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Single Reviews
DANCE
JEROME MIKULICH featuring NATURE LOVE “It Feels Right”
PRODUCER: Jerome Mikulich
WRITER: Jerome Mikulich
PUBLISHER: Agile Auspex, ASCAP
REMIXER: The Clubhouse Team
Clubhouse 134 (c/o Emotive)
Pop/house twirler will have folks gleefully reaching for their old disco paraphernalia. Kinetic, lively
percussion kicks, while Love has a spirited presence. ... Cute one.
Other reviews in the article were...
POP
JANET JACKSON That's The Way Love Goes
(4:26)
PRODUCERS: Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson
WRITERS: J. Jackson, J. Harris III, T. Lewis
PUBLISHERS: Black Ice, BMI; Flyte Tyme, ASCAP
REMIXER: CJ Mackintosh
Virgin 12773 (c/o CEMA) (cassette single)
given depth by Jackson^s caressing, whispery vocal and fluid guitar lines. CJ Mackintosh provides
several trend-conscious remixes, though nothing matches beauty of the original album version—which
several trend-conscious remixes, though nothing matches beauty of the original album version—which
will steam up top 40, urban, AC, and dance formats within seconds.
will steam up top 40, urban, AC, and dance formats within seconds.
GEORGE MICHAEL & QUEEN Somebody To
Love (5; 17)
PRODUCERS: George Michael & Queen WRITER: F. Mercury
PUBLISHERS: Queen/Beechwood, BMI Hollywood 10307 (cassette single)
Michael steps into the late Freddie Mercury's shoes on this faithful rendition of a gem from the Queen
catalog. His live performance with the band during last year's tribute concert for Mercury can be heard
on Michael's "Five Live" AIDS benefit EP. Besides supporting an important cause, record also manages to
succeed on a creative level; Michael turns in a rousing, heartfelt vocal and Brian May's guitar licks are
typically strong. Early radio and sales promise a quick sprint up the charts.
UB40 Can't Help Falling In Love (3:23)
PRODUCERS: UB40
WRITERS: G.D. Weiss, H. Peretti, L. Creatore PUBLISHERS: Gladys/Williamson, ASCAP Virgin 12772 (c/o
CEMA) (cassette single)
U.K. dancehall stars indulge in Elvis Presley memories on this first single from the soundtrack to Sharon
Stone's new movie, "Sliver." Track has a pillowy, midtempo pace that dabbles in island beats and radio-
conscious funk. Brassy horns are a jolting, though ultimately pleasing, element in the arrangement. A fun
respite from usual top 40 fare.
TOY BOY You Ain't Packin' (5:07)
PRODUCER: Person "P-Funk" Middleton
WRITERS: P. Middleton, D. Adams, L Turner, L.
Deguzman, D. Bingham
PUBLISHERS: Phoenix America Songs/Adams Apple, BMI
Onyx/Biscayne Europa 30051 (CD single)
What it is that he is packin' is the basis for a double-entendre-filled look at the ongoing battle of the sexes.
Shuffling pop/urban beat-base rolls along nicely, while the male and female members of the group cut one
another down in cute raps and vocal passages. Imaginative jam doesn't declare winner, but it sure does
open up a fun (if not tried-and-true) can of worms. Have a spin.
R & B
JODECI Let's Go Through The Motions (4:15)
PRODUCER: DeVante Swing
WRITERS: D. Swing, C. Elliott
PUBLISHER: not listed
REMIXER; Darryl Pearson
Uptown/MCA 54636 (c/o Uni) (cassette single)
Quartet teases its legion of fans with a new tune, taken from the soundtrack to "Who's The Man?" Rockin'
funk/swing beats poke into thick layers of harmonies, flexing lead vocals, and butch raps. Way-catchy
workout will sail up urban charts in the blink of an eye. Now, how 'bout a new album, guys?
S.W.V. Weak (4:54)
PRODUCER: Brian Alexander Morgan WRITER: B.A. Morgan PUBLISHER: Barn Jams, BMI RCA 62521 (c/o
BMG) (cassette single)
Follow-up to the gold-selling "I'm So Into You" soothes and caresses with a blend of nicely sculptured, En
Vogue-like harmonies and a sing-along chorus. Track gains subtle movement from its finger-snappin'
retro-soul groove. Label is smartly launching this single in the urban arena, where support has been
ardent. Concentrated top 40 push is planned in the coming weeks.
