FYI: Originally Alexander O'Neal was supposed to be the lead singer for The Time. For whatever reason Morris Day was used instead.
The 1985 self-titled release was filled with streamlined grooves, including the funk jam "Innocent". The song was a funky Jam/Lewis groove, featuring "The Secret"- (Monte Moir, Cherrelle, Jellybean Johnson, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis). The song lasts for nearly 10 minutes, which consists of some exceptional guitar and keyboard solos, which also features the funk intermission of "Alex 9000". Alex's 1987 release, titled "Hearsay", includes the smash hit "Fake". "Fake" is arguably one of the best songs ever made to feature the "Minneapolis Funk" sound, the song was also nominated for a Soul Train Music Award for Single of the Year (Male). In late 1990, he had a minor hit with "All True Man."
His 1988 album "My Gift to You" was a successful holiday release, with the track "Our First Christmas" still popular during the holidays.
He has recently appeared in the celebrity duet show Just the Two of Us with BBC newsreader Fiona Bruce.
Alexander O'Neal's popularity and support in the UK has been immeasurable throughout his Career and still remains so today. Based in Minneapolis, he frequently commutes to Britain, which he sees as his 'Second Home'. All of his six albums have charted both in the UK and the US and he has enjoyed numerous sell-out tours. In 2005, he recorded his first live album "Alexander O'neal Live at Hammersmith Apollo". It's a collection of his Favorites and Biggest Hits from his career. With his personal love of performing on stage and constant tour support from his fans it was a clear progression for him to deliver the live experience in the form of an album. He has handpicked tracks that traverse the success of his career singing alongside a 12 piece band.
Alexander O'Neal releases his first Live DVD, taken from a performance at London's Hammersmith Apollo in March 2006 in January 2007.. It includes a duet with Uk Singer JC Bentley on Saturday Love.
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
What Is This Thing Called Love?
Alexander O'Neal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let's be more than just friends, I think it's time to take action
Can't get you off my mind, oh is this love I've fell in
CHORUS:
What is this thing called love, that makes me feel this way
It takes control of everything I do and say
What Is this thing called love, Is it a mood
It feels so good to he romantic, with you special woman
Someone who knows what you like, that keeps it fun
Baby you know you are the one who inspires my love
CHORUS
Sometimes you need it, sometimes you want it
Sometimes we let It run our lives
Sometimes you give it, sometimes you get it
Girl what I'd give for you to be mine
CHORUS
Looking high & low, trying to find
Searching for the answer to this thing called love
Something that we need so much, can hurt and tease
But please a broken heart
CHORUS
The song "What Is This Thing Called Love?" by Alexander O'Neal talks about the overpowering feeling of love and the confusion it can bring to one's life. The singer expresses his physical attraction to the woman he is talking about, and he is ready to take their relationship to the next level. To him, there is something more than just friendship, and he is stuck trying to understand this inexplicable feeling that has taken over his life.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the intensity of this feeling and how it controls his every action and word. The singer is baffled by love, wondering if it is just a mood or if there is more depth to it. The song also talks about the ups and downs of love, how it can run one's life or break their heart.
The lyrics of the song talk about the different facets of love, highlighting the confusion and intensity that can come with it. Through the lyrics, the singer is trying to understand this enigma of love.
Line by Line Meaning
I feel a physical attraction when I'm close to you
I experience a strong desire to be close to you when we're together
Let's be more than just friends, I think it's time to take action
We should move from being platonic friends to something more serious
Can't get you off my mind, oh is this love I've fell in
I am constantly thinking about you and wondering if my feelings for you are love
What is this thing called love, that makes me feel this way
I am unsure of what this feeling is that I have when I'm with you
It takes control of everything I do and say
This feeling is so strong that it influences my words and actions
What Is this thing called love, Is it a mood
I wonder if this feeling is simply a passing emotion
What is the meaning of, What Is this thing called love?
I am searching for a deeper understanding of this powerful feeling
It feels so good to he romantic, with you special woman
I find immense joy in being romantic with you, my special woman
Someone who knows what you like, that keeps it fun
You are someone who understands my preferences, making our relationship enjoyable
Baby you know you are the one who inspires my love
You are the one who inspires these feelings of love within me
Sometimes you need it, sometimes you want it
Love can be a necessity or simply a desire
Sometimes we let It run our lives
Our lives can be greatly impacted by love
Sometimes you give it, sometimes you get it
Love can be reciprocated or one-sided
Girl what I'd give for you to be mine
I would do anything for us to be together
Looking high & low, trying to find
I am actively searching for answers
Searching for the answer to this thing called love
I am seeking to understand this complex feeling
Something that we need so much, can hurt and tease
Love is something we desire greatly, but it can also bring pain and confusion
But please a broken heart
Having a broken heart due to love is difficult to bear
Contributed by Kaitlyn C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Deborah Walker
The instrumental at the end is just the best I’ve ever heard on a Soul track.. So glad others noticed this .. Whoever put this together is a genius
Bryan Payton
This track is one of my absolute favorite Jam and Lewis productions. The synth and rhythm arrangements, the strings, and Alex’s vocals are absolutely superb. They don’t make music like this, anymore. I miss real R&B!
Saxo Pio
The string arrangement on an R&B track was pure genius. Those boys so underrated.
wilsonbabydoll
Indeed!!
Michael Otoa
Serious composition! Arguably one of Alex's best ever!
Dnomyar Akunawik
The ending of the song with the violins is just devine.
Saxo Pio
The string arrangement on an R&B track back then was pure genius. It made this song to me and its underrated. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis at it again.
Gary Hudson
I second that beautiful strings
John Moore Sr
So was aaron Hall beginning to dont be afraid 🎻
Deborah Walker
I know.. so glad someone else recognised this and appreciates it..