In a Special Way
| In A Special Way | ||||
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| Studio album by DeBarge | ||||
| Released | September 24, 1983 | |||
| Recorded | 1983 | |||
| Studio | Kendun Records, Burbank; Westlake Audio in West Hollywood | |||
| Genre | R&B, adult contemporary, quiet storm | |||
| Length | 38:42 | |||
| Label | Gordy | |||
| Producer | El DeBarge | |||
| DeBarge chronology | ||||
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| Singles from In a Special Way | ||||
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| Professional ratings | |
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| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   |
| Lexington Herald-Leader | 10/10 |
| The Village Voice | A+ |
In a Special Way is the third studio album by American R&B group DeBarge, released by Gordy Records on September 24, 1983. It was recorded at Kendun Records in Burbank and Westlake Audio in West Hollywood; written and produced by lead vocalist El DeBarge with additional writing by Mark, James and Bunny DeBarge.
In a Special Way was certified gold in the United States after the release of the singles "Time Will Reveal" and "Love Me in a Special Way", which hit number one on the Billboard R&B and adult contemporary singles chart. The album is most memorable for not only its singles but album tracks such as "Stay with Me" and "A Dream" - largely due to subsequent sampling in modern hip-hop and R&B tracks. The album has been regarded by some critics as a "classic" in the family group's catalog.
Group member Bunny DeBarge revealed the group were given complete creative control because Motown Records founder Berry Gordy liked their sound. Gordy also liked the sound of their brothers' band Switch - who were also signed to Motown - which prompted him to sign DeBarge as well. Originally performing as a gospel group, the siblings changed to performing secular music after gospel music labels didn't know how to market them. After making the move to Los Angeles, DeBarge signed with a small label Source Records- much to Bunny's chagrin. She asked the record company CEO to let them out of their contract, to which he obliged. Their older brother Bobby DeBarge set up a meeting with Jermaine Jackson and Hazel Gordy to sign with Motown as Jermaine and Hazel were also responsible for bringing Switch to the label. Due to them still being contractually obligated to another label at the time, they couldn't speak to the group, as it would have been seen as a breach of contract. After waiting out the label release, the group met with Jackson and were signed to Motown.
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