"Suddenly" by Billy Ocean

Top 10 Alert!

Song#:  2266
Date:  03/23/1985
Debut:  66
Peak:  4
Weeks:  22
Genre:  Pop, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  Ocean was on a roll with his previous singles, "Caribbean Queen" and "Loverboy," hitting #1 and #2, respectively on the Pop chart. For his next single, this title-track to his triple-platinum album was issued. It became his first #1 hit at AC while reaching the Top 10 at Pop and #5 R&B. It also got to #4 in the UK becoming his biggest hit there to-date.

ReduxReview:  I didn't get into his previous two hits, but when this ballad came out, I fell for it. It had a Lionel Richie feel to and also seemed to incorporate elements of Burt Bacharach. The song was lovely without being overbearing. I like that Ocean held back and didn't stray into big-ass ballad territory. He also turns in a nice vocal performance that is relaxed and perfect for the mood of the tune. It was the only 45 single I ever bought by Ocean.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  For his Suddenly album, Ocean teamed up with fellow Trinidadian Keith Diamond. Diamond produced the album and co-wrote four songs with Ocean including "Suddenly" and "Caribbean Queen." Diamond would go on to work with artists like Sheena Easton, Michael Bolton, and Mick Jagger. He would also have success with the funk/new jack group Starpoint. He co-produced their most successful album, 1985's Restless. It featured their biggest hit, "Object of My Desire," which got to #8 R&B, #12 Dance, and #25 Pop. That song was co-written by Diamond.

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