"Groove Thang" is a song by American R&B group Zhané from their debut album, Pronounced Jah-Nay (1994). Released in January 1994, by Motown, it was produced by and features a rap verse from Naughty by Nature. Written by group member Renée A. Neufville, the song is based on a sample of "Haven't You Heard" as performed by Patrice Rushen. It peaked at number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100. A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Markus Blunder.
Critical reception Jose F. Promis at AllMusic considered "Groove Thang" to be "smooth and infectious" but noted its similarity to the group's previous single, stating that it "sounds like 'Hey Mr. D.J.' part two." J.D. Considine from The Baltimore Sun described it as "near-irresistible" and a "sturdy, bass-thumping number". Larry Flick from Billboard magazine noted that it "is propelled by precious lead vocals and a chorus that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Plush instrumentation is another plus in the act's bid to keep the momentum at radio and retail in high gear. Overall, odds are in its favor." Ralph Tee from Music Weeks RM Dance Update named it "a fresh new tune destined to do huge things", "with chirpy vocals and a bouncy mid-tempo dance groove". James Hamilton described it as a "slowed down Patrice Rushen 'Haven't You Heard' based sweet slinky strong jogger" in his weekly RM dance music column.
Track listings 12-inch vinyl "Groove Thang" (LP version) – 3:54 "Groove Thang" (Kay Gee's remix) – 4:25 "Groove Thang" (remix instrumental) – 4:29 "Groove Thang" (acapella) – 3:38 "Groove Thang" (Maurice's club mix) – 7:40 "Groove Thang" (Maurice's Groove dub) – 7:06
Maxi-CD single' "Groove Thang" (LP version) – 3:54 "Groove Thang" (Kay Gee's remix) – 4:25 "Groove Thang" (Maurice's club mix) – 7:40 "Groove Thang" (Maurice's Groove dub) – 7:06 "Groove Thang" (remix instrumental) – 4:29
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1994)PeakpositionCanada Retail Singles (The Record) 2Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) 84Europe (European Dance Radio) 6Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade) 17Netherlands (Single Top 100 Tipparade) 4UK Dance (Music Week) 5UK Club Chart (Music Week) 3US Billboard Hot 100 17US Dance Club Play (Billboard) 13US Hot R&B Singles (Billboard) 2US Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard) 1US Top 40/Mainstream (Billboard) 33US Top 40/Rhythm-Crossover (Billboard) 4US Cash Box Top 100 17
Year-end charts Chart (1994)PositionCanada Top Singles (RPM) 41UK Club Chart (Music Week) 72US Billboard Hot 100 74US Hot R&B Singles (Billboard) 20US Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard) 25
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United StatesJanuary 1994MotownJapanFebruary 25, 1994Mini-CDUnited KingdomMarch 7, 1994AustraliaApril 4, 1994
References