Shake You Down (album)

Shake You Down is the debut album from R&B singer-songwriter Gregory Abbott. It was self-written and produced, being released by Columbia Records in 1986.

Shake You Down
Studio album by
Gregory Abbott
ReleasedFebruary 1, 1986
Recorded1985–86
StudioAtlantic Studios (New York City, NY), Sonic Sound (Freepoint, NY), Unique Recording Studio (New York City, NY) & Grabbitt Studios.
Genre
Length31:35
LabelColumbia
ProducerGregory Abbott
Gregory Abbott chronology
Shake You Down
(1986)		 I'll Prove It to You
(1988)
Singles from Shake You Down
  1. "Shake You Down"
    Released: August 1986
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Christgau's Record GuideB+[1]

In the US, two singles were released from the record (Europe saw a third single-release with "You're My Angel"); the title track was a massive hit single, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. The other, "I Got The Feelin' (It's Over)" was an R&B hit as well, reaching number 5 on that chart. On the strength of the singles, the album went platinum; it reached that certification on February 2, 1987.

Reception

The Village Voice critic Robert Christgau said that Abbott tries to be "a great love man without a great voice", but "by reinventing a black pop of modest means, he takes a first step toward returning that great crossover in the sky to the people."[1]

AllMusic's Craig Lytle retrospectively gave the recording 4 of 5 stars, saying it "has an even flow. All the tracks have that mid-tempo rhythm. The quality vocals, light production touches, and effervescent melodies are attractive attributes."[2]

Track listing

All songs written and produced by Gregory Abbott. (Copyright CBS Songs/Control)

  1. "I Got the Feelin' (It's Over)" – 4:05
  2. "Say You Will" – 4:00
  3. "Shake You Down" – 4:05
  4. "You're My Angel" – 3:55
  5. "Magic" – 4:02
  6. "Wait Until Tomorrow" – 3:51
  7. "Rhyme and Reason" – 3:36
  8. "I'll Find a Way" – 4:07

Personnel
  • Gregory Abbott – lead vocals, backing vocals, keyboards, drums (1, 4, 6-8), percussion, arrangements
  • Alan Palanker – keyboards, co-arrangements (2–5, 7, 8)
  • Marlon Graves – guitars
  • T.M. Stevens – bass
  • David Beal – drums (2, 3, 5)
  • John Licitra – flute, saxophones
  • Aida Foreman – backing vocals
  • Robert Deadmon – backing vocals (3)

Production
  • Charles Koppelman – executive producer
  • Gregory Abbott – producer
  • Gerry Comito – engineer, recording
  • Mark Larson – design
  • Raul Vega – photography

Certifications
Certifications for Shake You Down
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[3] Gold 50,000^
United States (RIAA)[4] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Notes
  1. Christgau, Robert (1990). "A". Christgau's Record Guide: The '80s. Pantheon Books. ISBN 0-679-73015-X. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  2. AllMusic Review
  3. "Canadian album certifications – Gregory Abbott – Shake You Down". Music Canada. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  4. "American album certifications – Gregory Abbott – Shake You Down". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
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