"All This Love" by DeBarge

Song#:  1423
Date:  04/23/1983
Debut:  83
Peak:  17
Weeks:  19
Genre:  R&B, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  The siblings hit the big time when their single "I Like It" became a #2 R&B hit (#31 Pop). This second single, the title track from their album "All This Love," was another winner reaching #5 at R&B. At Pop it surpassed the first single by getting into the Top 20. The song's crossover appeal paid off in a big way when it reached #1 at AC. The multi-format hit put the family in the spotlight and set them up well for further success.

ReduxReview:  This was the song that made me a fan of the group. They really perfected their smooth R&B/AC style with this tune. Although it's a family group, this basically was a solo effort (writing/singing) by El DeBarge with the fam singing some backup. It set El apart from the family and it quickly became obvious that he was the standout of the group. They would break away from the ballads in a couple of years, but for now their lovely tunes were gaining fans from all over.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) El DeBarge wrote this song with Marvin Gaye in mind. He had hopes that the R&B legend would record the tune since they were on the same label. Unfortunately, it came at a time when Gaye decided to switch labels and the change left DeBarge and his song hangin' out in the cold. But no worries. The family chose to record the song and they ended up with the hit. Later, another R&B superstar, Patti LaBelle, recorded the song for her 1994 album titled "Gems." The song was issued as a single and it reached #42 on the R&B chart.  2) The guitar solo in the song was supplied by Latin superstar José Feliciano.

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