Criticize (song)


"Criticize" is a song by the American singer Alexander O'Neal, written by O'Neal and Jellybean Johnson. It was the second single from O'Neal's second solo album, Hearsay. The song's distinctive backing vocals were performed by Lisa Keith.

Release

In the US, "Criticize" reached number four on the R&B chart, and number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Criticize" reached number four on the UK singles chart, becoming O'Neal's biggest hit in Britain, and in 2020 was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry. It reached number 14 on the Irish Singles Chart.

Music video

The music video was directed by Marcelo Anciano.

Track listing

12" Maxi
  1. "Criticize " – 7:00
  2. "Criticize " – 3:55
  3. "Criticize " – 2:40
  4. "Criticize " – 5:30
  5. "Criticize " – 3:45
  6. "Criticize " – 4:30
  7. "Criticize " – 1:3512" Single
  8. "Criticize " – 7:00
  9. "Criticize " – 5:30
  10. "Fake " – 5:207" Single
  11. "Criticize" – 4:00
  12. "A Broken Heart Can Mend" – 3:40

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.

Re-recording

Alexander O’Neal re-recorded “Criticize” in 1998 with producers Errol Jones and John Girvan. The song was released as a commercial single, peaking at number 51 on the UK Singles Chart.

Track listing

UK CD Single
  1. "Criticize " – 3:59
  2. "Criticize " – 4:38
  3. "Criticize " – 6:56
  4. "Criticize " – 4:20UK 12” Single
  5. "Criticize " – 6:56
  6. "Criticize " – 3:59
  7. "Criticize " – 4:38Germany 12” Single
  8. "Criticize 1999 " – 7:22
  9. "Criticize 1999 " – 6:05
  10. "Criticize 1999 " – 8:30
  11. "Criticize 1999 " – 7:52Germany 12” Single
  12. "Criticize " – 9:52
  13. "Criticize " – 6:56
  14. "Criticize " – 7:49Italy 12” Single
  15. "Criticize '99 " – 7:49
  16. "Criticize '99 " – 7:54Italy 12” Single
  17. "Criticize 1999 " – 7:22
  18. "Criticize 1999 " – 6:05
  19. "Criticize 1999 " – 8:30