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Give It Up, Turn It Loose
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Wikipedia article
"'Give It Up, Turn It Loose'" was the fourth single from American R&B/pop vocal group En Vogue's second album, 'Funky Divas' (1992). The song's title is a reference to the 1969 James Brown song "Give It Up or Turnit a Loose". Released on November 12, 1992, the single reached number 15 on the US 'Billboard' Hot 100, number 16 on the 'Billboard' Hot R&B Singles chart, and number 22 on the UK Singles Chart. In 1994, it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. This song features Maxine Jones on lead entirely.
Critical reception
In his review of 'Funky Divas', AllMusic editor Jose F. Promis described it as a "doo wop good-feelin'"-song. Daryl Easlea for BBC noted its "smooth old-school groove". Larry Flick from 'Billboard' wrote that the group vocally "glides with ease over a languid, retro-soul shuffle beat. Jazzy flutes and restrained funk guitars add texture that will warm the hearts of pop and urban folks alike." Randy Clark from 'Cashbox' stated, "Although they use the same basic sound and style, these Funky Divas have opted for a more smooth and kicked back approach on this track, compared to their current spirited hit single, with an over-all vibe that's slightly reminiscent of Cheryl Lynn's 'Got to Be Real'." John Martinucci from the 'Gavin Report' said that "Maxine and the girls are giving some sisterly advice for those who are stuck in dead end relationships." He called it a "down-tempo track".
Music writer James Masterton wrote in his weekly UK chart commentary, "If anything 'Give it Up' has less to recommend it than some of the others and so is unlikely to end up one of their bigger hits." Pan-European magazine 'Music & Media' commented, "In which direction will the catwalk lead this time? To soul music a la the Pointer Sisters, or four Mariah Careys." Pop Rescue called it "such a funky track". Mark Sutherland from 'Smash Hits' gave the song four out of five, adding, "Not quite as snazzy as their last two hits, but still rather fabulous. The four Voguestresses strut about funkily and inform us that "love knocks you on your behind" in such a poignant fashion that you can only nod sagely and mutter 'how true'." Cheo H. Coker from 'Stanford Daily' noted that it is "perhaps the most enjoyable on the album; the jam is the catchiest thing since its Debarge predecessor, "I Like It", from which it takes its inspiration."
Music video
The accompanying music video for "Give It Up, Turn It Loose" was directed by German feature film director and producer Marcus Nispel. It is made in black-and-white and features the group performing in a beauty parlor while clips of life in the city play throughout the video. It was published on YouTube in April 2015. The video has amassed almost 1 million views as of September 2021.
Track listings
* 'US cassette single'
# "Give It Up, Turn It Loose" (LP edit)
# "You Don't Have to Worry" (club remix)
* 'US maxi-single'
# "Turn It Loose" (Kevin's Extended R&B Mix) 5:17
# "Turn It Loose" ("Welcome to the Ghetto" Hip Hop Mix) 5:26
# "Turn It Loose" (Kevin's Extended Jazz Mix) 4:58
# "Turn It Loose" (Somethin' for the People Remix) 5:50
* 'UK CD single'
# "Give It Up, Turn It Loose" (LP edit) 4:05
# "Free Your Mind" (Theo's Rap and Wreck Mix) 5:41
# "Hold On" (radio version with intro) 5:02
# "Give It Up, Turn It Loose" (Kevin's Jazz Mix) 4:20
* 'UK 7-inch vinyl'
:A. "Give It Up, Turn It Loose" (LP edit) 4:05
:B. "Free Your Mind" (Theo's Rec & Wreck Remix) 5:41
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
References
Category:1992 singles
Category:1992 songs
Category:Black-and-white music videos
Category:East West Records singles
Category:En Vogue songs
Category:Music videos directed by Marcus Nispel
Category:Songs written by Denzil Foster
Category:Songs written by Thomas McElroy
Category:Song recordings produced by Foster & McElroy
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