Return of the Mack (album)

Return of the Mack
Studio album by Mark Morrison
Released 22 April 1996 (1996-04-22)
Recorded 1995–1996
Genre
Length 48:49
Label
Producer
Mark Morrison chronology
Return of the Mack
(1996)		 Only God Can Judge Me
(1997)Only God Can Judge Me1997
Singles from Return of the Mack
  1. "Crazy"
    Released: 7 April 1995
  2. "Let's Get Down"
    Released: 20 September 1995
  3. "Return of the Mack"
    Released: 18 March 1996
  4. "Crazy (Remix)"
    Released: 9 July 1996
  5. "Trippin'"
    Released: 17 October 1996
  6. "Horny"
    Released: 19 December 1996
  7. "Moan and Groan"
    Released: 5 March 1997

Return of the Mack is the debut studio album by English singer-songwriter Mark Morrison. It was first released through his Mack Life Records imprint in the United Kingdom and then released by Atlantic Records in the United States, with distribution via Warner Music Group on April 22, 1996. The album includes a well-known popular song "Return of the Mack", in which the song stayed for a remarkable forty-one weeks on the US Billboard charts. Upon its release, Return of the Mack received mixed reviews from music critics, who praised Morrison's strong voice and entertaining songs, but described the album as having weak production. The album stayed for thirty-eight weeks on the UK Albums Chart, where it debuted and peaked at number 4, and became a certified platinum by British Phonographic Industry (BPI).[2] On the US Billboard 200, the album reached a peak of a number 76, however, it would eventually became a certified platinum by Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), due to the success of the single "Return of the Mack".[3] The album has since sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

The album made Morrison the first artist in British pop history to have five top ten singles from a debut album to chart on the UK Singles Chart. These singles included "Let's Get Down", "Return of the Mack", "Crazy (Remix)", "Trippin'", "Horny" and "Moan and Groan". The first single "Crazy" became a top twenty hit in the United Kingdom, a remix was also released, which peaked at number 6 in the United Kingdom. The single, "Return of the Mack" has become an international hit for spending two weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart, and one week at number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was listed at number 8 on the Billboard 200 year-end chart for 1997 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Morrison became the first black male solo artist to reach number one on the UK Singles Chart in the 1990s.[4] In 1997, he received four Brit Awards nominations, a Mercury Prize nomination, a MTV's Europe Music Awards nomination, and five Music of Black Origin Awards (MOBO) nominations. He would win the Best R&B song in the 1996's MOBO Awards for "Return of the Mack".[5]

Background

The album was released on 22 April 1996 through his own record label, Mack Life Records. The album was largely self-produced by Morrison, and was recorded over a two-year period. The album's release was preceded by the release of three singles.

Release and promotion

At the 1997 BRIT Awards held on 24 February 1997, he performed "Return of the Mack".

Singles

The debut song "Crazy" became a top 20 hit in the UK. It was later featured in the 1997 film Speed 2: Cruise Control and appeared on the film's soundtrack album. The second single was "Let's Get Down".

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[1]
Entertainment WeeklyB[6]

Return of the Mack received mixed reviews from music critics. Entertainment Weekly writer Matt Diehl wrote "its title, "Return of the Mack" sounds like another rap tale of gangsta paradise; instead, Mark Morrison comes off more like a funked-up Seal, promising revenge to a deceitful lover in a warbly croon." He goes onto add, "the end result is an odd but infectious new-jack-swing variation on Hey Joe, buoyed by bubbly beats and the insistent title refrain."

Track listing

Standard edition
No.TitleMusicProducer(s)Length
1."Home Part 1 (Interlude)"Billy MossMark Morrison, Phil Chill1:08
2."Crazy" (featuring Angie Brown and Daddy Wattsie)Jim AbbissMark Morrison, Phil Chill, Mykaell Riley3:41
3."Let's Get Down" (featuring Lady Juice, Yvonne J. Lewis, Darae, George Hammond Hagan & John Hammond Hagan)Marcellus FernandesBrockpocket for CBL3:53
4."Get High With Me" (featuring Imaani)R. Herrington, Mark Taylor, Phil ChillMark Taylor, Phil Chill3:58
5."Moan and Groan" (featuring Bev Skeete)Phil Bodger, Billy Moss, Don EPhil Chill5:27
6."Return of the Mack (C&J Street Mix)" (featuring Angie Brown)R. Herrington, Phil Chill, Al Christie, Mike McEvoyPhil Chill, Mark Morrison, Cutfather, Joe4:35
7."I Like" (featuring Yvonne J. Lewis, Darae, George Hammond Hagan & John Hammond Hagan)Marcellus FernandesBrockpocket for CBL3:49
8."Trippin'" (featuring Bev Skeete and Darae)Billy Moss, Phil Chill, Don EMark Morrison, Phil Chill4:45
9."Tears for You" (featuring Imaani and Mica Paris)Phil Bodger, Phil Chill, Mike McEvoyMark Morrison, Phil Chill,4:43
10."Horny" (featuring K–La)Mike McEvoy, Phil Chill, Jim AbbissMark Morrison, Phil Chill2:59
11."I Really Love You" (featuring Imaani)Phil Bodger, Phil ChillMark Morrison, Phil Chill4:06
12."Crazy (D-Influence Mix)" D-Influence, Mark Morrison, Phil Chill, Mykaell Riley4:21
13."Home Part 2 (Interlude)"Billy MossMark Morrison, Phil Chill1:16

Charts and certifications

Chart (1996–1997) Peak position
UK Albums Chart 4
US Billboard 200 79
US R&B/Hip Hop Albums 30

Release history

Region Date Label(s) Format
United Kingdom 22 April 1996 Mack Life Records, Warner Music Group CD, cassette, vinyl
United States 22 March 1997 Atlantic Records, Warner Music Group CD, cassette, vinyl

References

  1. 1 2 Erlewine, Stephen. Warner: Return of the Mack > Review at AllMusic. Retrieved 25 March 2012.
  2. ↑ https://archive.is/20120730033737/http://www.chartstats.com/release.php?release=47202
  3. ↑ https://www.billboard.com/artist/309555/mark+morrison/chart
  4. ↑ "'Return of the Mack' Hitmaker Mark Morrison Readies Third Album - Singersroom.com". singersroom.com. 16 May 2011. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  5. ↑ "The Mobo Awards - everyHit.com". www.everyhit.com. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
  6. ↑ ""Return of the Mack"". ew.com. 18 April 1997. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
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