Hearsay (album)
Hearsay is the second studio album by American R&B singer Alexander O'Neal, released in 1987. It was a commercial and critical success, becoming his best-selling album.
Background and Production:
Following the relative success of his self-titled debut, O'Neal sought greater creative control for his sophomore effort. He collaborated extensively with the production team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who had previously worked on his debut. The album showcases a blend of soul, funk, and contemporary R&B sounds, highlighting O'Neal's powerful vocals and distinctive tenor.
Music and Lyrics:
Hearsay explores themes of love, relationships, and heartbreak. The album features both upbeat dance tracks and soulful ballads, demonstrating O'Neal's versatility. Lyrically, the songs delve into the complexities of human connection, examining the impact of rumors ("Hearsay"), the pain of lost love ("Never Knew Love Like This"), and the desire for lasting commitment ("Fake").
Singles:
The album spawned several successful singles, including:
- "Fake"
- "Criticize"
- "Never Knew Love Like This" (featuring Cherrelle)
- "Hearsay"
- "Sleepless"
Critical Reception:
Hearsay was generally well-received by critics, who praised O'Neal's vocal performance, the album's strong songwriting, and the polished production. The album's blend of styles was also lauded, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Commercial Performance:
The album reached number four on the Billboard 200 chart and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the United States. It achieved multi-platinum status, selling over three million copies in the U.S. alone. Hearsay also performed well internationally, cementing O'Neal's status as a major R&B artist.
Track Listing:
The track listing varies slightly depending on the version of the album. A common track listing includes:
- Intro
- Hearsay
- Fake
- Criticize
- The Lovers
- Sleepless
- All True Man
- Never Knew Love Like This (with Cherrelle)
- Sunshine
- Crying Overtime
- When the Party's Over
Personnel:
- Alexander O'Neal - Vocals
- Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis - Producers, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion
- Cherrelle - Vocals (on "Never Knew Love Like This")
- Various session musicians
Legacy:
Hearsay is considered a classic R&B album and remains a popular choice among fans of the genre. The album's singles continue to be played on radio stations and at parties. The album's success helped to solidify the careers of both Alexander O'Neal and the production team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.