In a Special Way

In a Special Way is the third studio album by DeBarge, released by Gordy Records on September 24, 1983. Written and produced by El DeBarge with additional writing by Mark, James and Bunny DeBarge. The album reached gold after the releases of the following singles "Time Will Reveal" and "Love Me in a Special Way" (which features fellow Motown artist Stevie Wonder on harmonica), which hit number one on the Billboard R&B and adult contemporary singles chart respectively. The album is most memorable for not only its singles but album tracks such as "Stay with Me" and "A Dream" - largely due to subsequent sampling in modern hip-hop and R&B tracks. The album has been regarded by some critics as a "classic" in the family group's catalog.

Background and recording

Group member Bunny DeBarge revealed the group were given complete creative control because Motown Records founder Berry Gordy liked their sound. Gordy also liked the sound of their brothers' band Switch - who were also signed to Motown - which prompted him to sign DeBarge as well. Originally performing as a gospel group, the siblings changed to performing secular music after gospel music labels didn't know how to market them. After making the move to Los Angeles, DeBarge signed with a small label Source Records- much to Bunny's chagrin. She asked the record company CEO to let them out of their contract, to which he obliged. Their older brother Bobby DeBarge set up a meeting with Jermaine Jackson and Hazel Gordy to sign with Motown as Jermaine and Hazel were also responsible for bringing Switch to the label. Due to them still being contractually obligated to another label at the time, they couldn't speak to the group, as it would have been seen as a breach of contract. After waiting out the label release, the group met with Jackson and were signed to Motown.

In a Special Way (album)

For the 1983 DeBarge album, see In a Special Way

In a Special Way is an album by American jazz pianist Gene Harris recorded in 1976 and released on the Blue Note label.

Reception

The Allmusic review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine awarded the album 4 stars stating "Harris crafted a record that revels in contemporary soul trends from the mid-'70s -- lite funk in the vein of EWF, disco, Philly soul, and vapid fusion. The production is heavy-handed and glossy, filled with drippy strings, thumping beats, wordless backing vocals, and silly synthesized effects. Through it all, Harris plays exactly like he always does, as if he were oblivious to his surroundings".

Track listing