Burning The Ground Exclusive
When Alexander O’Neal emerged in the mid-1980s, his commanding baritone and emotionally charged delivery quickly set him apart in the evolving R&B landscape. One of the standout tracks from his debut album was the sleek and synth-driven single “Innocent.”
Released in 1985 from the self-titled debut Alexander O’Neal (1985 album), “Innocent” showcased the polished Minneapolis sound crafted by legendary production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Built around crisp drum machine programming, pulsing bass, and shimmering synthesizers, the track perfectly captures the sophisticated R&B style that Jam and Lewis were refining during the decade.
O’Neal delivers a powerful vocal performance on the track, balancing intensity with smooth restraint. Adding to the song’s distinctive character are the backing vocals performed by fellow Minneapolis artist Cherrelle. Her unmistakable harmonies weave throughout the track, giving the chorus an extra layer of energy and providing a subtle preview of the musical chemistry that the two artists would later display on their famous duet “Saturday Love.”
“Innocent” quickly found success in the United States, climbing to #11 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 1985 and helping introduce Alexander O’Neal to a wider audience. Interestingly, while many of his later singles would become major hits in the UK, “Innocent” remains the only single from the album not to chart there.
Before his solo breakthrough, O’Neal had already been closely tied to the Minneapolis music scene. In fact, he was originally slated to front an early version of The Time before being replaced by Morris Day. His eventual partnership with Jam and Lewis proved to be a turning point, producing a series of stylish R&B recordings that would define much of his career.
More than four decades later, “Innocent” remains a standout from O’Neal’s debut era—an irresistible blend of electronic funk, soulful vocals, and the unmistakable studio craftsmanship of Jam and Lewis. For fans of the Minneapolis sound, it’s a track that still feels as fresh and sophisticated as it did when it first arrived in 1985.
SIDE A:
Innocent (Special 12” Extended Dance Remix) 10:34
SIDE B:
Innocent (Instrumental) 9:54
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs | #11 | 1985 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label:Tabu Records – 4Z9 05140
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Funk, Soul
CREDITS:
- Art Direction, Photography By – Stafford (2)
- Lacquer Cut By [Runout Etching ❀] – Brian Gardner
- Producer, Written-By – Jimmy Jam And Terry Lewis*
NOTES:
Special 12″ extended dance remix
Special version from the Tabu LP: “Alexander O’Neal.”
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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How did I miss this post??? Love me some Alex. Alex baby… Rumor was he was dismissed from Flyte Tyme becoming The Time because of a drug problem, but really it might’ve also had something to do with Prince promising Morris a band of his own in exchange for Partyup… Also recall something about Jam & Lewis working with him on the condition he go to rehab… I still remember this first time I heard him, it was this track on a local “black” radio station called KBWH. I immediately called the station asking what it was and man did… Read more »
Thank you Paul, it was a few years ago I expressed hope that you would upload any Flyte Tyme 12 inch singles you might have in your collection. Jam & Lewis always offered something unique in these releases that cannot be found on the album releases, more specifically the dub versions & alternate mixes.
Love a bit of Alexander O’Neal. And that’s yet another smashing transfer, Paul. Those tracks are bouncing out of my speakers as I write this.
Thank you Paul for another fantastic 80s Jam.I like his voice, the jammin’ Production and especially the collaboration with Cherrelle. We received some really great tracks this week. I wish you and all BTGs a nice weekend.
Thank you, Toxicaudio! I’m really glad you enjoyed this one. Alexander O’Neal had such a powerful voice, and when you combine that with Jam & Lewis’ production and Cherrelle’s backing vocals, it’s a winning combination every time.
I’m happy you’ve been enjoying the tracks this week — it’s been a fun mix to share. Wishing you a great weekend as well, and thanks for being part of the BTG community!
Another excellent jam! The mid-80s were so great for all these soul/funk/r’n’b songs… wait!! It turns out we are in the middle of an amazing soul/funk/r’n’b week of posts!!! Yes I noticed 🙂 Love some of the background facts in your writeup Paul – like the fact that this one charted in the US but didn’t chart in the UK for whatever reason despite other tracks of his that did. This is one of those songs that kind of sneaks up on you, it wasn’t a huge hit, but just sucks you into the groove when it comes on. Fun… Read more »
You caught that! 😀 It really did turn into a bit of a soul/funk/R&B week around here, and I’m glad you’ve been enjoying the ride. “Innocent” is exactly the kind of track you described — not a massive crossover hit, but once that groove starts it completely pulls you in. Jam & Lewis were masters at building those hypnotic mid-80s arrangements. I’ve always found the chart history interesting too. It did well on the US R&B chart but somehow never charted in the UK, which is surprising considering how huge Alexander O’Neal became there later on. And yes, the video… Read more »
Hey Paul These Are The Jams!! I Melt Bringing Back All Those Memories That Counted In The 80’s. Playing A Mix Tape On The Beach That I DJ’d On!! Thanks For The Jamm!!!
