staff (January 6, 1994). "Grammy Nominees". Variety . Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  3. ↑ Promis, Jose F. "En Vogue - Funky Divas". AllMusic . Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  4. ↑ Easlea, Daryl (2009). "En Vogue Funky Divas Review". BBC . Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  5. ↑ Flick, Larry (November 21, 1992). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard . p. 80. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  6. ↑ Clark, Randy (November 28, 1992). "Music Reviews: Singles" (PDF). Cash Box . p. 5. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  7. ↑ Martinucci, John (November 13, 1992). "Urban: New Releases" (PDF). Gavin Report . p. 20. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
  8. ↑ Masterton, James (January 10, 1993). "Week Ending January 16th 1993". Chart Watch UK. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  9. ↑ Lester, Paul (January 9, 1993). "Singles". Melody Maker . p. 25. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  10. ↑ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 10, no. 5. January 30, 1993. p. 26. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  11. ↑ Gettelman, Parry (April 24, 1992). "En Vogue". Orlando Sentinel .
  12. ↑ "Review: "Funky Divas" by En Vogue (CD, 1992)". Pop Rescue. May 1, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  13. ↑ Sutherland, Mark (January 6, 1993). "New Singles". Smash Hits . p. 45. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  14. ↑ Coker, Cheo H. (April 16, 1992). "Hip-hop's four funky divas". Stanford Daily . Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  15. ↑ "En Vogue: Give It Up, Turn It Loose". IMDb . Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  16. ↑ "En Vogue - Give It Up, Turn It Loose (Official Music Video)". YouTube. April 8, 2015. Archived from the original on December 17, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  17. ↑ Give It Up, Turn It Loose (US cassette single sleeve). En Vogue. East West Records America. 1992. 4-98455.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. ↑ Turn It Loose (US maxi-single liner notes). En Vogue. East West Records America. 1992. 96091-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ↑ Give It Up, Turn It Loose (UK CD single liner notes). En Vogue. East West Records America. 1992. A8445CD, 7567-96082-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ↑ Give It Up, Turn It Loose (UK 7-inch vinyl sleeve). En Vogue. East West Records America. 1992. A8445.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ↑ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988-2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  22. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 1789." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  23. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 10, no. 5. January 30, 1993. p. 43. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
  24. ↑ "European Dance Radio" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 10, no. 8. February 20, 1993. p. 20. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (19.–25. febrúar)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). February 18, 1993. p. 29. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  26. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Give It Up, Turn It Loose". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  27. ↑ "En Vogue – Give It Up, Turn It Loose". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  28. ↑ "En Vogue – Give It Up, Turn It Loose". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Top 50 Airplay Chart" (PDF). Music Week . February 20, 1993. p. 14. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  31. ↑ "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week . January 1, 1993. p. 22. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  32. ↑ "En Vogue Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  33. ↑ "En Vogue Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  34. ↑ "En Vogue Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  35. ↑ "En Vogue Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  36. ↑ "En Vogue Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  37. ↑ "Billboard Top 100 – 1993". Archived from the original on November 10, 2006. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
  38. ↑ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1993". Billboard. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  39. ↑ "En Vogue – Give It Up, Turn It Loose". Amazon. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  40. ↑ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week . December 26, 1992. p. 23.
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.