"Do What You Do" is a song by American R&B singer Jermaine Jackson. It was released in October 1984 as the second US single from his self-titled album (marketed as Dynamite in international territories), and as the fourth single in Europe, serving as the follow-up to the hit single "When the Rain Begins to Fall".

The single was one of Jackson's first major releases with Arista Records, following a lengthy career with Motown Records both as a member of the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist.

The song became a commercial success, securing its place as one of his six top 20 solo hits on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at No. 13.Whitburn, Joel (1996). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits, 6th Edition (Billboard Publications), page 309. Additionally, the ballad reached No. 14 on the Billboard R&B chart and spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.Hyatt, Wesley (1999). The Billboard Book of #1 Adult Contemporary Hits (Billboard Publications), page 289. Internationally, the single peaked at No. 29 on Canada's RPM Top Singles chart and became one of Jackson's biggest hits in the United Kingdom, reaching No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart.

In the ballad, Jackson pleads with his lover to recreate the romance and intimacy they shared in the past, singing in the chorus: 'Do what you do / when you did what you did to me'''

Background "Do What You Do" was recorded during a pivotal moment in Jackson's career. After spending 13 years with Motown Records, Jackson left the label in 1983 and signed with Arista Records. The self-titled album (released internationally as *Dynamite*) marked his debut with Arista.

The release of the single coincided with Jackson's high-profile reunion with his brothers for The Jacksons' 1984 Victory Tour, which brought him significant media attention and helped boost the song's commercial success.

In the United States, the vinyl single of "Do What You Do" featured Jackson's duet with his brother Michael, "Tell Me I'm Not Dreamin' (Too Good to Be True)", as its B-side.Campbell, Lisa D. (1993). Michael Jackson: The King of Pop. Branden Books. . Due to legal disputes between Arista and Epic Records, the duet could not be officially released as an A-side single, which led to high radio airplay and increased sales for the "Do What You Do" single.Halstead, Craig; Cadman, Chris (2007). Michael Jackson: For The Record. Authors OnLine. .

Composition "Do What You Do" is a mid-tempo R&B and pop ballad built around a lush synthesizer arrangement and a steady electronic drum beat, characteristic of mid-1980s pop production. The song is written in the key of F-sharp minor with a moderate tempo, featuring an emotional and soulful vocal performance by Jackson. Lyrically, the track explores themes of heartbreak, nostalgia, and longing, as the narrator pleads with a former lover to recreate the intimacy they once shared.

Music video The music video, directed by Bob Giraldi and produced by Anthony Payne, was an imitation of The Godfather'', and supermodel Iman played Jackson's love interest who eventually betrays him by trying to shoot him. After his henchmen take her away, it is not revealed what happened to her.

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1984–1985) Peakposition

Year-end charts Chart (1985) Position Belgium (Ultratop Flanders) 13 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 38 Netherlands (Single Top 100) 43 US Billboard Hot 100 90 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard) 12

Certifications

See also List of Hot Adult Contemporary number ones of 1984

References