Song#: 1751
Date: 01/14/1984
Debut: 84
Peak: 65
Weeks: 7
Genre: R&B
Pop Bits: These UK teens and their reggae sound grabbed an unexpected hit early in 1983 with "Pass the Dutchie." The tune would be a #1 hit in the UK and around Europe while going to #10 in the US (#8 R&B). With that hit and a duet with Donna Summer reaching the charts ("Unconditional Love"), the time was right to issue their second album, Different Style! True to its title, the LP pushed the teens in a more R&B direction, as heard on this single, while still incorporating the reggae of their first effort. The new direction was met with a shrug and both the single and album would disappear quickly. The failure of the album along with some inner group turmoil led to the break-up of Musical Youth in 1985.
ReduxReview: This was just too severe of a shift in style for the group. What endeared them to folks was their light reggae sound and their quirky teenage vocals. Sadly, some corporate or label dude probably thought that ditching the reggae in order to become more mainstream was a brilliant idea. It was not. This song basically strips the group of their musical identity. This could be any new R&B/Pop artist. It was really a shame. That said, I actually like the song. It's bouncy and fun and almost sounds like something Donna Summer might have recorded (it probably would have been better if she had). The unfortunate thing is that it sounds nothing like Musical Youth. Good song, horrible mistake.
ReduxRating: 6/10
Trivia: This song was penned by Terry Brittan, Sue Shifrin, and Bill Livsey and was initially demoed by Michael Jackson. It was a contender for his Thriller album, but in the end it was left on the shelf. Later in 1986, the song was redone and completed by Jackson for potential use, but once again it got sidelined. The demo version ended up leaked online and can be found on YouTube.
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