WHAT A VOICE!!.. | FIRST TIME HEARING Lionel Ritchie - Hello REACTION

[@dawndodson2433]

Guys, I love you bunches, so I have to ease your minds and tell you that this is definitely not a high school setting. 😊 No one thought this was creepy in the 80s. As a high school girl in the 80s, I definitely saw it as a college setting with two adults experiencing unrequited love. Keep up the great work! ❤️

[@spencerbellas2611]

I'm so glad I read the comments before watching this reaction. I love Lionel and his music so will skip this reaction.

[@kimkoula1005]

You are so right...a beautiful love story ❤

[@sherryarflin726]

Beautifully said.

[@theConquerersMama]

Exactly. I was in high school too. NO ONE thought this was about high school. It was adults in a college setting. Older Adults going back to school which was a popular theme at the time. Everyone in the video looked old to high school eyes.

[@Logan_Baron]

It does seem to clearly be a college setting with the more casual set up of the classes, BUT the lockers do make one think of high school. I've never seen any college that had lockers (except when they use it as the joke that colleges don't have lockers, like on Community). I'm not doubting that it was college because of the lockers, I'm just saying the lockers were a weird choice.

[@marknewell997]

Its not creepy, its sincere, and one of the most perfect love songs ever written, imho.

[@andyc6542]

The song itself is one of the best love songs ever, agreed. However, the video absolutely IS creepy and just wouldn't fly today.

[@renee176]

Hello Squad, You have to remember the times are different now than they were when this song originally came out. And that's something you will need to consider when reacting to any of the songs prior to today's current situations. Though I can understand how you would feel seeing this now in 2021, but when this came out back in the early '80s it was thought of as endearing....40 years can definitely change the perception of a then sweet song/video. At that time we also looked at it as she being a college and not a high school student. We thought it was lovely that he loved her so much and saw past her perceived disability.🙂

[@bertisjordan1085]

Great perspective!

[@kevinc6916]

Not sure if it changes for the better. I preferred to think of this an endearing. Definitely got community center vibes not High School. It wasn’t even my genre but I must have seen the music video 100 times and never ever thought creep.

[@definitelydelish]

And also the style of music videos back then were far different; many musicians tried to make almost mini movies with some of the videos and of course starring themselves. Sometimes they worked better then others. This was never meant to be a much older man and an underage girl, but a older disabled young woman at an arts school with a likely younger professor but unfortunately even then Lionel was not too young. Definitely was not intended to be creepy but two people that both had feelings for each other despite differences and disabilities. (The video itself is not what the songs about but rather the artist and producers of back then trying to create an interesting video that people would possibly sit through and watch again and again, there being no metrics, likes, or retweets for vids)

[@billcliffordakabillthephot2249]

Awesome perspective, I like how you didn't just go for the negative drama spin on it. I love this song, and hate to associate a bad reaction to a song as beautiful as this. Ambers look of disgust in her face just ruined this reaction for me. Jay did try to save it by being more open minded so props to Jay!

[@djskdjsk28]

Well said Renee 💯👍🏾♥️

[@davidgratton8869]

He’s not a creeper gooning on an underage, blind student. They are both adults moving in different circles who fall in love from beyond arms length. Despite his feelings, he assumes she can’t love him due to the barrier her disability poses. Yet throughout the video, we see her acting, dancing, living alone, sculpting, all activities one might assume would be prohibitive for her. In the end, he learns she loves him too and they break through the barrier. At the time this song came out, I had developed feelings for a girl from afar. I admired everything about her, but there were other kinds of barriers which made me think it could never happen. My feelings were very strong but very pure. I ultimately went for broke and told her how I felt. Happily and surprisingly, she felt the same. This song is sappy, maybe even corny in a way, but it reflected how I felt at the time and it meant a lot.

[@jsapcakrrow]

This is such a beautiful song & video. These are older students, like a Community College. This is another video that was in heavy rotation on MTV. I don’t know of anyone who ever thought this was creepy, just sweet & romantic 🥰

[@Sunny-jz3dy]

Exactly!

[@spookym123]

Back when this came out, I thought it was a very touching, sweet video. Never even considered it creepy. Such a different time, and such different perceptions.

[@taylemgames2652]

Fun fact, this is the guy Kenny Rodgers was talking about when he sang Lady in one of your reaction videos. Lionel Richie wrote the song. It is a college of some kind, but she is clearly in her 20s and he is in his 30s at the time. Also, some think he is stalking her in the video but he isn't. He is singing his feelings and what he is actually seeing is what she is doing or may be doing in his mind or when they interact on campus. When she is at home or doing her art class, Lionel isn't there. This is a visual context of what we all are wondering when in love, where they are- what they are doing. Etc. This is the problem with people being exposed to garbage all the time, they can't tell context from actual bad behavior or speech. :) Generally speaking.

[@victorylane2377]

Yes, this. This age of everything being 'creepy' is so annoying. Watch, evaluate, learn. Stop following the crowd of idiots. This is a school for performing arts and she is clearly an adult.