TISHA CAMPBELL Love Me Down (3:59)
PRODUCER: Vassal Benford WRITERS: V. Benford, A. Tatum PUBLISHER: not listed REMIXER: John "L.A.
Jay" Barnes Capitol 79604 (c/o CEMA) (cassette single)
Actress-tumed-singer continues her bid for radio play with jacked-up bit o' R&B romance. Campbell has a
warm and engaging vocal style, and is at home inside an arrangement of midtempo beats and plush
keyboards, courtesy of the increasingly hot Vassal Benford. Sultry whispers midway through the track
likely will have male urbanites hyperventilating.
COLIN ENGLAND Come Over, Baby (3:37) PRODUCERS: Roy "Dog" Pennon, Hakeem Abdulsamad
WRITERS: R. Pennon, C. England, G. Cox, H. Abdulsamad PUBLISHERS: Fat HaVCznin/Buff Man, BMI; T-
Porsa/EMI-Virgin, ASCAP Motown 6310992 (c/o PGD) (cassette single)
England dons the guise of new-jack Romeo with mixed results. He certainly has an enticing vocal style.
Unfortunately, he has to work overtime to rise above a busy arrangement that holds few (if any)
surprises. The track starts on a promising note, but never really kicks in. Still, record deserves a whirl or
two—if only for England's performance.
VERTICAL HOLD Seems You're Much Too Busy (4:37)
PRODUCERS: Vertical Hold
WRITERS: A. Stone, K. Khaleel
PUBLISHERS: Music Corp. Of America/Baby Diamond, BMI;
Colgems-EMI/Mantronik, ASCAP
REMIXERS: Dave Shaw, Winston Jones, Dave Darlington
A&M 8083 (c/o PGD) (12-inch single)
Slinky urban/funk jam is proof that an act does not have to clunk you over the head in order to be
effective. A slowly ingratiating funk groove clips along at a comfy pace, while easy-going harmonies
cushion a soft and soulful lead vocal. Wisely, each remix (even the house version) maintains the quiet
strength of the original track. A nice change of pace.
COUNTRY
GEORGE STRAIT When Did You Stop Loving Me(2:48)
PRODUCERS: Tony Brown, George Strait
WRITERS: M. Holmes, D. Kees
PUBLISHER: not listed
MCA 54642 (c/o Uni) (7-inch single)
This is Strait at his best. Backed by a great, weeping steel guitar, he moans the blues in classic country
style.
PEARL RIVER Fool To Fall (4:02)
PRODUCER: Jerry Crutchfield
WRITERS: W. Newton, L. Stewart
PUBLISHERS:Warner-Tamerlane/Writer's House/Larry -
Stewart, BMI
Liberty 79635 (c/o CEMA) (CD promo)
This tender, contemplative bit of self-examination is the antithesis of macho country. Strong lead vocals
and properly wistful harmonies.
BRIAN JAMES One Single Night (2:39)
PRODUCER: Blake Mevis
WRITERS: L. Williams, K. Bergsnes, H. Rippy
PUBLISHERS: Acuff-Rose/Hidden Harbor, BMI; Haven
Harbor, ASCAP
Wamer Bros. 6134 (CD promo)
With his Haggardesque vocals and dynamic delivery, James sounds like a star right out of the box. He is
aided immeasurably by the thoughtful—and quotable—lyrics, a good example of which is, "That old
double-standard has doubled back on me."
DANCE Continued
RUPAUL Back To My Roots (7:15)
PRODUCER: Eric Kupper
WRITERS: R. Charles, J. Harry, E. Kupper
PUBLISHERS:T-Boy/SayLove/Whorga Musica/Squalene/
EM I, ASCAP
Tommy Boy 564 (12-inch single)
After saturating the media in support of the smash "Supermodel," RuPaul aims to prove her potential for
longevity with a festive house ditty that extols the
MALAIKA Got to Know (Your Name) (7:42)
PRODUCER: Steve "Silk" Hurley WRITERS: S. Hurley, E. Miller, T. Miller, J. Principle PUBLISHERS: Last
Song/Third Coast, ASCAP REMIXERS: Maurice Joshua, Todd Terry, Jason Hess A&M 8135 (c/o PGD) (12-
inch single)
Diva-in-training who scored several months back with "So Much Love" offers the title track from her
debut album. In its original form, the song is a shuffling jack-pop jaunt. Club punters, however, are served
smokin' house revisions by -Maurice Joshua and Todd Terry, who have a field day with the song's ample
hook and Malaika's sassy vocal. Destined for success.
