Tease Me (Chaka Demus & Pliers song)

Last updated

"Tease Me"
Chaka Demus & Pliers - Tease Me (single cover).png
Single by Chaka Demus & Pliers
from the album Tease Me
B-side "Nuh Betta Nuh Deh"
Released1 June 1993 (1993-06-01) [1]
Genre Reggae
Length3:41
Label Mango
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Sly & Robbie
Chaka Demus & Pliers singles chronology
"Mr Mention"
(1993)
"Tease Me"
(1993)
"She Don't Let Nobody"
(1993)
Music video
"Tease Me" on YouTube

"Tease Me" is a song by Jamaican reggae duo Chaka Demus & Pliers, released in June 1993 by Mango Records as the first single from their fourth album of the same name (1993). The song was produced by Sly & Robbie, who also co-wrote the lyrics, and was a top-20 hit in at least six countries. It peaked at No. 3 in the United Kingdom and No. 5 in Australia and the Netherlands. The song also reached number two on the Music Week Dance Singles chart and number one on the European Dance Radio Chart by Music & Media .

Contents

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Leave it to this savvy duo to find a different route for its pop-drenched reggae attitude. Hip-shaking staccato beats are prominent in an arrangement of loopy horns and playful vocals. In its original form, this bright and sunny tune will breathe fresh air into any station it graces." [2] In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton noted, "Latest ragga hit to come out of nowhere is this one. From the Shabba Ranks school of mellow laidback dancehall it makes a startling debut." [3] Ian McCann from NME said, "Usual stuff about dancing and fun, and maybe hampered radio-wise by Chaka reaching a climax in the first verse. But a wonderful record, as magical as several ducks flying over in the twilight, and a hit as big as a planet. Pluto, perhaps." [4]

Neil Spencer from The Observer complimented the song as "itchy". [5] Brad Beatnik from the Record Mirror Dance Update commented, "The waves caused by Shaggy and this duo's previous hit "Murder She Wrote" should make this a surefire crossover hit. Its sparse rhythm and chugging chorus will make it irresistible on the floor." [6] Another Record Mirror editor, James Hamilton, described it as "deceptively fast mid-Sixties ska sample based crooning and toasting bouncy light cool reggae breeze". [7] Siân Pattenden from Smash Hits gave "Tease Me" three out of five, noting that "this has a "backbeat" that's something else and a gloppy Indian drum which sets it apart. Music you go down to the wilderness of the country to." [8]

Music video

A music video was produced to promote the single. It depicts the duo performing prancing around in a busy African city. Other scenes show them driving around in a red car or performing on the beach. Female dancers follow the duo. In between, there is footage of different people and scenes of the daily life in the city. [9] The video was A-listed on France's MCM in November 1994. [10]

Track listings

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [36] Gold35,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [42] Gold400,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

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