[@geneholland1188]

When I first saw the video years ago when it first came out it felt a bit off. It's definitely not just a reaction by today's standards. I get that it wasn't done in that scope but it's hard not to see it

[@taylemgames2652]

@@geneholland1188 I think it was a poorly done video- the director was way off with this one.

[@geneholland1188]

@@taylemgames2652 yeah there's another video/song like that. Can't remember the guys name but it's a great song until he says the girl is 16 and he wants to show her the world. People are telling him to leave her alone cuz she's young. Instead of picking a guy who's about 18 or 19 the singer used himself in the video and it just came out creepy.

[@RonJDuncan]

@@taylemgames2652 I have to disagree for a few reasons. Nearly 40 years ago, this was well received. You're applying a modern interpretation and context that puts the video in a light that was never intended. I think one of our biggest failures is when we don't judge things in the time and context of when and how they were created.

[@kenshumaker5962]

It's such a different world today, when this came out, we never perceived anything creepy. It was to us a college student, and teacher, it was 2 adults. Apparently today, the given perception of pure, wholesome and innocent doesn't exist. That is a huge loss to humanity 😢

[@richtensail]

its cause of feminsism

[@RosieRivet]

@@richtensail a lot of people found plenty of things disturbing in the 80's. Feminism is simply what caused it to finally get talked about.

[@periechontology]

Oh please, people were free to speak their mind in the 80's if they didn't like something. In fact they were more free to do so than they are in these fascist times.

[@mastermao8592]

Ts but looking at all the judgement in the comments clearly shows how many snowflakes there are. They would’ve got chewed up and spat out back the day,

[@periechontology]

@@RosieRivet Feminism didn't exist in the 80's? I didn't know that....and I was actually there.

[@Torwyn11]

The thing to remember about Lionel Ritchie is that he's a genius of a composer and performer. He THINKS in music.

[@Miracx3]

Me and my sisters were teens growing up during this era, and this was one of the videos on constant play and no one ever thought anything of it. We were so innocent. Not until 3 years ago I heard someone joke about this video...and only then realized how funny and strange it was....but back then no one thought they were in a high school setting or anything was inappropriate. Times have sure changed us all. We are all so jaded now. I really miss the simple and fun times. No one got offended then. PS - love you guys! 🤩

[@smcowe]

Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson actually wrote We Are the World. He is an amazing singer but has also written & produced songs for huge artists that you would never know he was involved in. A true superstar in the music industry.

[@SJeffersonDavisIV]

Among many he wrote "Lady" for Kenny Rogers and that started their long time friendship as the USA for Africa was germinating Richie got Kenny Rogers on board and he donated his studio for the recording (that he probably was able to have from the money he made from Lady).

[@serasmile6026]

Absolutely one of the best! Please do “EASY” 🙏🙏

[@ronnix23]

Please, Please, Please!

[@malkamusik]

👆👆👆

[@TheStefan6969]

Also, early 80's was still a VERY different time than nowadays too. 😉❤✌🏼

[@mlwise24]

No auto tune. Just pure talent. Those days are so far long gone.

[@GroovingPict]

every fucking time. every fucking video... some bellend has to go "nO AuTotUnE, jUst rAw tALenT"... have an original thought!

[@caseymoe816]

Lionel Richie in one song: “Truly” (So good!)🤙

[@carolineallen6842]

I always liked Lionel Ritchie when he was in The Commodores. This is one of my favorites of his solo songs. The storyline is, I believe, it’s a community center where people can study drama/theater, art, dance, etc.. So, not as creepy? 👩‍🦽👨‍❤️‍👨😉😂

[@patrickborin9814]

🎯

[@maverick2242]

I believe the blind girl in the video is his sister.

[@annmariemills1554]

@@maverick2242 for real or in the video?

[@3DJapan]

That makes sense. I always assumed it was a college.

[@philipchambers4165]

The guy who made the video, which Lionel himself was not happy with, says it's a teacher and student with no further context so make up your own story. It's not really 'creepy' but it's certainly cringey.

[@jackjones5314]

When he was young, Richie watched beautiful women walk past but was too shy to talk to them. He thought to himself, "Hello, is it me you're looking for." Years later he started to write a song using the phrase but got stuck and gave up, but his record producer liked the line and urged him to finish it. VERY similar to the backstory of James Blunt's 'You're Beautiful'; singing about the moment he realized he was in love with a stranger on public transport due to her undeniable beauty.

[@davidtaylor8406]

I saw Lionel in concert in the mid 80's and this was the opening song. The song started playing and a grand piano came up through the stage and was tilted and moving around. There was lots of fog and Lionel was off stage and started singing. That was an awesome concert. One of my favorites.

[@christopherscorner]

The 1980s were a different time. We just weren’t in our feelings so much back then. As kids, our focus was on nuclear war and whether or not we’d make it to the age of 30. People just lived and let live. It’s a school for the blind and I know because I went to one. What I find creepy is that sculpture!