HIGH SOCIETY FEATURING STEPHANIE McKAY All My Love (I Surrender) (7:45) PRODUCERS: Sean
Tucker, Frederick Jorio WRITERS: S. Tucker, F. Jorio
PUBLISHERS: Jorio/Money & Love/Rising Notes, ASCAP Project X 19923 (12-inch single)
McKay strikes a seductive vocal pose, while producers Scan Tucker and Frederick Jorio weave a dark
and jazzy deep-house beat foundation. Beneath all of the style and moody club vibes lies a strong
pop/R&B tune that could make the move in mainstream radio circles with the right promotional push.
Regardless, dance tastemakers should jump on it out of the box. Contact: 212-255-0242.
OSCAR G. OF MURK PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS TILT On My Mind (no timing listed)
PRODUCER: Oscar Gaeton WRITER: 0. Gaeton
PUBLISHER: Renegade One, ASCAP One 12004 (12-inch single)
A member of the up-and-coming Murk Productions posse steps out on his own for a moment to deliver a
salacious slice of dark house. Minor-key synths are laid over a rigid beat, while vocal loops and sound
effects swirl about. An underground delight. Also, be sure to check out the equally cool "Yeah ..." on the
flipside. Contact: 212-757-4671.
LaTOUR Hypnomania (7:52)
PRODUCER: Mark Picchiotti
WRITER: La Tour
PUBLISHERS: Songs Of PolyGram/Take-2, BMI
REMIXERS: Maurice Joshua, Mark Picchiotti, Dave Sears
Smash 880004 (c/o Island) (12-inch single)
Chicago artist who generated attention in 1991 with "People Are Still Having Sex" returns with a sharper,
more intense techno tone. Rapid beats are countered with his deep-voiced chatting and pulsating synths.
A variety of remixes aims to entice exposure at all possible dance formats.
DANCE
JEROME MIKULICH featuring NATURE LOVE “It Feels Right”
PRODUCER: Jerome Mikulich
WRITER: Jerome Mikulich
PUBLISHER: Agile Auspex, ASCAP
REMIXER: The Clubhouse Team
Clubhouse 134 (c/o Emotive)
Pop/house twirler will have folks gleefully reaching for their old disco paraphernalia. Kinetic, lively
percussion kicks, while Love has a spirited presence. ... Cute one.
Other reviews in the article were...
POP
JANET JACKSON That's The Way Love Goes
(4:26)
PRODUCERS: Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson
WRITERS: J. Jackson, J. Harris III, T. Lewis
PUBLISHERS: Black Ice, BMI; Flyte Tyme, ASCAP
REMIXER: CJ Mackintosh
Virgin 12773 (c/o CEMA) (cassette single)
given depth by Jackson^s caressing, whispery vocal and fluid guitar lines. CJ Mackintosh provides
several trend-conscious remixes, though nothing matches beauty of the original album version—which
several trend-conscious remixes, though nothing matches beauty of the original album version—which
will steam up top 40, urban, AC, and dance formats within seconds.
will steam up top 40, urban, AC, and dance formats within seconds.
GEORGE MICHAEL & QUEEN Somebody To
Love (5; 17)
PRODUCERS: George Michael & Queen WRITER: F. Mercury
PUBLISHERS: Queen/Beechwood, BMI Hollywood 10307 (cassette single)
Michael steps into the late Freddie Mercury's shoes on this faithful rendition of a gem from the Queen
catalog. His live performance with the band during last year's tribute concert for Mercury can be heard
on Michael's "Five Live" AIDS benefit EP. Besides supporting an important cause, record also manages to
succeed on a creative level; Michael turns in a rousing, heartfelt vocal and Brian May's guitar licks are
typically strong. Early radio and sales promise a quick sprint up the charts.
UB40 Can't Help Falling In Love (3:23)
PRODUCERS: UB40
WRITERS: G.D. Weiss, H. Peretti, L. Creatore PUBLISHERS: Gladys/Williamson, ASCAP Virgin 12772 (c/o
CEMA) (cassette single)
U.K. dancehall stars indulge in Elvis Presley memories on this first single from the soundtrack to Sharon
Stone's new movie, "Sliver." Track has a pillowy, midtempo pace that dabbles in island beats and radio-
conscious funk. Brassy horns are a jolting, though ultimately pleasing, element in the arrangement. A fun
respite from usual top 40 fare.
