Derrick Dunn

Second Listen Sunday : Billy Ocean, Suddenly

My choice for this week’s Second Listen Sunday is a singer who had already been in the music industry for almost a decade before one of his songs dethroned Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You” and reached the Number One spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

That man was Billy Ocean, and the song was “Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)” from his fifth album Suddenly. Arriving in record stores on 12 September 1984, the album was led by the single “Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run),” a ditty of a song centered on the adage of love at first sight. The song was the first of many collaborations between Ocean and maestro Keith Diamond.

Ocean released “Loverboy” as the second single album. This track was produced by Keith Diamond, who had worked with Michael Jackson, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who had previously produced multiple hits for Def Leppard and AC/DC. “Loverboy” uniquely blends R&B, soul, and rock and is still one of Ocean’s most popular songs. “Loverboy” has a catchy chorus, foot-tapping beats, and a strong bassline, making it perfect for the dance floor. The song’s lyrics revolve around Ocean’s longing for a special lady. Ocean conveys a sense of intense yearning and longing through his passionate expression of desire, reflected in his soulful delivery of the lines.

The connection between Diamond and Ocean was palpable in their collaboration on the third single and titular track of their album. “Suddenly” is widely considered the most notable song of the album and continues to be one of Ocean’s signature tunes. The ballad is a testament to Ocean’s exceptional vocal abilities, with its beautifully crafted tune and deeply emotional lyrics that leave a lasting impression on listeners. The memorable melodies and heartfelt lyrics of “Suddenly” have made it a timeless classic. Ocean would release two more singles from the album “Mystery Lady” and The Beatle’s cover, “Long Winding Road,” but neither made a chart dent the way the previous singles did.

Nevertheless, almost forty years later, it still sounds good. In terms of production, Suddenly boasts a polished and timeless sound that has aged well, thanks to the expert craftwork of Keith Diamond. The album’s instrumentation is rich, featuring a combination of electronic and traditional R&B elements that were popular in the 1980s. Suddenly is a solid and cohesive album that effectively captures the essence of 1980s R&B and pop music. Billy Ocean’s soulful delivery and the album’s well-crafted production make it a memorable and enjoyable listening experience for fans of the era.

Final Grade: B+

Suddenly is available on all streaming platforms.

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Slow Jam Saturday : Chauncey Black, “Everyday Is Your Birthday”

July 26, 2026

This week’s Slow Jam Saturday pick takes us back to 2008 to show some love to Chauncey Hannibal, a member of Blackstreet, and his solo track “Everyday Is Your Birthday.” Chauncey’s vocals were featured prominently on the group’s first four albums until he began his solo career in 2005. He initially signed with Flipmode Entertainment, and “Everyday Is Your Birthday” was the first single from his project titled “Church Boy,” although the actual album was never released.

Second Listen Sunday: Brooke Valentine, “Chain Letter”

July 26, 2026

As my loyal readers know, one of my passions during my Air Force enlistment was being a DJ. Since I was stationed in the UK, it was sometimes hard to keep up with the music scene, as there was no satellite radio, the club scene rarely showcased new music, and I missed out on shows like 106 & Park. Often, I would buy new CDs based solely on their covers and find a way to incorporate the music into my sets, particularly if the artist caught my attention. One such artist was Brooke Valentine, who is this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.

Second Listen Sunday : Akon, Konvicted

July 19, 2026

Since my wife’s favorite solo artist, Ne-Yo, is currently on tour, I decided to show some love to Akon this week for Second Listen Sunday by focusing on his second album, “Konvicted.” I first discovered Akon in the fall of 2004 when I made my DJ debut while stationed in the UK. During my warm-up set, I played “Locked Up,” and one of the bouncers came over, handed me a pound, and said it was about time someone played that song.