[@31Mike]

My focus in the 1980's was girls, first and foremost lol. Well, one or two specific girls, for the most part and then just girls in general. lol. But yeah, the 80's were a far better time. At least where I grew up (just outside of D.C.). Someone invent a time machine. I don't want to change anything, just live through some great years again. Say starting from about 1976 on to about 1995, then go back and do it all over again.

[@Kim-dm4yb]

I never thought about Nuclear War growing up in the 80's ??? We just had fun!!! This song was never creepy to me, in fact my boyfriend dedicated this to me when we just met in high school...I was in 10th grade and he was a senior. Love this song, none of us ever saw it that way as they are two adults. Funny how times are so different now.

[@christopherscorner]

@@Kim-dm4yb I said the sculpture is creepy… Not the song. The song is beautiful. yes, we had so much fun in the 80s but nuclear war was always in the back of our minds.

[@Stoney_Snark]

Lionel was also a Commodore! You’d enjoy “Three Times A Lady”, and “Night Shift” is a great tribute to great artists who’ve passed on. Lionel is Nicole Richie’s adoptive dad.

[@cliftonparago4547]

Night shift was AFTER Lionel Richie left

[@ChrisHaar]

Easy and Brick House are great ones as well

[@klaptongroovemaster]

Sail On is my favorite Commodores song. Best breakup song ever.

[@jamessinacore6991]

Lol. That’s where I was going. They just listened to the Commodores. Thought they’d make the connection.

[@marilynk30]

@@klaptongroovemaster I so agree!

[@janiceduke1205]

1983. Lionel Richie plays a teacher, Mr. Reynolds, who falls in love with a blind pottery student, Laura. When he looks in at her class, he finds that she has made a perfect clay model of his head. During the making of the video, Richie protested to the director Bob Giraldi that the story about the blind woman had no relationship to the song. Giraldi replied to him, "You're not creating the story, I am."

[@kimberlygilley524]

Thanks for sharing!

[@taylemgames2652]

Yea, guess the Director tried to play on the "looking for" words in the song against the woman being blind.

[@louiseasmith1336]

Corney. But love the song.

[@klaptongroovemaster]

Please do "Sail On" by the Commodores (Ritchie lead vocals). Best break-up song EVER!

[@marilynk30]

Yesssssss

[@ltrainor4078]

One of my favorites!!! YESSSS

[@elainemarsh5170]

Awesome song! Very underrated!

[@christineostertag2690]

Absolutely love this song

[@jmac3977]

“How did they get away with making this video?” In the past, people did not always assume the worst and then try to prevent the worst by prohibiting anything which could be construed as leading to the assumed bad conclusion. I was in high school when this video came out. We assumed these were adults and if she wasn’t interested, even though he was in love with her, she would just say no. Then he would suck it up and move on. Not creepy, just life.

[@chrisoakley5830]

Exactly.

[@jadedemerald]

I was barely a teen and never thought anything of it. Just assumed College. I seen someone else say Arts School which makes more sense

[@christianmattison6096]

Well said!

[@louiseasmith1336]

Some guys aren't so good at sucking it up.

[@bobdillashaw4360]

Well said

[@ricasears5910]

J and Amber you must remember times were different when this was recorded. This song came out in 1984 and i was 11, massive Wham fan (young George Michael band) and this song and video was everywhere. No one looked at it as creepy back then, you certainly cant get away with it in 2021.

[@ManduRugas-oe4kv]

First time i heared that "Hello" is called creepy, we love this song during our time, we made love to this song its an iconic song to us☺

[@daleb1279]

Oh they should really do Endless Love, Diana Ross and Lionel's duet.

[@bradsouthers7476]

Time has not made this creepy. Intolerance has. Two of-age adults, one a teacher and one a student, both finding they have feelings for the other but neither imagining the other feels the same. It's a classic love story. Assuming the worst intentions is what makes it creepy. Trusting good intentions, creepy never comes to mind. People have lost the ability to trust.

[@korimiller379]

While I agree with this, I do get why some would call it creepy. There's very little direct indications that Laura is not, in fact a high school girl. The middle part where she's at home is the best and even then, it's kind of tricky. The fact that it was filmed in a high school did not help the image at all.

[@RonJDuncan]

​@@korimiller379 Only the lockers gives any kind of suggestion that it's a high school, but even in my local community college there are metal lockers available. It's also worth noting that the actress was 26 years old at the time it was filmed and it's pretty clear looking at the other students that they are young adults as well, but if you really wanted direct evidence that it's not high school, look at the curriculum shown. This is a performing arts college. We have drama, dance, sculpture and so forth. While you can find some art focused high schools these days, they are fairly uncommon, and were even more rare back then.

[@festidious2644]

Well said, Brad. All these references to "creepy" reminded me of two songs way back in my childhood; Music to Watch Girls By and Standing on the Corner (Watching All the Girls Go By). These were big hits but one would almost go to jail now for doing something like this. Although I have never done this, I can remember when guys would give the girls a "wolf whistle" of appreciation. Maybe I'm wrong but it almost always seemed like they took it as a compliment. I actually had a woman at work affirm to me that she took it that way when a guy did that to her. It seems like it was a "Wonderful World" back then and the world now is so full of intolerance and offenses.

