Criticize (song)

"Criticize"
U.S. cover art
Single by Alexander O'Neal
from the album Hearsay
B-side "A Broken Heart Can Mend" / "Fake (Extended Version)" (UK 12" only)
Released September 23, 1987 (September 23, 1987)
Format
Recorded 1986
Genre R&B
Length 4:09 (album version)
4:00 (single version)
Label Tabu
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Alexander O'Neal singles chronology
"Fake"
(1987)		 "Criticize"
(1987)		 "String Module Error: Match not found"
(1988)

"Fake"
(1987)		 "Criticize"
(1987)		 "Never Knew Love Like This" (with Cherrelle)
(1988)

"Criticize" is a song written by Alexander O'Neal and Jellybean Johnson and recorded by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It was the second single from O'Neal's second solo album, Hearsay (1987). The song's distinctive backing vocals were performed by Lisa Keith. Following the successful chart performances of the Hearsay single "Fake", "Criticize" was released as the album's second single.

Meaning

The songs lyrics are a personal commentary, critical of a nagging ex-lover, who criticizes his "friends", "ideals", "lifestyle", and "feeling[s]". It is possible that the ex-lover suffers from Narcissistic Personality Disorder given some of the traits listed in the lyrics to the song (i.e constant put downs and potential isolation from friends).

Release

The song was O'Neal's biggest hit in Britain, where it reached No. 4 in the United Kingdom and on the R&B chart in O'Neal's native United States. It was also one of his only two hits to chart in the Republic of Ireland (reaching No. 14). "Criticize" reached No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song is featured in the soundtrack of the video game Grand Theft Auto IV on the in-game radio station "The Vibe 98.8".

Track listing

  • 12" Maxi (Tabu TBU 651158 6)
  1. "Criticize (Remix)" - 7:00
  2. "Criticize (Edit)" - 3:55
  3. "Criticize (A Cappella)" - 2:40
  4. "Criticize (Critical Mix)" - 5:30
  5. "Criticize (Critical Edit)" - 3:45
  6. "Criticize (Critical Dub)" - 4:30
  7. "Criticize (Nag Mix)" - 1:35
  • 12" Single
  1. "Criticize (Remix)" - 7:00
  2. "Criticize (Critical Mix)" - 5:30
  3. "Fake (Extended Version)" - 5:20
  • 7" Single (Tabu 651158 7)
  1. "Criticize" - 4:00
  2. "A Broken Heart Can Mend" - 3:40

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.[1]

Sales chart performance

Peak positions

Chart (1987) Position
Germany (Official German Charts)[2] 24
Ireland (IRMA)[3] 14
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 17
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[4] 40
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[5] 4
US Billboard Hot 100[6] 70
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[7] 21
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[8] 4

References

  1. ↑ Hearsay liner notes. Tabu Records. 1987.
  2. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Alexander O'Neal – Criticize". GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  3. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Criticize". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  4. ↑ "Charts.nz – Alexander O'Neal – Criticize". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  5. ↑ "Alexander O'Neal: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Alexander O'Neal Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  7. ↑ "Alexander O'Neal Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  8. ↑ "Alexander O'Neal Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 18, 2017.


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