"Trouble in Paradise" by Jarreau

Song#:  1601
Date:  09/10/1983
Debut:  89
Peak:  63
Weeks:  7
Genre:  R&B, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  Al Jarreau's LP Jarreau was another hit for him reaching #13 Pop, #4 R&B, and #1 Jazz. It was helped along by the album's first single, "Mornin'," which hit #21 Pop, #6 R&B, and #2 AC. A second single, "Boogie Down," could only make inroads at R&B going to #9, but by this time the album was well on its way to going platinum. This third single was issued and AC fell in love with it sending the song to #10. However, Pop and R&B (#66) were not as thrilled and it dropped off the charts after a few weeks.

ReduxReview:  The title of this song is deceptive. I expected something darker - either a brooding ballad or mysterious R&B groove that describes the trouble. Instead, we get a crossover jazz/soft rock tune with optimistic lyrics that tell you to get up, get out and find a new flame! Bleh. I'm not feelin' it. The tinny synth-driven production doesn't help either. It's not a bad tune, but it's not a very good pop single and Jarreau has recorded better songs. I wasn't a fan of "Boogie Down," but I prefer it to this forgettable track.

ReduxRating:  4/10

Trivia:  This song was co-written by Greg Mathieson, Jay Graydon, and Trevor Veitch. Veitch and Mathieson had major success earlier as producers of Toni Basil's #1 hit "Mickey." Veitch also wrote the English lyrics to the Europop tune "Gloria," which became a #2 hit for Laura Branigan. Veitch was also a musician who played on many recordings. He also attempted his own music career in the late 60s with the folk group 3's a Crowd. They released one album in 1968 titled Christopher's Movie Matinee. It didn't get anywhere, but the LP is famous for being co-produced by The Mamas & the Papas' Cass Elliot. It was one of her very rare production credits.

_________________________________________________________________________________