[@lewalcindor9356]

lol you'd feel a lot differently if you sent your daughter off to college and she had an older professor following her around trying to get a date. Great song, iconic video, but Lionel should've just made the love interest a co-worker or something.

[@toadynamite8141]

To tell the truth, we never had it

[@aquarius2287]

Lionel has soooo many great songs, as well as when he was with The Commodores. One of my favorites is “Still”. Makes me tear up every time I hear it.

[@Viktorwet]

Funny to see how times change. At the time of this song, no one wondered if this was possible. Sometimes I still long for that time. "Hello" Great song from my childhood!

[@staciesanchez3557]

In 1984 I got my first grown up stereo turn table,dual cassette player and tuner. I played this 45 record over and over it came up missing a couple years later. Come to find out my mom hide it.... great times. Keep on rocking!!

[@martic51]

Things were so different many years ago. At the time, I didn’t think it was weird, just so romantic…

[@kbab3333]

It still isn't weird. Better than current hookup culture.

[@TheGILBERTnetwork]

OMG! Millennials watching past videos creep me out more then the original videos. Don’t think anyone from that generation ever thought of it as anything more then a love song. Gzzz!

[@deniseriley6622]

Thank You

[@marilynk30]

Yep I agree! I never got creepy vibes from it! 👏

[@chrisoakley5830]

There's nothing wrong with this video.

[@ms.dirtybird7779]

Gen X here and to me the only creepy or weird thing is Lionel singing "Hello" into the telephone after she picks up says Hello and an eternity goes by and it's hilarious when he sings into the phone. That's why Amber choked on her water. She gets it too. 😂

[@rsw1227]

Again, another thing they could have Googled to clear up their confusion. It really is amazing what they get offended by. I'm offended that they're offended. Ha! The only thing that creeped me out as a kid, was how big she thought his head was. Ha! I suggested BLONDIES: "One Way Or Another" to another reactor and she had this horrified look on her face, and said she was creeped out by the song. That made me feel like a creep for even suggesting it! I just thought she would like to dance to it.

[@rodb9275]

Oh My Goodness! I don't think anyone ever really thought this was inappropriate. To me, it seems that it's clearly college. (Ok, I get the possibility of it being inappropriate, still, but not like if it was high school). And Lionel Ritchie is just a total class act, so no one who knew him would really consider this as intending to be inappropriate. Lionel is a LEGEND too. (Not that a Legend can't be a weirdo, LOL. But I doubt many consider him a weirdo)

[@andreadeamon6419]

We never thought of it as being bad. We just thought of it as being a beautiful video

[@31Mike]

Exactly. I watched this when it was brand new and never once thought that it was high school, it's very clearly college. To me, I just always assumed community college as opposed to a large university.

[@chrissiegle1065]

It's an art college... Acting class, dancing class, sculpture.... Great reaction. Thank you. 😊

[@andreadeamon6419]

Because back in the 70s and 80s it didn't happen often - but I've seen it happen and 35 years later they're still together with a beautiful family. Someone from my daughter's high school was kind of seeing a teacher and they fired him immediately and only let him continue to teach out of state. My daughter is still mad 10 years later cause he was her favorite teacher.

[@a47mlb]

Don’t forget Lionel Richie wrote “Lady” for Kenny Rogers. “Hello” is so much like “Lady”. The video is a bit creepy but keep in mind this was the 80’s when music videos were really starting to take off and we’re generally done more as short movies.

[@davek12]

Their voices were so similar. I always thought they should release two albums where each does the same songs in their own styles and release at the same time. Kenny's gone now :(.

[@1000lilfeet]

@@davek12 there was a live show Lionel did where he and Kenny sang each other’s songs. It was fun!

[@davek12]

@@1000lilfeet That'd have been amazing.

[@stevenf1953]

Did you know Lionel wrote the song Lady in the bathroom while Kenny was waiting in the studio for the rest of the song? To record it? Kenny knew it was going to be a hit even before the song was finished. And it was. One of Kenny's greatest hits.

[@deebell510]

FYI, on Lionel's album, Tuskegee, Lionel duets with Kenny on "Lady".

[@KWayne6756]

Must listen to “still”, “endless love”, “easy”. Lionel is amazing!

[@artchick2002]

Still is one of my favorites!

[@barefootgroupie4504]

STILL and EASY for sure!

[@lillianbuckingham4529]

OMG! I forgot about Endless Love...with Diana Ross no less. That's such a sweet song!

[@csf7773]

Don't forget "Truly"

[@carolynshea8794]

Endless love was the first song at my wedding

[@DianaJG8]

Beautiful song! BTW, Lionel also wrote the song "Lady" that Kenny Rogers sang and you reacted to and liked so much.

