Shake You Down (album)
Shake You Down is the debut album from R&B singer-songwriter Gregory Abbott. It was self-written and produced, being released by Columbia Records in 1986.
Shake You Down | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | February 1, 1986 | |||
Recorded | 1985–86 | |||
Studio | Atlantic Studios (New York City, NY), Sonic Sound (Freepoint, NY), Unique Recording Studio (New York City, NY) & Grabbitt Studios. | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 31:35 | |||
Label | Columbia | |||
Producer | Gregory Abbott | |||
Gregory Abbott chronology | ||||
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Singles from Shake You Down | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Christgau's Record Guide | B+[1] |
In the US, two singles were released from the record (Europe saw a third single-release with "You're My Angel"); the title track was a massive hit single, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in '86. The other, "I Got The Feelin' (It's Over) was an R&B hit, as well, reaching number 5 on that chart. On the strength of the singles, the album went platinum; it reached that certification on February 2, 1987.
Reception
The Village Voice critic Robert Christgau said that Abbott tries to be "a great love man without a great voice", but "by reinventing a black pop of modest means, he takes a first step toward returning that great crossover in the sky to the people."[1]
AllMusic's Craig Lytle retrospectively gave the recording 4 of 5 stars, saying it "has an even flow. All the tracks have that mid-tempo rhythm. The quality vocals, light production touches, and effervescent melodies are attractive attributes."[2]
Track listing
All songs written and produced by Gregory Abbott. (Copyright CBS Songs/Control)
- "I Got the Feelin' (It's Over)" – 4:05
- "Say You Will" – 4:00
- "Shake You Down" – 4:03
- "You're My Angel" – 3:55
- "Magic" – 4:02
- "Wait Until Tomorrow" – 3:51
- "Rhyme and Reason" – 3:36
- "I'll Find a Way" – 4:07
Personnel
- Gregory Abbott: lead & backing vocals, keyboards, Roland TR-808, percussion, arrangements
- David Beal: drums (2, 3, 5)
- Robert Deadmon: backing vocals (3)
- Aida Foreman: backing vocals
- Marlon Graves: guitars
- John Licitra: flute, saxophone
- Alan Palanker: keyboards, co-arrangements (2–5, 7, 8)
- T.M. Stevens: bass
- Michael Boddicker: Yamaha DX7
Production
- Executive Producer: Charles Koppelman
- Produced by Gregory Abbott
- Recorded and Engineered by Gerry Comito
- Design: Mark Larson
- Photography: Raul Vega
Notes
- Christgau, Robert (1990). "A". Christgau's Record Guide: The '80s. Pantheon Books. ISBN 0-679-73015-X. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
- AllMusic Review