TOY BOY You Ain't Packin' (5:07)
PRODUCER: Person "P-Funk" Middleton
WRITERS: P. Middleton, D. Adams, L Turner, L.
Deguzman, D. Bingham
PUBLISHERS: Phoenix America Songs/Adams Apple, BMI
Onyx/Biscayne Europa 30051 (CD single)
What it is that he is packin' is the basis for a double-entendre-filled look at the ongoing battle of the sexes.
Shuffling pop/urban beat-base rolls along nicely, while the male and female members of the group cut one
another down in cute raps and vocal passages. Imaginative jam doesn't declare winner, but it sure does
open up a fun (if not tried-and-true) can of worms. Have a spin.
R & B
JODECI Let's Go Through The Motions (4:15)
PRODUCER: DeVante Swing
WRITERS: D. Swing, C. Elliott
PUBLISHER: not listed
REMIXER; Darryl Pearson
Uptown/MCA 54636 (c/o Uni) (cassette single)
Quartet teases its legion of fans with a new tune, taken from the soundtrack to "Who's The Man?" Rockin'
funk/swing beats poke into thick layers of harmonies, flexing lead vocals, and butch raps. Way-catchy
workout will sail up urban charts in the blink of an eye. Now, how 'bout a new album, guys?
S.W.V. Weak (4:54)
PRODUCER: Brian Alexander Morgan WRITER: B.A. Morgan PUBLISHER: Barn Jams, BMI RCA 62521 (c/o
BMG) (cassette single)
Follow-up to the gold-selling "I'm So Into You" soothes and caresses with a blend of nicely sculptured, En
Vogue-like harmonies and a sing-along chorus. Track gains subtle movement from its finger-snappin'
retro-soul groove. Label is smartly launching this single in the urban arena, where support has been
ardent. Concentrated top 40 push is planned in the coming weeks.
TISHA CAMPBELL Love Me Down (3:59)
PRODUCER: Vassal Benford WRITERS: V. Benford, A. Tatum PUBLISHER: not listed REMIXER: John "L.A.
Jay" Barnes Capitol 79604 (c/o CEMA) (cassette single)
Actress-tumed-singer continues her bid for radio play with jacked-up bit o' R&B romance. Campbell has a
warm and engaging vocal style, and is at home inside an arrangement of midtempo beats and plush
keyboards, courtesy of the increasingly hot Vassal Benford. Sultry whispers midway through the track
likely will have male urbanites hyperventilating.
COLIN ENGLAND Come Over, Baby (3:37) PRODUCERS: Roy "Dog" Pennon, Hakeem Abdulsamad
WRITERS: R. Pennon, C. England, G. Cox, H. Abdulsamad PUBLISHERS: Fat HaVCznin/Buff Man, BMI; T-
Porsa/EMI-Virgin, ASCAP Motown 6310992 (c/o PGD) (cassette single)
England dons the guise of new-jack Romeo with mixed results. He certainly has an enticing vocal style.
Unfortunately, he has to work overtime to rise above a busy arrangement that holds few (if any)
surprises. The track starts on a promising note, but never really kicks in. Still, record deserves a whirl or
two—if only for England's performance.
VERTICAL HOLD Seems You're Much Too Busy (4:37)
PRODUCERS: Vertical Hold
WRITERS: A. Stone, K. Khaleel
PUBLISHERS: Music Corp. Of America/Baby Diamond, BMI;
Colgems-EMI/Mantronik, ASCAP
REMIXERS: Dave Shaw, Winston Jones, Dave Darlington
A&M 8083 (c/o PGD) (12-inch single)
Slinky urban/funk jam is proof that an act does not have to clunk you over the head in order to be
effective. A slowly ingratiating funk groove clips along at a comfy pace, while easy-going harmonies
cushion a soft and soulful lead vocal. Wisely, each remix (even the house version) maintains the quiet
strength of the original track. A nice change of pace.
