"The Rain" is a song by American R&B singer Oran "Juice" Jones, released from his debut album, Juice. The song's lyrics involve a man confronting his lover regarding her infidelity. At the end of the track is a long recitation written by Vincent Bell, who also composed the music. The song's music video features actress Danita Davis as Jones' girlfriend.
Reception The single was Jones's biggest hit; it reached number one on the US Billboard Hot Black Singles for two weeks, making it the first number-one R&B hit issued by the then newly created Def Jam record label. The single also peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside the United States, "The Rain" reached number four on the UK Singles Chart, and was nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male at the 29th Annual Grammy Awards in 1987. Jones never had another Hot 100 hit, and left the music business after his third album failed to chart. "The Rain" is ranked number 63 on VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the '80s.
Charts
Weekly charts +Weekly chart performance for "The Rain"Chart (1986–1987)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)85Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)11Greece (IFPI)2US Billboard Hot 1009US 12-inch Singles Sales (Billboard)5US Dance/Disco Club Play (Billboard)7US Hot Black Singles (Billboard)1
Year-end charts +Year-end chart performance for "The Rain"Chart (1986)PositionUK Singles (OCC)73US 12-inch Singles Sales (Billboard)36US Hot Black Singles (Billboard)16 Chart (1987)PositionBelgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)91Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)58Netherlands (Single Top 100)50West Germany (Media Control)37
Certifications
Answer records Several answer records were recorded after the success of "The Rain". All were released in 1986. “Thunder & Lightning”, performed by Miss Thang, was released by Tommy Boy Records. "Walkin in the Rain, Yes You Saw Me" by Pamala was released by Evejim Records. "The Drain", recorded by Leot Littlepage, was released on Select Records.
In popular culture In 2018, Donald Glover parodied the song in a Saturday Night Live sketch written by and co-starring cast member Cecily Strong and also featuring Kenan Thompson. Glover played "Raz P. Berry," singing "The Night (I Watched You)." Instead of ending with the usual string of threats and revenge, the whole song turns out to be a disastrous case of mistaken identity.
References