Song#: 1338
Date: 02/05/1983
Debut: 70
Peak: 31
Weeks: 17
Genre: R&B
Pop Bits: This group of siblings from Grand Rapids, Michigan, got a leg up in the music biz thanks to their brothers Bobby and Tommy who were members of the Motown band Switch. Switch had grabbed three Top 10 R&B hits from 1978-80 for the label so when four younger DeBarge siblings formed a group, the elder brothers helped them get the attention of Berry Gordy. Gordy signed them up and in 1981 they released their debut album "The DeBarges." The album tanked, but Gordy's confidence in the group led them back to the studio. They added another brother to the lineup and the quintet released their second LP "All This Love." This time around their smooth R&B/AC sound clicked and this second single from the album got to #2 at R&B. The song got enough attention at pop to send the single into the Top 40.
ReduxReview: I'd have to say that my overall critique of this song would be that "I Like It!" Randy and El DeBarge share lead vocals on the tune with El handling the soaring passages at the end, which he did in one take. This is the song that set the group up for further success and it's a gem of a tune. Silky and creamy with a sprinkle of funk, the song is a delicious treat.
ReduxRating: 7/10
Trivia: Double Shot! 1) Okay, so there are five DeBarges in the group plus two others in Switch. So how many DeBarge siblings are there? The final count is ten. Known mainly by their nicknames, the DeBarges from oldest to youngest are Bunny, Bobby, Tommy, Randy, Marty, El, James, Chico, Peaches, and Young. All were born between 1955 and 1969 with the two youngest, Peaches and Young, being twins. All have been involved in the music business and have released recordings. DeBarge was made up of Bunny, Randy, Marty, El, and James. Bobby and Tommy were in Switch. Chico and Young had a solo careers while Peaches later recorded a gospel album in 1991 with other DeBarge family members. 2) This song was remade in 1993 by house music trio Jomanda. Their version reached #83 pop, #45 R&B, and #29 dance. The trio's best effort was the 1991 #1 dance hit "Got a Love for You," which reached #40 on the pop chart.
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Oh, I just love DeBarge - they were so smooth. I was too young to remember these guys when they hit but I feel like looking back they were severely underrated.
ReplyDeleteThey had some great singles and were very talented. I think they could have done a lot more had addictions not got in the way. So unfortunate.
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