Shake You Down
Studio album by
Gregory Abbott
ReleasedFebruary 1, 1986
Recorded1985–86
StudioAtlantic Studios (New York City, NY), Sonic Sound (Freepoint, NY), Unique Recording Studio (New York City, NY) & Grabbitt Studios.
Genre
Length31:35
LabelColumbia
ProducerGregory Abbott
Gregory Abbott chronology
Shake You Down
(1986) 		I'll Prove It to You
(1988)
Singles from Shake You Down
  1. "Shake You Down"
    Released: August 1986
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Christgau's Record GuideB+[1]

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."[1]

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."[2]

Track listing

All songs written and produced by Gregory Abbott. (Copyright CBS Songs/Control)

  1. "I Got the Feelin' (It's Over)" – 4:05
  2. "Say You Will" – 4:00
  3. "Shake You Down" – 4:03
  4. "You're My Angel" – 3:55
  5. "Magic" – 3:58
  6. "Wait Until Tomorrow" – 3:51
  7. "Rhyme and Reason" – 3:36
  8. "I'll Find a Way" – 4:07

Personnel

Production

Certifications

Certifications for Shake You Down
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[3] Gold 50,000^
United States (RIAA)[4] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Notes

  1. ^ a b Christgau, Robert (1990). "A". Christgau's Record Guide: The '80s. Pantheon Books. ISBN 0-679-73015-X. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  2. ^ AllMusic Review
  3. ^ "Canadian album certifications – Gregory Abbott – Shake You Down". Music Canada. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  4. ^ "American album certifications – Gregory Abbott – Shake You Down". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 22, 2022.

External links

Authority control databases
Categories