I don’t know why the title is plural; it’s used singularly in the song; but the Secrets to making a Successful pop record are all here. Impressive rap skills isn’t necessarily one of them, so when Susie Q comes in sounding more like Brother J from X Clan, it’s all good.

The key is the catchiness not only of the music, led by samples from Brenda Russell’s Little Bit Of Love, but the chorus, which doesn’t really kick in until the second go around. That’s when what sounds like Luther Vandross; actually producer Danny D; starts doing his thing.

my rating : 4 of 5

1991