Shake You Down (album)

Shake You Down is the debut album by American R&B singer-songwriter Gregory Abbott. It was self-written and produced by Abbott, being released by Columbia Records in 1986.

In the US, two singles were released from the record (Europe saw a third single-release with "You're My Angel"); the title track was a massive hit single, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. The other, "I Got The Feelin' (It's Over)" was an R&B hit as well, reaching number 5 on that chart. On the strength of the singles, the album went platinum; it reached that certification on February 2, 1987.

Reception
The Village Voice critic Robert Christgau said that Abbott tries to be "a great love man without a great voice", but "by reinventing a black pop of modest means, he takes a first step toward returning that great crossover in the sky to the people."

AllMusic's Craig Lytle retrospectively gave the recording 4 of 5 stars, saying it "has an even flow. All the tracks have that mid-tempo rhythm. The quality vocals, light production touches, and effervescent melodies are attractive attributes."

Track listing
All songs written and produced by Gregory Abbott. (Copyright CBS Songs/Control)
 * 1) "I Got the Feelin' (It's Over)" – 4:05
 * 2) "Say You Will" – 4:00
 * 3) "Shake You Down" – 4:03
 * 4) "You're My Angel" – 3:55
 * 5) "Magic" – 3:58
 * 6) "Wait Until Tomorrow" – 3:51
 * 7) "Rhyme and Reason" – 3:36
 * 8) "I'll Find a Way" – 4:07

Personnel

 * Gregory Abbott – lead vocals, backing vocals, keyboards, drums (1, 4, 6-8), percussion, arrangements
 * Alan Palanker – keyboards, co-arrangements (2–5, 7, 8)
 * Marlon Graves – guitars
 * T.M. Stevens – bass
 * David Beal – drums (2, 3, 5)
 * John Licitra – flute, saxophones
 * Aida Foreman – backing vocals
 * Robert Deadmon – backing vocals (3)

Production

 * Charles Koppelman – executive producer
 * Gregory Abbott – producer
 * Gerry Comito – engineer, recording
 * Mark Larson – design
 * Raul Vega – photography