(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me Explained

"(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me" is a song written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and recorded by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It is the fifth single from the singer's second solo album, Hearsay (1987). The song's distinctive backing vocals were performed by Lisa Keith. Following the successful chart performances of the Hearsay singles "Fake", "Criticize", "Never Knew Love Like This", and "The Lovers", "(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me" was released as the album's fifth single.

Release

The song O'Neal's eleventh top 40 single which reached #27 in the UK Singles Chart in July 1988, and #68 on the R&B chart in O'Neal's native United States.

Track listing

• 12" Single (Tabu 652852 6)

1. "(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me" – 4:25
2. "A Broken Heart Can Mend" – 3:40
3. " You Were Meant to Be My Lady (Not My Girl) (Extended Dance Remix)" – 9:50

• 12" Single Promo (Tabu ZAS 1429)

1. "(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me (Hateful Club Mix)" – 6:47
2. "(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me (Dance Dub)" – 5:50
3. "(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me (Bonus Beats)" – 3:21
4. "(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me (Ben Liebrand Remix)" – 6:41
5. "(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me (A Capella)" – 3:55

• 7" Single (Tabu 652852 7)

1. "(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me (Edit)"
2. "A Broken Heart Can Mend"

• CD Single (Tabu 652852 2)

1. "(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me" – 4:25
2. "A Broken Heart Can Mend" – 3:40
3. "You Were Meant to Be My Lady (Not My Girl) (Extended Dance Remix)" – 9:50

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.^[1]

• Alexander O'Neal – lead vocals
• Jimmy Jam – drum and keyboard programming, keyboards, percussion
• Terry Lewis – percussion, backing vocals
• Lisa Keith – backing vocals

Sales chart performance

Peak positions

Chart (1988)	Position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs[2]	68
US Hot Dance Club Songs	32
UK Singles Chart[3]	27

Notes and References

1. Book: Hearsay liner notes. 1987. Tabu Records.
2. Web site: US Singles Charts > Alexander O'Neal. Billboard. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20220901084638/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/alexander-oneal-mn0000625201 . 1 September 2022 . 2012-05-26.
3. Web site: UK Charts > Alexander O'Neal . . 2012-05-26 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120628234447/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/alexander%20o%27neal/ . 2012-06-28 .