"Criticize" is a song by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal, written by O'Neal and Jellybean Johnson. It was the second single from O'Neal's second solo album, Hearsay (1987). The song's distinctive backing vocals were performed by Lisa Keith. Following the successful chart performances of the Hearsay single "Fake", "Criticize" was released as the album's second single.

Meaning

The song's lyrics are a personal commentary, critical of a nagging ex-lover, who criticizes his "friends", "ideals", "lifestyle", and "feeling[s]".

Release

"Criticize" peaked at number four on the R&B chart, and number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the United Kingdom, "Criticize" peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart, becoming O'Neal's biggest hit in Britain, and in 2020 was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry. In Ireland, "Criticize" peaked at number 14 on the Irish Singles Chart.

Music video

The official music video was directed by Marcelo Anciano.

In popular culture

The song is featured in the soundtrack of the video game Grand Theft Auto IV on the in-game radio station "The Vibe 98.8".

Track listing

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.

Sales chart performance

Peak positions

Certifications

Re-recording

Alexander O’Neal re-recorded “Criticize” in 1998 with producers Errol Jones and John Girvan. The song was released as a commercial single, peaking at number 51 on the UK Singles Chart.

Track listing