The Deele – Two Occasions
In the late 1980s, R&B music embraced a smoother, more romantic sound, and The Deele’s “Two Occasions” emerged as one of the finest examples of that era’s lush balladry. With its mellow groove, heartfelt lyrics, and polished production, the track became the group’s biggest hit and a defining moment for one of its key members, Babyface. The song not only captured the spirit of its time but also paved the way for a new generation of R&B songwriting and production.
Song Overview
“Two Occasions” was released in 1987 as part of The Deele’s third studio album, Eyes of a Stranger. The song stood out for its smooth, slow tempo and emotionally resonant atmosphere, becoming a staple slow jam on radio and in bedrooms alike.
The musical arrangement is built around soft synthesizers, delicate piano flourishes, and subtle drum programming that gently carries the vocals. The track is laid-back and intimate, creating a mood of quiet yearning and sincerity. Lyrically, the song focuses on the longing for a loved one, with the central phrase “I only think of you on two occasions — that’s day and night” becoming an iconic line in R&B songwriting.
The lead vocal is delivered by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, whose tender and expressive tone gives the track its emotional depth. His vocal performance strikes a balance between vulnerability and control, helping to communicate the song’s sense of quiet passion and dedication.
Songwriting and Production
“Two Occasions” was written by Babyface, Darnell “Dee” Bristol, and Sidney “Sid” Johnson, all members of The Deele. The songwriting team brought together a perfect blend of lyrical sensitivity and melodic craftsmanship, laying the groundwork for what would become a signature sound in modern R&B.
The structure of the song is relatively straightforward but extremely effective, with a focus on strong hooks, emotional development, and tasteful chord progressions. The bridge section, in particular, offers a shift in harmony that heightens the song’s emotional intensity without overcomplicating the arrangement.
The Deele self-produced the track, with Babyface and L.A. Reid playing major roles in the song’s sonic identity. This track became an early showcase of their ability to craft emotionally resonant, radio-friendly ballads — a skill they would soon take to even greater heights in their later work as producers for artists like Toni Braxton, Boyz II Men, and TLC.
Charts
“Two Occasions” became The Deele’s most successful single. It peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song’s commercial performance not only brought the group widespread recognition but also solidified Babyface and L.A. Reid as major creative forces in the industry.
The success of “Two Occasions” helped propel sales of the Eyes of a Stranger album and opened doors for its key contributors to move into production and songwriting full-time. In hindsight, this track was a launching pad for an entire era of 1990s R&B, shaped in large part by the team that brought this song to life.
Music Video
The music video for “Two Occasions” is understated but evocative, in line with the song’s emotional tone. It features members of The Deele performing in dimly lit, intimate settings intercut with dreamlike romantic imagery. The visuals are soft and warm, complementing the track’s themes of love, memory, and longing.
One of the highlights of the video is Babyface’s presence at the piano, singing the song with quiet intensity. The performance-driven visuals focus less on narrative and more on mood, giving the viewer space to feel the emotions behind the music.
Although it lacks the flashy production of later 1990s R&B videos, the clip remains a strong visual companion to the song and stands as a document of an important moment in the genre’s visual and musical evolution.
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