Shake You Down is the debut album by American R&B singer-songwriter Gregory Abbott. It was self-written and produced by Abbott, being released by Columbia Records in 1986.
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."
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."
Track listing All songs written and produced by Gregory Abbott. (copyright CBS Songs/Control)
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
Notes
External links