Jermaine Jackson – Do What You Do: A Soulful Plea for Love’s Restoration
In the realm of soul music, Jermaine Jackson stands as a prominent figure, his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics having etched an indelible mark on the genre’s landscape. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “Do What You Do” stands out as a poignant ballad that captures the complexities of love, loss, and the yearning for reconciliation.
Background
Released in 1984 as the second single from his album Jermaine Jackson, “Do What You Do” showcases Jackson’s songwriting prowess and ability to deliver emotive ballads that resonate with listeners. The song topped the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, cementing its status as a soul classic.
The song’s narrative follows a man desperately pleading with his former lover to rekindle their lost love. Jackson’s vocals are imbued with a raw emotion that perfectly conveys the protagonist’s anguish and longing. The lyrics, co-written by Larry Ditomaso and Ralph Dino, paint vivid imagery of a love once shared and now seemingly lost.
The chorus serves as a powerful refrain, capturing the protagonist’s heartfelt plea:
“Do what you do when you did what you did to me Love was so good, it filled up all my needs I was crazy for you, you were crazy for me How could something so right go so wrong”
The song’s arrangement is a masterful blend of soulful melodies and driving rhythms. The instrumentation, featuring keyboards, bass, and drums, provides a solid foundation for Jackson’s vocals, allowing his emotions to take center stage.
“Do What You Do” has become a timeless soul anthem, its message of love, loss, and the desire for reconciliation resonating with listeners across generations. Jackson’s heartfelt performance and the song’s evocative lyrics have cemented its place in the pantheon of soul music classics.
Beyond its commercial success, “Do What You Do” has garnered critical acclaim for its emotional depth, powerful vocals, and soulful arrangement. The song has been praised for its ability to capture the universal human experience of heartbreak and the longing for love’s restoration.
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Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by Larry Ditomaso, Ralph Dino, and Jermaine Jackson.
- It was released in 1984 as the second single from Jackson’s album Jermaine Jackson.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- “Do What You Do” has been covered by numerous artists, including Luther Vandross and Mary J. Blige.