(Debuted February 5, 1983, Peaked #31, 17 Weeks on the Chart)
This is the song that introduced most music listeners to DeBarge, a group of five siblings from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The DeBarges actually had ten musical members. Older brothers Bobby and Tommy were part of the late 1970s/early 80s Motown act Switch, and younger siblings Chico, Darrell and Peaches were also singers (though not part of the group). Their sound featured the unique high register of El DeBarge, who was eventually thrust into the spotlight as the group's "leader" even though he wasn't the only lead vocalist.
"I Like It" was the family act's first hit on the pop chart, and also went to #2 R&B. It's still quite popular in R&B circles, having been sampled a number of times over the years. Randy DeBarge takes the verses, while El handles the bridge after the chorus and shows off what would become his trademark falsetto at the song fades out.
The video below is from the Soul Train TV show. Although it's a lip-synched performance, it shows the switch between lead singers as well as the way El DeBarge had a definite presence when his turn came to sing.
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