[@HeatherDeLaTorre]

I saw this video so many times in the 80s, and I never thought of it as creepy. I guess its the age we live in now. I always thought this was either some type of art school/college or school for the blind, when I would watch this. I never thought it was high school just because everyone there seems way older than teenagers. So I never thought of it like this. I always thought it was the sweetest video and the song is the sweetest as well. I really love "Stuck on You" by Lionel Ritchie. I think that is my favorite and then you can't skip the unbelievable duet with Diana Ross "Endless Love." Yall knocked it out of the park tonight with three of my favorites!!!! Thanks!!!! Love you guys!

[@dennisjacks7923]

Love it, when Amber closed her eyes. It's the way music should be heard. Especially for music before 1984, when MTV took off and was solidified to be the next music medium. Most videos really don't have anything to do with the songs original intent (or lyrics) to begin with. Videos became another part of the business that the artist had to work on, coming up with concepts for the video.

[@centuryrox]

Exactly. That's why I always recommend first time listeners to a song to go with a lyrics video, or just audio only. Most times, the video adds nothing to the song, and many times video takes a lot away from the song, or leaves the viewer confused.

[@Jacismiles4u2]

IT IS a College setup. Remember this is back in the 70's-80's. He fell in love with a Strong young Lady. Back in those days a teenager would not have had a phone in her room unless she had very rich parents. Those of us who watched it then saw a man fall in love with one of his students. Other than the phone call he did not "Pursue" her. And you notice she "SEES" him as someone special. I hate to tell you this but 2 professors do not call each other Professor. Mister was the proper term. Have a great day luv. and Just enjoy the song for what it is. A love song. ;-)

[@pkster322]

Not high school, she was attending a school for the arts. Usually college aged students and older. That video was voted "the worst video of all time" in the UK. Lionel wrote several songs for your boy Kenny Rogers too.

[@justanotherguy7925]

I can see why. Lionel is singing and there are people babbling over him. Great song, terrible video.

[@eleven-hopper]

Yeah, I mainly just find that the voices in the background are very annoying in the video.

[@cameranmanner4701]

i mentioned this in a previous post. Do colleges have bells ring for the next class? I know high schools do.

[@kelly9876]

and it is super creepy too - regardless of whether it is a school for the arts or not. He is still a teacher, much older and stalking her but the song is fine.

[@eleven-hopper]

@@cameranmanner4701 i'm pretty sure that they do

[@moxielouise125]

Look at the background scenery. It’s a college, not a high school. The seats are auditorium style. The classes they are teaching…ballet and sculpting…not normally high school stuff. He’s not a pedophile, just a guy who’s smitten.

[@dmbfan19711]

My high school auditorium was just like that and we had all those classes depicted... I'll go with with what someone else said though, that its supposed to be a Community Center

[@khanyi8512]

@@dmbfan19711 most art schools have lockers…it’s definitely an art college cause the girl sculpts

[@Seanadun]

When this came out, it was a massive hit, a phenomenal song. Lionel is wonderful

[@barbaraburton8914]

I think it is so sad that people see something bad in everything they see now. There isn't a creep or criminal around every corner. Most people go thru their whole life without someone lurking around trying to harm them. I watched a reaction video last night around Neil Diamond's song " Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" and the reactor thought that there was all kinds of religious controversy about it at the time. There wasn't! It was a song, not a statement about southern religion at the time. Relax.

[@mikep6222]

This is the number one problem when you put headphones on today's generation with yesterday's music. Things get so lost in translation and they see everything as some sort of negative statement or social unjust. Many reaction video channels are created by the younger crowd and its painfully obvious when you watch them react and give commentary. I just hope us older folk can continue to educate them.

[@Shane-Flanagan]

@@mikep6222 I get your point but you can't tar all young people with the same brush. I as a young person love music from 1960's-1980's and don't get mixed messages or the wrong idea. I just love the music

[@mikep6222]

@@Shane-Flanagan Shane, no such thing was intended and I apologize if it came off that way. I was just making the point that those of us who lived through those times will tend to have a different perspective. I am always psyched to see younger people who can enjoy, appreciate and "get" the music of those times.

[@Shane-Flanagan]

@@mikep6222 Fair enough. I get that the generations who lived during those eras of great music have a different perspective/understanding. From your comment I just assumed you meant all young people but ok

[@solitarybee3714]

As we said long ago, "Get over ya bad self!".

[@cainealexander-mccord2805]

It's college. And it was almost 40 years ago. You know. When people used to have common sense.

[@jasonremy1627]

"All Night Long" is pure fun. You'll dig it!

[@abelincoln3287]

If you've ever watched American Idol, you've seen Lionel Richie as a judge.

[@dirks4093]

Damn, Lionel Ritchie has one of the best voices ever!

[@StudyMonster]

The 80's and 90's were all about the video! MTV made it a must have if you wanted people to "see" the song...bigger sales! We LIVED for a new video to drop!

