The 10 Best DeBarge Songs of All-Time

DeBarge is one of the best musical acts to come out of Motown (which is saying something, because Motown had all kinds of great talent). They were a b-boy band of the highest order, creating music that had all of the best elements of pop, funk, and soul. They are truly one of the most under-appreciated musical acts of all time. Showing a true appreciation for DeBarge, this is compiled a list of the best DeBarge songs, ranked.

10. You Know What I Like ft. Chante Moore

 

Released in 1984, this song was a moderate hit for DeBarge. It is one of their most popular songs from the 80s. Released as a single, it peaked at No. 51 on the R&B singles chart and No. 65 on the Billboard Hot 100.

9. Lay With You ft. Faith Evans

 

“Lay With You” is the third song on the Top 10 El DeBarge Songs list. El DeBarge wrote this song with Kenny Greene. This is a mid-tempo ballad. The instrumentation uses an electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, and keyboards. The lyrics are about not having to rush into physical intimacy. This is because he wants to make sure that the other person is fully ready for a physical relationship. The song was featured on his album In A Special Way, which he released in 1985. He also produced the track. In addition to DeBarge and Evans, the song features Babyface who provides background vocals. He also produced the track.

8. After the Dance FourPlay ft El DeBarge

 

“After The Dance” is one of the best songs on the Top 10 El DeBarge Songs list. El DeBarge wrote the song. He wrote it with Benny Medina and Julio Reyes Copello. The background vocals are provided by FourPlay. They are a Jazz group from California. The group consists of Michael Paulo, Nathan East, Harvey Mason, and Chuck Loeb. “After The Dance” was the lead single. The song peaked at number 29 on the US Top 40 charts, number 19 on US R&B charts, and number 13 on US dance charts. It also peaked at number 83 in Australia. The song is about hanging out with an old love after breaking up. It’s about turning an old love into a new one.

7. Second Chance

 

The second entry on the Top 10 El DeBarge Songs list is “Second Chance.” This song was the first single off of El DeBarge’s fourth studio album. El DeBarge wrote the song with his brothers Randy and Eldra. The song is very emotional. It’s almost like a gospel song. It talks about falling in love and not wanting to let go of that love. The lyrics are very deep, meaning the song means so much more. The song was released as a single in 1999. It features El DeBarge playing the piano and LaTanya Miller on backing vocals. The song is very sad. It’s about being with a person in a relationship and making mistakes, but not wanting to let go of the person. It’s about a couple trying to make it work even though it seems like their relationship is heading for a breakup.

6. Somebody Loves You

 

The third song on the Top 10 El DeBarge Songs list is “Somebody Loves You.” This song was released as a single in 1985. It peaked at number 74 on US R&B, number 77 on US pop charts, and number 46 on US dance charts. This song is featured on his album, All This Love. It’s about a person who is still in love with someone who left them. The lyrics are very emotional and sad. El DeBarge sings about not being able to let go of this person even though they left him. He sings about this person like they are his whole world.

5. Can’t Get Enough

 

The fifth song on the Top 10 El DeBarge Songs list is “Can’t Get Enough.” It was released as a single in 1984. The song is featured on his album, All This Love. El DeBarge wrote the song with Randy and James Debarge. It peaked at number 76 on the US pop charts, number 29 on US R&B charts, and number 69 on dance charts. It also peaked at number 68 in the UK. This is a mid-tempo song that talks about how much he wants this girl in his life. The lyrics are very sexual, which makes it a true 80’s song. The song is a classic and a great Top 10 El DeBarge Songs choice.

4. The Secret Garden Quincy Jones ft El DeBarge

 

“The Secret Garden” is featured on the soundtrack to the movie, The Color Purple. This song was released as a single in 1985. It’s about a secret garden that makes this person feel better when they are down. He sings about how this garden can make all his pain go away. El DeBarge wrote the song with Tommy LiPuma and Diane Warren. In addition to El DeBarge and Quincy Jones, the song features Howard Johnson on bass. Howard Johnson was a member of A.T. Quintanilla III & Kumbia Kings, the famous mariachi band.

3. Who’s Johnny

 

“Who’s Johnny” is on the Top 10 El DeBarge Songs list. This song was released as a single in 1984. It peaked at number 73 on the US pop charts and number 36 on dance charts. This song is about a man who doesn’t know who his love interest is. It’s about him being curious to know more about her. He sings about how he can be with anyone else, but this girl stands out to him. The song is very catchy and became an 80s classic.

2. Someone

 

The second song on the Top 10 El DeBarge Songs list is “Someone.” This song was released as a single in 1986. It peaked at number 3 on US R&B charts, number 8 on US pop charts, and number 6 in the UK. This song is featured on his album, The Heart of the Man. It’s about being in love with someone and not wanting to let them go. El DeBarge sings about how he wants to be with his love interest and that he can’t stop thinking about her. The song features a great rhythm that makes you want to dance along.

1. Where Is My Love ft. Babyface

 

“Where Is My Love” is the number one song on the Top 10 El DeBarge Songs list. This song was released as a single in 1989. It peaked at number 62 on the US pop charts and number 67 on the US R&B charts. This song is about a person who is in love with someone, but they are not around. The person feels alone without this person in their life. Although it’s a sad song, it’s very peaceful and relaxing. El DeBarge sings about wanting his love interest to come back home. It features a very smooth beat.

Conclusion

El DeBarge is an R&B singer/musician who has been in the music industry since the mid-1970s. His most successful period was between 1984 and 1988. Unfortunately, El DeBarge began to battle a drug addiction that made him miss major tours and performances.