Lionel Richie, Say You, Say Me | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 26^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Say You, Say Me” by Lionel Richie.

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 that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 26^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Say You, Say Me”, performed by Lionel Richie.

“Say you, say me / Say it for always, that’s the way it should be,” Lionel Richie sings on his 1985 hit single, “Say You, Say Me”.  He continues singing, in the centerpiece, the chorus, “Say you say me / Say it together, naturally.” “Say You, Say Me,” penned by Richie, marks one of 13 top-10 hits. Making the song even more elite is the fact that it is one of five no. 1 hits by the Grammy-winning musician. Specifically, “Say You, Say Me” spent four weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching its peak position in late 1985. Ultimately, it was certified gold by the RIAA. Meanwhile, the parent album, Dancing on the Ceiling, has been certified quadruple platinum. One more accolade regarding “Say You, Say Me” – it won Best Original Song at the 1986 Oscars.

The chorus is simple, but a big reason for the success of “Say You, Say Me.” That said, the songwriting in the verses is sweet too. “As we go down life’s lonesome highway / Seems the hardest thing to do is to find a friend or two,” Richie sings in the second verse. In the bridge, he asserts, “I’m telling you / It’s time to start believing, oh yes / Believing who you are, you are a shining star.” Lionel sounds fabulous, singing authentically and expressively.  The melodies are sweet, playing a key role in the catchiness of this classic.  Furthermore, the music – the instrumental – shines as well.  It is idiomatic of the 1980s sound with it use of keys/synths, guitar, and punchy drums. He produced this four minute, juggernaut alongside James Anthony Carmichael. “Say You, Say Me” sits at or near the top of Richie’s illustrious song catalog.

🎙 Lionel Richie • 💿 Dancing on the Ceiling • 🏷 Motown • 🗓 1986

Lionel Richie, Say You, Say Me: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 26 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom via  Pixabay]