[@oldcdog91]

I love your reaction to the video 😂🤣😂🤣 So many songs and videos from the 80s would be problematic by today’s standards, but no one said boo about it back then 😉

[@richardhenderson9767]

"Still", "Truly", "Penny Lover", "Running With the Night", "Say You, Say Me", "Dancing On the Ceiling", "All Night Long", "Stuck On You", "Easy", "Do It To Me", "Nightshift", "Three Times A Lady", are just some of his big hits as a solo artist... You gotta react to "Oh No", by The Commodores.....❤❤❤ He also sings a song "Lady" that he wrote, and Kenny Rogers sings as well.😀 This is the 80's, and this is not high school... This are classes for "consenting adults"...😀😀😀

[@LoriPeace]

"Still" and "Three Times a Lady" are two of my favorites of his. Also, "Say You, Say Me," the theme from the movie "White Nights" -- but that's one you'd probably need to see the movie to understand the video -- the video is full of clips from the movie. I remember watching an interview with him back in the day and he made some comment about being an okay pianist, but not a great one. Talking about the video for "Say You, Say Me" he said, "did you notice when the tempo picked up, I got up from the piano to dance? Yeah, that's why." Gotta love a guy who knows his limits and works around them! LOL

[@The207hustla]

he was with the commodores when he sang "easy"

[@michaelmartin1714]

Lionel Richie had nothing to do with the song "Nightshift." That was The Commodore's first single after Lionel Left the band and was replaced by another singer.

[@laurademan5200]

Love his music 🎶

[@breebree9319]

I don't know how many times I've watched this video before (it's been a long time) and never thought it was creepy, just sweet that he was silently in love with her and her with him. This didn't age so well and it's totally creepy now. She looks so much younger and it could be seen as a professor pursuing a student. Back in those days big centers where people studied the arts (without paying an arm and a leg) were more common. Today this is only found in college or super expensive, private schools.

[@TheGILBERTnetwork]

It’s not creepy at all.

[@absgbkm]

I agree. I watched this so many times as a teen and loved it but looking at it now it is creepy but the song is still beautiful. I was thinking of it as a school for the arts also.

[@cameranmanner4701]

is it a college or a high school. In the video you can hear the class bell go off. Not sure how many colleges have a class bell ring for the next class.

[@herobreaker9011]

see I've ALWAYS thought this VIDEO was creepy! The song is great but WHY would you pair such a sweet song with such a predatory concept? I mean, Lionel is actually STALKING this poor blind girl thru her other classes at this (art college?) and calling her at home?? HOW many people must have okayed this idea for it to actually be made. I guess they assumed, because his feelings were reciprocated in the end, it was all okay? Just unbelievable.

[@taylemgames2652]

@@herobreaker9011 Sorry to be mean, so I will try and not be. He isn't stalking her. He isn't actually following her. He is singing about wondering what she is doing, if there is anyone loving her. Why in that line, some random guy embraces her. It is all in his head what he is imaging she is doing. When we cut to her, Lionel isn't shadowing her when she is focusing on the head statue; this is actually her and what he doesn't know and isn't seeing.

[@tps715]

I just saw this reaction this morning and you guys gave me a really good laugh which comes in handy right now because I'm getting ready for a job interview so Thank You for helping me relax. I heard this song so many times but never seen the whole video from beginning to end until now.

[@steviemcintyre1497]

Before our society became so perverse, love was just love. It wasn't always accepted but it was a rarely vilified. Any creepiness perceived is in the societal conditioning of the viewer, not the song. Keep up the great work. P.S. if you want something by Lionel that's just pure fun check out All Night Long.

[@synaestesia-bg3ew]

Today they make everything look creepy to the youngesters, and I know how it happened because I observed it. It's the people behind the LGBT movement. Anything that's remotely out of the ordinary, excepted the obvious creepiness. I remember now the paparazzis and celebrity News destroyed poor Michal Jackson. They called him a creep for being different, and that was a base for further suspicions.

[@dee_pendable1]

Only recent reviews of this video point out the "creepiness". Funny, back in the day, I don't think any thoughts like this ever crossed anyone's mind. It was a purer time, not so riddled with inappropriate relationships like today. I find this all very interesting in retrospect. It was just a sweet love story with the twist of her being blind and feeling the same as him.

[@nealm6764]

I am a 58 yo mostly Republican (I don't always vote party line) who is far from "woke", but this video reminds me of recently catching the end of the movie "Sixteen Candles". A movie that seemed fun and harmless but now the ending is seriously creepy with the young girl giving her panties to the nerd so he can lie and brag about having scored with her, and the handsome guy giving the geek his drunken GF to do with as he pleases, and he apparently does. (Not going to even go into the Asian exchange student...) Just because we didn't see it back then doesn't mean it is ok now. They should probably retire this vide tbh or at least cut out the part where he is in a position of authority over her.

[@stephm.3407]

I think there were plenty of inappropriate relationships, but we just didn't realize it because they were so common and romanticized. Now we look at things through a different lens. A lot of the things we thought were normal back in the day were actually pretty effed up when you really think about it, or not?

[@ODN67]

Definitely adult classes. No authority here.

[@way2deep100]

I actually believe there were more inappropriate relationships; it's just that fewer came to light and many that did were swept under the carpet. But there's still time and there are still creeps shaking in their boots.

