Identify Yourself is the thirteenth album by American R&B group the O'Jays, released on the Philadelphia International Records label in 1979. It was recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, with four tracks produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, three by group members Eddie Levert and Walter Williams and one by the esteemed Philadelphia producer and composer Thom Bell.
The album reached No. 3 on the US R&B albums chart and No. 16 on the pop albums chart, and was certified platinum for sales of over one million copies sold. Two singles from the album reached the top ten on the R&B singles chart in the United States: "Sing a Happy Song" (No. 7) and "Forever Mine" (No. 4); the latter peaking at No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the group's last single to reach the pop top 50.
Critical reception
The Bay State Banner wrote that Eddie Levert "transforms 'Forever Mine' into an awesome, engrossing and soulful summation of great love music, just as Smokey Robinson does on 'Cruising'."
Track listing All songs written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, except where noted.
Side one "Sing a Happy Song" – 5:03 "Get On Out and Party" (Walter Williams, Terry Stubbs, Leroy Simmons, Mike Jackson) – 5:04 "Identify" – 4:56 "So Nice I Tried It Twice" (Williams, Jackson, Willie Ross) – 5:50
Side two "Hurry Up and Come Back" (Eddie Levert, Jackson, Williams) – 5:09 "Forever Mine" – 6:10 "I Want You Here with Me" – 5:28 "One in a Million (Girl)" (Thom Bell, Joseph Ericksen) – 3:55
Personnel Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, Sammy Strain – vocals Don Renaldo – horns, strings Roland Chambers, Dennis Harris, Anthony Bell, Bobby Eli – guitar Quinton Joseph, Leon "Ndugu" Chancler, Charles Collins – drums James Williams, Willie Ross, Bob Babbitt – bass guitar James Mtume, David Cruse – percussion Leon Huff, Mike Jackson, Thom Bell – keyboards Lenny Pakula, Dunn Pearson – organ Ed Shea – timpanies
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1979) Peakposition
Year-end charts Chart (1980) Position US Billboard 200 97 US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) 18
Singles "Sing a Happy Song" (US R&B No. 7, UK No. 39) "I Want You Here with Me" (US R&B No. 49) "Forever Mine" (US R&B No. 4, US Pop No. 28) "Hurry Up and Come Back"
References