About this album
Where they were
Released on April 1, 1986, 'Love Zone' was Billy Ocean's follow-up to his breakthrough album 'Suddenly'. At this point in his career, Ocean had solidified his status as a prominent figure in pop and R&B, leveraging the success of hits like 'Caribbean Queen'. This album continued to showcase his signature sound, combining funk-infused grooves with romantic lyrics.
Why it matters
'Love Zone' reached No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit single 'When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going', which became an anthem for resilience. The song's popularity was bolstered by its inclusion in the soundtrack of the film 'Jewel of the Nile', highlighting Ocean's impact on both music and popular culture during the mid-1980s.
Essential tracks
- "When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going" — This track became a defining anthem for perseverance and is notable for its catchy chorus and upbeat production, making it one of Ocean's most recognizable songs.
- "Love Zone" — 'Love Zone' exemplifies Ocean's smooth vocal delivery paired with lush instrumentation, encapsulating the romantic themes of the album.
- "There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)" — This ballad showcases Ocean's emotional range and lyrical depth, addressing heartbreak with poignant sincerity against a backdrop of rich melodies.
Release Date
April 1, 1986
Artist Origin
Trinidad and Tobago
Tracklist
- 1 When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going 5:43
- 2 Love Zone 5:34
- 3 Without You 5:00
- 4 There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry) 4:50
- 5 Bitter Sweet 5:00
- 6 It’s Never Too Late to Try 4:50
- 7 Showdown 4:53
- 8 Promise Me 4:33
- 9 Love Is Forever 4:10