[@daynamaschke9438]

@@nealm6764 Omg.....Yes. I just mentioned that movie on here to someone who thought the 80s was conservative. I just re-saw 16 candles for the first time in about 15 years and was blown away by that whole end scene....actually grossed out by it and the fact i used to obviously think nothing of it.

[@dv3507]

Lionel Ritchie had numerous hits with the Commodores and as a solo artist. Great song choice! On a related note, you may want to check out "Don't Stand So Close to Me" by the Police. 😁

[@trjbrew]

I see what you did there🤣🤣🤣

[@Desibeatnik]

@@trjbrew YES

[@minneyruth]

🤣🤣

[@frankrodriguez2999]

So wrong 🤣🤣🤣

[@jrod4344]

No matter how many hits the Commodores had, all I ever think of is Lady. Absolutely love the song and video. Makes me smile no matter how many times I see it. I do think of a lot of different songs, including this one though, for him as a solo artist. Of course as a song writer i think of Kenny Roger's Lady

[@cricket47222]

Lionel Richie wrote a few songs for Kenny Rogers..He has one of the best voices ever! Love him💙

[@johnkinney8808]

i just love watching the both of you. most of the music you watch and listen to is what i grew up on. i gratuated high school in 1986. the songs you plat bring back a lot of great memories. so thank you so much for what you do. and may god bless you and your children

[@cbcb8898]

Mr Lionel Richie is a amazing songwriter and live performer, he was the lead of the 70's group The Commadors , he's written hits for Kenny Rodgers (Lady), Diana Ross ( Endless Love) and a host of others, in fact he was one of the writers for We Are The World , Mr Richie has an amazing catalog of music. He was signed to Motown.Check out ZOOM and watch the live performance of him and Diana Ross at the Oscars the live version when their coming down the stairs first,, Ohh check out All Night Long. He toured with the Legendary Ms Tina Turner during the height of her career when he became a solo artist.

[@RavenFire4]

All Night Long another great Lionel song

[@davidkeech9738]

Dancing On The Ceiling, All Night Long, Angel and other songs are rockin' bangers.

[@daviddixon6408]

I always liked the video for Dancing on the Ceiling.

[@jessearmstead2237]

Try “All Night Long” and “ Say You, Say Me”... Lionel Richie is a mega star.His music is timeless , it still creates the stirring of the mind, body, and soul.

[@simplesimon8586]

Love both of these songs. And don’t forget the theme song to Ghost Busters!

[@chriso6719]

@@simplesimon8586 The Ghostbusters theme song was sung by Ray Parker Jr.

[@laurabailey1054]

I love Say you Say me from the movie White Nights

[@simplesimon8586]

@@chriso6719 Oh right. Doh. What was I thinking? Old age is creeping up on me I guess.

[@allieren]

@@laurabailey1054 I think I remember White Nights being a good movie but I was maybe 7 or 8 when I saw it. My mom loved Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines.

[@justmecarter1717]

He started out as lead singer in the Commadores. Wonderful singer!!

[@jimgreen5788]

I remember him singing in the closing ceremony of the Los Angeles Olympics back in '84--"All Night Long". I think you'd like seeing/hearing that one as well, to hear another side to his singing.

[@ericstrange3094]

Sometimes ... just sometimes you have to forget all the screwed up ways that this, our, era has corrupted how we think about things and just sit back and try to enjoy the romance of the story that's being told. It is too sad if we look at everything through the lens that colors our perspective today. Don't waste the beauty that's in front of you.

[@andrewmccormack4295]

Political correctness has certainly corrupted how things are viewed these days,I don't find this creepy,it's just about a guy who is entranced by a beautiful Lady.Just take it for what it is,just a love story,no need to look for,or put in things that aren't there.

[@nealm6764]

@@andrewmccormack4295 They could have made that video, but they didn't. They made college professor creeping on his student instead. Blame them, not the fact that society now sees how wrong this stuff is .

[@garykephart]

​ @Neal M agreed. I was born in '64 and I think this is creepy. Just because we didn't think it was creepy back then didn't make it ok. We're now better recognizing creepy behavior. #metoo

[@Sportsref13]

@@nealm6764 So is it creepy that she has the same Feelings and went so far as to make bust of him.?? How did she get so close to his likeness, she had to be Creeping on him as well to get that accurate

[@patrickseidel8625]

I think anyone who thinks this is creepy is the one with a perverted mind .Lionel Ritchie was 34 in this video. The girl was obviously a college student. The actress is 25. So people think it's creepy for 2 adults to like each other?

[@vegasbaby3669]

I really hate when young people say “this video is creepy he is following her to her classes”. It’s fucking video art. He’s not literally following her. The video is symbolic, showing us (the viewer) how he dreams about her. How he wishes he could be close to her and touch her. The video shows us that by showing clips of him following, but he’s not there in reality following her. If he were, all the people in the hallways, would be ‘reacting’ to the fact that some guy is walking down the halls singing.

