Babyface, Whip Appeal | Throwback Vibez

In the 43rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Whip Appeal” by Grammy-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and producer, Babyface.  

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 43^rd edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Whip Appeal” performed by Babyface.

“And no one does it like me / And no one but you / Has that kind of whip appeal on me.” Ooh-wee! Babyface (Kenneth Brian Edmonds, 1959 – ) has had a highly successful music career – an understatement.  “Whip Appeal” is the 14^th and final track on the Grammy-winning musician’s 1989, triple platinum sophomore album, Tender Lover. Babyface penned the song alongside singer/songwriter Pebbles (Perri Reid).  He produced the track alongside L.A. Reid. Receiving numerous accolades, “Whip Appeal” was nominated for the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male at the 33^rd Annual GRAMMY Awards. On the charts, it peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 – one of six top 10 hits.

“Whatever you want (Ever you want)

It’s alright with me (It’s all right with)

‘Cause you’ve got that whip appeal (You’ve got that whip appeal).”

Babyface sings beautifully on “Whip Appeal.” His voice sits atop the rhythmic music backdrop superbly.  That backdrop features colorful keys, a robust bass line, strings, and a sickening groove. It embodies the late 1980s / early 1990s R&B sound. Edmonds brings out the tuneful melodies and memorable lyrics marvelously.  He kills it in the ad-lib department, supported by smooth, soulful background vocals. Matters of the heart, specifically the way he and his lover communicate, drive the narrative. “So, how are we supposed to know / Know when something is wrong,” hde sings in the first verse, continuing, “Well, we’ve got a way to communicate / It keeps a happy home.” Truth! In the second verse, he follows up, singing, “‘Cause we got a way of talking / And it’s better than words / It’s the strangest kind of relationship / Oh, but with us, it always works.” Noted.  When it comes to “Whip Appeal”, no deep analysis is necessary – the excellence of this five-and-a-half minute gem speaks for itself!

Babyface // Tender Lover // Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. // 1989

Babyface, Whip Appeal: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 43 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment, Inc.; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]