"Dynamite" by Jermaine Jackson

Song#:  1986
Date:  07/21/1984
Debut:  55
Peak:  15
Weeks:  17
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  Jackson's 1982 album Let Me Tickle Your Fancy would be the last one for his home label of Motown. The title track was a hit (#5 R&B/#18 Pop), but it seemed that Jackson was ready to move on. He signed on with Arista and began work on his debut album for that label. The self-titled LP was introduced by a first single title "Sweetest Sweetest." It ended up being a complete failure missing out on both the Pop and R&B charts. Hoping to turn things around, this second single was issued. Luckily, things went much, much better. The song took off and became Jackson's fourth R&B Top 10 (#8). Pop responded well with the tune peaking in the Top 20. It also got to #20 at Dance.

ReduxReview:  I liked this workout of a jam right off the bat. It's very hooky and the 80s flourishes in the production were used to great effect. Jackson served as producer for the song and he did a great job. The song had a different flavor than the usual pop candy on the chart and I think that helped the song along. The album was quite good as well. Clive Davis had a hand in all this and for a change he did quite well getting Jackson back on the hit making path.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  Despite the slow start, Jackson's album was catching on thanks to this hit. There was potential for an even bigger hit from the album, but circumstances killed its chances. The track "Tell Me I'm Not Dreamin' (Too Good to Be True)" featured a guest vocal appearance by Michael Jackson. With Michael's name and voice attached to the song, the catchy tune was poised to be a sizable hit. Unfortunately, issues arose between the artists' two labels (Arista and Epic) that they were unable to resolve and it prevented the release of the song as a single. Despite not being officially released, the song still got a lot of airplay, but airplay alone did not fit the criteria for charting at the time. However, airplay at clubs was all it needed to get on the Dance chart and the song went to #1 for three weeks. That was pretty good advertisement for the album, but this certainly was a missed opportunity for Jackson. It could have easily been one of his biggest solo hits. Alas, the music biz took that away. The song ended up garnering a Grammy nod for the brothers for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.

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