Rub You the Right Way

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"Rub You the Right Way"
Johnnyrubyoutherightway.jpg
Single by Johnny Gill
from the album Johnny Gill
ReleasedMarch 28, 1990 (1990-03-28) [1]
Studio Flyte Tyme (Edina, Minnesota)
Genre New jack swing, contemporary R&B [2]
Length
  • 5:31 (album version)
  • 4:07 (single version)
Label Motown
Songwriter(s) James Harris III & Terry Lewis
Producer(s)
  • Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (album version)
Johnny Gill singles chronology
"Where Do We Go From Here"
(1989)
"Rub You the Right Way"
(1990)
"My, My, My"
(1990)

"Rub You the Right Way" is a song by American singer Johnny Gill, issued as the first single from his self-titled third album in March 1990. The single was written and produced by James Harris III & Terry Lewis. A remixed version of the song exists with a rap verse from CL Smooth.

Contents

Composition

According to Billboard , the song is about sex, more specifically a "man who offers to use his hands wisely during a night of lovin'." [3]

Chart performance

"Rub You the Right Way" spent one week at number one on the US Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. [4] [5] The single also peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart. [6]

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [1] Gold500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 "American single certifications – Johnny Gill – Rub You the Right Way". Recording Industry Association of America.
  2. Josephs, Brian (July 20, 2012). "The 25 Best New Jack Swing Songs". Complex . Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  3. M. Tye Comer; Mariel Concepcion; Monica Herrera; Jessica Letkemann; Evie Nagy; David J. Prince (February 11, 2010). "The 50 Sexiest Songs of All Time". Billboard . Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  4. 1 2 "Johnny Gill Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  5. 1 2 "Johnny Gill Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  6. 1 2 "Johnny Gill Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  7. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (pdf ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 113.
  8. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 1321." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  9. "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 7978." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  10. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 26, 1990" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  11. "Johnny Gill – Rub You the Right Way" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  12. "Johnny Gill – Rub You the Right Way". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  13. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  14. "Johnny Gill Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  15. "1990 The Year in Music & Video: Top Pop Singles". Billboard. Vol. 102, no. 51. December 22, 1990. p. YE-14.