Format 7"
12" Genre R&B | Recorded 1986 | |
B-side "A Broken Heart Can Mend" / "Fake (Extended Version)" (UK 12" only) Released September, 1987 (September, 1987) Length 4:09 (album version)
4:00 (single version) | ||
"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.
Contents
Meaning
The songs lyrics are a personal commentary, critical of a nagging ex-lover, who criticizes his "friends", "ideals", "lifestyle", and "feeling[s]".
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.
In popular culture
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
- "Criticize (Remix)" - 7:00
- "Criticize (Edit)" - 3:55
- "Criticize (A Cappella)" - 2:40
- "Criticize (Critical Mix)" - 5:30
- "Criticize (Critical Edit)" - 3:45
- "Criticize (Critical Dub)" - 4:30
- "Criticize (Nag Mix)" - 1:35
- "Criticize (Remix)" - 7:00
- "Criticize (Critical Mix)" - 5:30
- "Fake (Extended Version)" - 5:20
- "Criticize" - 4:00
- "A Broken Heart Can Mend" - 3:40
Personnel
Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.