Sherrick is the only studio album from American soul singer and musician Sherrick, released by Warner Bros. in 1987. It was largely produced by Michael Stokes and Sherrick, except two tracks, one which was produced solely by Sherrick and another by Bobby Sandstrom and Steve Barri.
Background Although it failed to enter the US Billboard 200 chart, Sherrick reached No. 44 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart. In the UK, the album reached No. 27.
Singles Five singles were released from the album. "Just Call" was the most successful single, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, No. 26 in Ireland, and No. 23 in the UK. "Let's Be Lovers Tonight" was a UK only release which peaked at No. 63. A cover of The Originals Marvin/Anna Gaye-penned track "Baby I'm for Real" managed to peak at No. 53 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. The next single was the US release of "Tell Me What It Is", which failed to make any charting impact, while "This Must Be Love" was released in the UK only as a promotional 12" vinyl single.
Reception
Upon release, Billboard wrote: "'Just Call' is a pop hit in the UK, boding well for crossover here. Rest of the material hews to the mainstream as well, but lingering soullessness of arrangements often offsets appeal of Sherrick's impressive vocals."Billboard magazine - August 29, 1987 - Album Reviews - page 80 The Philadelphia Inquirer commented: "This singer possesses a big, burly croon reminiscent of Teddy Pendergrass, and shares that singer's weakness - poor material. Even strong, charming singing cannot save the series of macho-man-in-love scenarios he seems to favor all too much."
In a retrospective review, Andrew Hamilton of AllMusic stated: "Sherrick's only solo shot displayed the problematic singer's compelling way with words, music, and writing skills. His strong tenor caresses and entices on "Just Call" and a strong rendition of "Baby I'm for Real". Mike Stokes and Sherrick contributed the bulk of the original songs that speak of love, love, and more love."
Track listing
Charts Album Chart (1987)Peakposition UK Albums Chart27 US Billboard R&B Albums44
Singles Just Call Chart (1987)Peakposition Ireland Singles Chart26 UK Singles Chart23 US Billboard Hot Black Singles8
Let's Be Lovers Tonight Chart (1987)Peakposition UK Singles Chart63
Baby I'm for Real Chart (1987)Peakposition US Billboard Hot Black Singles53
Personnel Producers – Michael Stokes (tracks 1–6, 8), Sherrick (tracks 1–6, 8, 9), Bobby Sandstrom (track 7), Steve Barri (track 7) Executive Producer – Benny Medina, Ray Singleton Mastering – Brian Gardner Rhythm Arrangements Arrangement - Michael Stokes (tracks 1–6, 8, 9), Sherrick (tracks 1–6, 8, 9), Richard Elliot (track 7) String Arrangements – Gene Page, Sherrick Vocal Arrangements – Sherrick Art Direction, Logo Design – Kav Deluxe Clothing For G.H.Q. (cover photography) – Axis Hair (cover photography) – Alison Greenpalm, Toni Greene Make-Up (cover photography) – Tara Posey Nails (cover photography) – Renee Photography – Jeff Katz
References