Hey Mark! These really are the jams! Nothing like those 80s grooves to bring the memories rushing back. I love the image of you DJ’ing a mix tape on the beach — that must have been an amazing vibe with these kinds of tracks playing.
So glad this one brought back some of those great moments. Thanks for sharing the memory and for keeping the spirit of the 80s alive!
Such a great groove and definitely has that Minneapolis sound. I’m not too familiar with this Innocent single… of course I knew Fake and Criticize, they were real bangers! Thank you Paul for this rarity from Alexander O’Neal’s debut album!! By the way I’m not sure if this was intentional on your part or not, but you have two consecutive fashion plates in Oran “Juice” Jones yesterday and Alexander O’Neal today. The man was dapper and could really wear a suit, not to mention his Billy Dee Williams look going on!
Retro Hound — you’re absolutely right about that Minneapolis sound. Jam & Lewis had such a distinctive style during that period, and this track really shows the early blueprint of what they would go on to perfect later in the decade. “Innocent” is definitely one of those deeper cuts compared to the big hitters like Fake and Criticize, but it has such a smooth groove that it deserves a little spotlight, too. And great observation about the fashion! 😀 I didn’t consciously plan the back-to-back style icons, but you’re right — between Oran “Juice” Jones and Alexander O’Neal, we’ve definitely… Read more »
Wow thank you Paul for this treasure! What a treat!
Thank you, Nubben! I’m really glad you enjoyed this one. “Innocent” is definitely a bit of a treasure from Alexander O’Neal’s debut, and it’s always fun to shine a light on some of the slightly lesser-known jams from that era.
Really appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to comment. Enjoy the groove!
Hey Paul,
Thanks a lot!
For all the Alexander O’Neal fans & audiophiles out there, Hearsay was remastered and expanded a few years ago while preserving the original dynamic range (worth mentioning as it is very exceptional in modern remastering).
cheers
You’re welcome, ben. It’s a nice edition, but not complete, as they left out some of the mixes from the US 12″ singles of “Fake” and “Criticize.”
Thank you so much DjPaulT… love… love… love… love… love… Alexander O’Neal LP/ Hearsay LP / Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis / Lisa Keith… It’s all love here… Burning The Ground forever!
Thanks so much, Rob! I’m right there with you — the combination of Alexander O’Neal, the Hearsay era, and the magic touch of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis is hard to beat. And yes, Lisa Keith’s vocals are the icing on the cake! Truly one of the most incredible creative circles to come out of Minneapolis in the ‘80s.
Really appreciate the love and your continued support — Burning The Ground forever! ❤️
Alexander O’Neal is so awesome! Paul, this is a terrific jam and I’m all for it! And I love Cherrelle on the background vocals! I love records like this. Jam & Lewis can certainly stimulate one to dance their butt off! The sweat is beginning to start and I haven’t even played it yet! Gee, I miss those years! Today, R&B records seem so sluggish to these great funk workouts! I’m grateful to you Paul for your great eclectic musical tastes! You are my preferred DJ!!
Jeff
Jeff, You nailed it… Jam & Lewis had that perfect formula in the mid-80s. Those tight drum machines, the synth bass, and those layered vocals just move. And having Cherrelle on the backing vocals here gives the track even more of that classic Minneapolis flavor. I know exactly what you mean about those years — there was such an energy and funk in R&B and dance records then that’s hard to replicate today. When these tracks hit the turntable they practically demand that you move! Thank you so much for the incredibly kind words and for sticking with Burning The… Read more »
many thanks!
You’re welcome.
Oh man… this a blast form the past! I remember going over to a friends house in ‘85 and she was playing this 12” vinyl jam. I asked her if I could borrow it and I think I wore it out from playing it so much. Thanks for all the great info!
DMoody — I love stories like this! That’s exactly how so many of us discovered these records back then… hearing them at a friend’s house and immediately needing a copy. The 12″ of this one is especially addictive once it gets going.
Sounds like you definitely gave that vinyl a proper workout! 😀
Really glad the post brought back some good memories, and thanks for taking the time to share your story. That’s what makes Burning The Ground such a great community. Enjoy the jam!