The Lovers (Alexander O'Neal song)

"The Lovers"
Single by Alexander O'Neal
from the album Hearsay
Released	1988 (1988)
Recorded	1986
Genre	R&B
Length	4:38 (album version)
Label	Tabu
Songwriter(s)	Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Producer(s)	Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Alexander O'Neal singles chronology
"Never Knew Love Like This" (1988) "The Lovers" (1988) "(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me" (1988)

"The Lovers" is a song written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and recorded by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It is the fourth single from the singer's second solo album, Hearsay (1987). The song's distinctive backing vocals were performed by Cherrelle and Lisa Keith. Following the successful chart performances of the Hearsay singles "Fake", "Criticize", and "Never Knew Love Like This", "The Lovers" was released as the album's fourth single.

Release

Alexander O'Neal's 10th hit single and it reached #28 in the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, the single reached #41 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks.

Track listing

• 12" Maxi (Tabu 4Z9 07812)

1. "The Lovers (Extended Version)" – 7:02
2. "The Lovers (A Cappella)" – 5:16
3. "The Lovers (Radio Edit)" – 5:16
4. "The Lovers (Instrumental)" – 7:02

• 7" Single (Tabu ZS4 07795)

1. "The Lovers" – 3:50
2. "The Lovers (Instrumental)" – 3:50

• CD Single (Tabu 651595 2)

1. "The Lovers (Extended Version)" – 7:02
2. "The Lovers (Bonus Beats)" – 5:00
3. "The Lovers (Instrumental)" – 7:02

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.

• Alexander O'Neal – lead vocals
• Jimmy Jam – drum and keyboard programming, keyboards, percussion, handclaps
• Terry Lewis – percussion, backing vocals
• Steve Hodge – percussion
• Cherrelle, Randy Ran, Lisa Keith – backing vocals
• Jellybean Johnson, James 'Popeye' Greer, Kelli Anderson – handclaps

Charts

Chart performance for "The Lovers"

Chart (1988)	Peak position
UK Singles Chart	28
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs	41

External links

• "The Lovers" at Discogs (list of releases)