Al B. Sure!
<div hidden>Al B Sure</div>Al B. Sure!, born Albert Joseph Brown III on June 4, 1968, in Boston, Massachusetts, grew up in Mount Vernon, New York. His musical talents emerged early, leading him to pursue a career in the music industry.
Al B. Sure! became a prominent figure in the music scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He is known for his smooth voice and a style that blends elements of R&B, soul, and pop. His debut album, "In Effect Mode," released in 1988, showcased his vocal prowess and included hits like "Nite and Day," which solidified his place in the industry and contributed to his rise in fame.
Throughout his career, Al B. Sure! has received multiple accolades, including three Grammy nominations. He is recognized for his contributions to music with several RIAA-certified multi-platinum albums. His influence also extends to radio and television, where he has served as a host and personality, further enhancing his profile as an entertainer.
Al B. Sure! was previously married to Kim Porter, with whom he has children. His personal experiences have informed his music and creativity, often reflecting themes of love and relationships.
As of now, Al B. Sure! continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry, contributing as a singer, songwriter, and producer while maintaining a presence in popular culture.
In Effect Mode
Al B Sure
A1 Nite And Day
Composed By, Arranged By, Keyboards [All], Programmed By [Keyboard Programming] – Kyle West
Engineer, Mixed By – Al B. Sure!, Roey Shamir
Guitar – Les Davis
Written-By, Arranged By, Horns, Drum Programming, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Al B. Sure!
4:00
A2 Oooh This Love Is So
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Al B. Sure!, Sharon Harris, Tabitha Brace, Terri Robinson
Engineer, Mixed By – Al B. Sure!, Ken Collins
Lyrics By, Written-By, Finger Snaps [Fingersnaps], Lead Vocals – Al B. Sure!
Music By, Composed By, Keyboards [All], Programmed By [Keyboard Programming] – Kyle West
Recorded By [Original Recording] – Edward Ferrell III
Recorded By [Re-Recorded] – Ken Collins
Transferred By – Roey Shamir
Voice [French Words Spoken By] – Michelle Amar
4:36
A3 Killing Me Softly
Engineer, Mixed By – Al B. Sure!, Ken Collins
Recorded By – Ken Collins
Written-By – Charles Fox, Norman Gimble
4:47
A4 Naturally Mine
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Al B. Sure!, Todd Auston
Engineer, Mixed By – Al B. Sure!, Ken Collins
Guitar – Teddy Riley
Lyrics By, Written-By, Lead Vocals – Al B. Sure!
Music By, Composed By, Keyboards [All], Programmed By [Keyboard Programming] – Kyle West
Recorded By – Ken Collins
4:11
B1 Rescue Me
Engineer, Recorded By, Mixed By – Al B. Sure!, Ken Collins
Lyrics By, Written-By, Drum Programming, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Al B. Sure!
Music By, Composed By, Keyboards [All], Programmed By [Keyboard Programming] – Kyle West
3:55
B2 Off On Your Own (Girl)
Guitar – Les Davis
Music By, Composed By, Keyboards [All], Programmed By [Keyboard Programming] – Kyle West
Recorded By, Engineer, Mixed By – Al B. Sure!, Ken Collins
Written-By, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Al B. Sure!
4:05
B3 If I'm Not Your Lover
Arranged By – Teddy Riley
Keyboards [All], Programmed By [Keyboard Programming] – Rodney Grant
Recorded By, Engineer, Mixed By – Ken Collins
Written-By – Timothy Gatling
Written-By, Producer, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals], Drum Programming – Al B. Sure!
4:00
B4 Just A Taste Of Lovin'
Arranged By, Composed By, Keyboards [All], Programmed By [Keyboard Programming] – Kyle West
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Al B. Sure!, Terri Robinson
Lyrics By, Written-By, Drum Programming, Lead Vocals – Al B. Sure!
Recorded By, Mixed By – Al B. Sure!, Ken Collins
Label: Warner Bros. Records – WX 173
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1988
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Contemporary R&B, New Jack Swing
Al B. Sure!'s 1988 debut, In Effect Mode, is widely praised as a classic of New Jack Swing, blending smooth R&B with hip-hop, defined by its romantic feel, production by his cousin Kyle West, and major hits like "Nite and Day" and "If I'm Not Your Lover," solidifying its place as a must-have for '80s soul fans despite some critics finding it slightly less perfect than some later R&B gems but still a strong, concise, and influential record.
A cornerstone of the New Jack Swing sound, mixing contemporary R&B with hip-hop beats and production, featuring iconic singles, including the massive debut hit "Nite and Day," "If I'm Not Your Lover," "Rescue Me," and a popular remake of "Killing Me Softly."
Produced with cousin Kyle West, it's noted for its smooth, orchestrated, and layered sound, with a distinct romantic, classy, but streetwise vibe. At just eight tracks, it's praised for being concise and filler-free, a model for other artists.
A solid debut that's highly recommended for '80s R&B fans, with many considering it a strong, great-sounding, and vibe-filled album.
While some reviews note it's not absolutely flawless, it's generally seen as a very well-done, impactful album that ushered in a new sound.
A major commercial success, hitting #1 on the R&B charts and proving Al B. Sure! as a key figure in New Jack Swing.