Saturday, November 29, 2008
"Nice 'N' Slow," Freddie Jackson (8/27/88)
The release of a new Jackson album - his third, 1988's Don't Let Love Slip Away - of course, meant some more chart-toppers, especially coming on the heels of his massive sophomore effort. That album, Just Like the First Time, was actually bigger than his first time, spinning off an astounding quintet of top-2 singles (including the Melba Moore-top-billed "A Little Bit More"), so expectations were justifiably high for Jackson's third time around. It came as no surprise, then, when the album's opening single became yet another smash, tying the mark as one of '88's longest-running #1s (at a mere 3 weeks, as there were a ridiculous 34 #1s on the R&B chart in '88 - but longest-running is still longest-running, however you slice it). Jackson really didn't mess with his oh-so-winning formula here, putting forth another sexy mid-tempo groover seemingly custom-made for maximum rotation on R&B radio and BET's Video Soul. The song's sythesized production works perfectly, and Jackson sings as gorgeously as ever atop the keyboards and drum patterns: "smooth, smooth sailing," indeed. He made it look way too easy. For those keeping score at home, this was his seventh #1 in just over 3 years. (It was also his last glimpse of the pop chart, peaking at #61.) A-
The release of a new Jackson album - his third, 1988's Don't Let Love Slip Away - of course, meant some more chart-toppers, especially coming on the heels of his massive sophomore effort. That album, Just Like the First Time, was actually bigger than his first time, spinning off an astounding quintet of top-2 singles (including the Melba Moore-top-billed "A Little Bit More"), so expectations were justifiably high for Jackson's third time around. It came as no surprise, then, when the album's opening single became yet another smash, tying the mark as one of '88's longest-running #1s (at a mere 3 weeks, as there were a ridiculous 34 #1s on the R&B chart in '88 - but longest-running is still longest-running, however you slice it). Jackson really didn't mess with his oh-so-winning formula here, putting forth another sexy mid-tempo groover seemingly custom-made for maximum rotation on R&B radio and BET's Video Soul. The song's sythesized production works perfectly, and Jackson sings as gorgeously as ever atop the keyboards and drum patterns: "smooth, smooth sailing," indeed. He made it look way too easy. For those keeping score at home, this was his seventh #1 in just over 3 years. (It was also his last glimpse of the pop chart, peaking at #61.) A-
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