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Mr. Wendal
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox song
| name = Mr. Wendal
| cover = Arrested Development - Mr. Wendal.jpg
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = Arrested Development
| album = 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of...
| released = December 7, 1992
| recorded = 1991
| studio =
| venue =
| genre = Hip hop
| length = 4:06
| label = EMI, Chrysalis
| writer = Todd Thomas, Sylvester Stewart
| producer = Speech
| prev_title = People Everyday
| prev_year = 1992
| next_title = Revolution
| next_year = 1992
| misc =
}}
"'Mr. Wendal'" is a song recorded and released by American rap group Arrested Development in 1992 from their debut album, '3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of...' (1992). In Europe and Australia, it was issued as a double A-side with their following single, "Revolution."
In the United States, the song peaked at number six on the 'Billboard' Hot 100, selling 500,000 copies and earning a gold certification. Worldwide, it reached the top 10 in Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Content
The song was written about the plight of the homeless and encourages people not to ignore them just because of their status or how they look, but instead to learn from their non-materialistic lifestyles.
The song features a sample from "Sing a Simple Song" by Sly and the Family Stone.
Critical reception
Larry Flick from 'Billboard' described "Mr. Wendal" as "another gem". He added, "Once again, lyrics that realistically reflect the strife and struggle of survival during these racially tense times are woven into an easy-going pop/hip hop groove. Icing on the cake are rich and soulful vocals at the chorus." Dave Sholin from the 'Gavin Report' said the song is "entertaining, thought-provoking and cutting-edge". British magazine 'Music Week' stated that the follow up to "People Everyday" "is a wordy, worthy successor", adding "there's no familiar tune to latch on to this time, just a doodling instrumental in which they leave for a rap groove , at least some sizable gaps, giving the track room to breathe." The magazine also wrote that the song "will be a considerable hit." Mark Sutherland from 'Smash Hits' rated it five out of five, calling it a "deliciously laidback rap number".
Music video
The song's music video was directed by Keith Ward. It was nominated in the category for Best R&B Music Video at the 1994 Soul Train Music Awards.
Charts and certifications
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
In popular culture
* This song was played during the first-season finale episode of the American primetime television soap opera Melrose Place on May 26, 1993.
* In 1993 Kids Incorporated covered "Mr. Wendal" in the Season 9 episode "One Man Band".[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpSQWDsxVow Kids Incorporated - Mr. Wendal ]
References
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