Let’s act like Marty McFly, jump in the DeLorean, and go back to 1985. Of course, this was the year we saw the first installment of the classic Sci-Fi thriller, Back to the Future. However, it was the year our ears graced debuts by Alexander O’Neal and Freddie Jackson, two elite crooners of the decade.
Alexander O’Neal’s self-titled was released first, so we’ll start with that one. In 1985, Prince and Morris Day & The Time, among others, created a sound that could not be ignored. Hailing from Minneapolis, it would be coined the “Minneapolis Sound.” O’Neal, coming from the same city, was making his share of contributions to the subgenre as well with singles such as “If You Were Here Tonight,” “A Broken Heart Can Mend,” and “What’s Missing.” In fact, Minneapolis’ skyline could be seen in the former.
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Fellow Minnesotan duo, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, assisted with songwriting and production.
Alexander O’Neal peak at the number 92 spot on the Billboard 200 and number 21 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album was certified Gold.
Freddie Jackson released Rock Me Tonight a month later. It was a contrast in comparison to Alexander O’Neal and other crooners of the time. Freddie’s sound was a little more edgy. The edginess could be heard in “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake.”
“You Are My Lady,” “Love Is Just a Touch Away,” and “He’ll Never Love You” were some of the memorable songs from the album.
Barry Eastmond, a newbie at the time, did an exceptional job assisting Jackson with production.
The album peak at the number 10 spot on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album was certified Platinum.
Alexander O’Neal and Rock Me Tonight were the soundtrack for love making in the 80s. If you could choose one album to make love to, which one would it be?
Alexander O’Neal’s ‘Alexander O’Neal (Self-Titled)’ or Freddie Jackson’s ‘Rock Me Tonight’?
[Polls Are Closed!]
Alexander O’Neal – Alexander O’Neal (Self-Titled) – 75%
Freddie Jackson – Rock Me Tonight – 25%