Criticize (song)


"Criticize" is a song by American recording artist 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. Following the successful chart performances of the Hearsay single "Fake", "Criticize" was released as the album's second single.

Meaning

The song's lyrics are a personal commentary, critical of a nagging ex-lover, who criticizes his "friends", "ideals", "lifestyle", and "feeling".

Release

The song peaked at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming his biggest hit there, and in 2020 became O'Neal's first single to be certified Silver in the UK. In O'Neal's native United States, it peaked at No. 4 on the R&B chart, and No. 70 on the main Billboard Hot 100. It was also one of his only two hits to chart in the Republic of Ireland.

In popular culture

The song is featured in the soundtrack of the video game Grand Theft Auto IV on the in-game radio station "The Vibe 98.8".

Track listing

  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 " - 1:35
  1. "Criticize " - 7:00
  2. "Criticize " - 5:30
  3. "Fake " - 5:20
  1. "Criticize" - 4:00
  2. "A Broken Heart Can Mend" - 3:40

    Personnel

Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.

Peak positions

Certifications

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

  1. "Criticize " – 3:59
  2. "Criticize " – 4:38
  3. "Criticize " – 6:56
  4. "Criticize " – 4:20
  1. "Criticize " – 6:56
  2. "Criticize " – 3:59
  3. "Criticize " – 4:38
  1. "Criticize 1999 " – 7:22
  2. "Criticize 1999 " – 6:05
  3. "Criticize 1999 " – 8:30
  4. "Criticize 1999 " – 7:52
  1. "Criticize " – 9:52
  2. "Criticize " – 6:56
  3. "Criticize " – 7:49
  1. "Criticize '99 " – 7:49
  2. "Criticize '99 " – 7:54
  1. "Criticize 1999 " – 7:22
  2. "Criticize 1999 " – 6:05
  3. "Criticize 1999 " – 8:30