COUNTRY
GEORGE STRAIT When Did You Stop Loving Me(2:48)
PRODUCERS: Tony Brown, George Strait
WRITERS: M. Holmes, D. Kees
PUBLISHER: not listed
MCA 54642 (c/o Uni) (7-inch single)
This is Strait at his best. Backed by a great, weeping steel guitar, he moans the blues in classic country
style.
PEARL RIVER Fool To Fall (4:02)
PRODUCER: Jerry Crutchfield
WRITERS: W. Newton, L. Stewart
PUBLISHERS:Warner-Tamerlane/Writer's House/Larry -
Stewart, BMI
Liberty 79635 (c/o CEMA) (CD promo)
This tender, contemplative bit of self-examination is the antithesis of macho country. Strong lead vocals
and properly wistful harmonies.
BRIAN JAMES One Single Night (2:39)
PRODUCER: Blake Mevis
WRITERS: L. Williams, K. Bergsnes, H. Rippy
PUBLISHERS: Acuff-Rose/Hidden Harbor, BMI; Haven
Harbor, ASCAP
Wamer Bros. 6134 (CD promo)
With his Haggardesque vocals and dynamic delivery, James sounds like a star right out of the box. He is
aided immeasurably by the thoughtful—and quotable—lyrics, a good example of which is, "That old
double-standard has doubled back on me."
DANCE Continued
RUPAUL Back To My Roots (7:15)
PRODUCER: Eric Kupper
WRITERS: R. Charles, J. Harry, E. Kupper
PUBLISHERS:T-Boy/SayLove/Whorga Musica/Squalene/
EM I, ASCAP
Tommy Boy 564 (12-inch single)
After saturating the media in support of the smash "Supermodel," RuPaul aims to prove her potential for
longevity with a festive house ditty that extols the
MALAIKA Got to Know (Your Name) (7:42)
PRODUCER: Steve "Silk" Hurley WRITERS: S. Hurley, E. Miller, T. Miller, J. Principle PUBLISHERS: Last
Song/Third Coast, ASCAP REMIXERS: Maurice Joshua, Todd Terry, Jason Hess A&M 8135 (c/o PGD) (12-
inch single)
Diva-in-training who scored several months back with "So Much Love" offers the title track from her
debut album. In its original form, the song is a shuffling jack-pop jaunt. Club punters, however, are served
smokin' house revisions by -Maurice Joshua and Todd Terry, who have a field day with the song's ample
hook and Malaika's sassy vocal. Destined for success.
HIGH SOCIETY FEATURING STEPHANIE McKAY All My Love (I Surrender) (7:45) PRODUCERS: Sean
Tucker, Frederick Jorio WRITERS: S. Tucker, F. Jorio
PUBLISHERS: Jorio/Money & Love/Rising Notes, ASCAP Project X 19923 (12-inch single)
McKay strikes a seductive vocal pose, while producers Scan Tucker and Frederick Jorio weave a dark
and jazzy deep-house beat foundation. Beneath all of the style and moody club vibes lies a strong
pop/R&B tune that could make the move in mainstream radio circles with the right promotional push.
Regardless, dance tastemakers should jump on it out of the box. Contact: 212-255-0242.
OSCAR G. OF MURK PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS TILT On My Mind (no timing listed)
PRODUCER: Oscar Gaeton WRITER: 0. Gaeton
PUBLISHER: Renegade One, ASCAP One 12004 (12-inch single)
A member of the up-and-coming Murk Productions posse steps out on his own for a moment to deliver a
salacious slice of dark house. Minor-key synths are laid over a rigid beat, while vocal loops and sound
effects swirl about. An underground delight. Also, be sure to check out the equally cool "Yeah ..." on the
flipside. Contact: 212-757-4671.
LaTOUR Hypnomania (7:52)
PRODUCER: Mark Picchiotti
WRITER: La Tour
PUBLISHERS: Songs Of PolyGram/Take-2, BMI
REMIXERS: Maurice Joshua, Mark Picchiotti, Dave Sears
Smash 880004 (c/o Island) (12-inch single)
Chicago artist who generated attention in 1991 with "People Are Still Having Sex" returns with a sharper,
more intense techno tone. Rapid beats are countered with his deep-voiced chatting and pulsating synths.
A variety of remixes aims to entice exposure at all possible dance formats.
| Member of the Gospel Music Association( GMA / CCM ) www.gospelmusic.org |
| All music copyright - Agile Auspex Music ASCAP |