[@ursulabklyn_mia6148]

I stopped watching the video when the creepy comment was made. They are 2 adults in Performing Art School.

[@KimbaLoveAdams]

I agree. They really over thought this video and kind of ruined it imho. This isn't the first video they made comments like this either. The 80s were just a different time. And they need to think about that and just react to the song because it can be hard to want to watch their reactions when they do things like this. Of course this video couldn't be made today but in 1983 no one thought of this as creepy. Lionel is a respected artist and I hate that they used creepy to describe a video I loved as a young adult.

[@rsw1227]

@@KimbaLoveAdams I really am amazed how they and other reactors take every lyric literally and think the video is like a snippet of a "reality show." They think every song is autobiographical. They don't understand fantasy or writing a song about common human occurances. Like falling in love, getting a heart broken because of a breakup or death or just a fun, sex, drugs/drink and R&R song to get you pumped up! It makes me wonder if they think current music is all based on reality? I'm sure they don't realize that it takes 7 or 8 writers to come up with the mindless drivel of the popular songs of today. I'm sorry this is so long. I took this "reaction" personal for some reason.

[@StevesFunhouse]

Amber, he wasn't creeping out on her. Love wants what it wants. This is NOT like a high school teacher going out with a teenager. Both of them are adults, and he never pursues the relationship. In fact, he even tries to avoid it, possibly BECAUSE he doesn't want to seem creepy, but his heart is still full of love for her. This is the problem with the cancel culture of today, and we need to stop it now. Both are entitled to love whoever they want only, his predicament is that he can't say anything to her ... it HAS to be her call FIRST (because he IS her teacher). It is a BEAUTIFUL video and he describes everything perfectly. Please, read on ... One last thing I will say, hoping to convince you ... this was a worldwide video, accepted by everyone. If it were not so, they would not have made it. In fact, it was a MAJOR hit. We have got to pump the brakes on suspecting everyone of the worst things. Everything he did in the video was fine, even by today's standards. It's just that we, as a society have been brainwashed to think everyone is a pervert, while allowing REAL perverts to continue doing what they do, for decades, and the establishment makes excuses for it so, when a legitimate, out-in-the-open, above board love story comes along, everyone wants to pounce on it. This is WRONG and it must stop !!!

[@rextrek]

interesting....appreciate your view on it....as someone who saw this when it came out and was in my Early 30's.......I always took it as the way you described it.....LOved this song

[@StevesFunhouse]

@@rextrek Thank you !!! It's nice to see someone still has some brains and isn't afraid to stand up to the mob. This is a very beautiful song, and I'm getting to my wits' end with the cancel culture trying to kill everything that's good in the world. In the beginning, you say to yourselves, well ok, I guess we have some room to accommodate you. But then, like always, you give an inch, and they take a mile. They think, "Hey, they're weak and afraid of us, so let's take advantage of it and get more than we deserve". Enough's enough, right ???

[@rextrek]

@@StevesFunhouse I agree 60-40....obviously, some things need tweaking that we just took for granted / or said...all things change ...for good/bad....mostly good.....Im 61

[@StevesFunhouse]

@@rextrek Yeah, 63 here, and though I see your point and can agree some things can be changed, I disagree that things like this video, which were very much out in the open, are as bad as people are making them out to be. I was very much into music back then, playing guitar myself awhile before this song, and I remember, never thinking twice about this as being anything other than sweet and beautiful. No, this is twisted indoctrination that our youth (and some of our elders) are being brainwashed into believing is bad ... like dating and calling a woman a "woman" ... or "she/her". This is just sick, and they are teaching everyone this divisiveness purely to gain more control over us. Forgive me for what follows, but you got me thinking about this again. A LOT of what people think about things has and should always include what they know about the people involved. Lionel Richie has had a LONG career with enough history ... before and after ... to know his full intentions. No, this was just a very romantic song, on camera for all to see. Had this been Jeffrey Epstein, Bill Cosby or even Bill Clinton or any of the other people that have come to our attention lately, well that would be one thing, because they did their dirty deeds behind the scenes, for eons, where their friends and (mostly rich) influential people covered and made excuses for their indiscretions ... because those perverts were their friends, or were making them money. This video does NOT represent ANY of that kind of stuff. This is where and what cancel culture has brought us to ... judging the entire planet for something that was clearly, perfectly fine, and also judging a period in history using today's twisted sensibilities. Today, men can't even call women "women" anymore, let alone talk to them, which the reactions to this video demonstrate. I have to stop now though, because I have studied this phenomenon in great detail, and it's making me frustrated and angry just thinking about it. Sorry about that. Bottom line, " some things need tweaking" ... yes, that's true, but this video doesn't represent 1 of them.

[@solitarybee3714]

@@StevesFunhouse I agree wholeheartedly!

[@kimleemoon]

Lionel Ritchie was also a member of The Commodores before he went solo. He was one of only 3 black artists (Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Lionel Ritchie) whose videos were regularly played on MTV in its early days. His upbeat solo hits were “All Night Long” & “Dancing on the Ceiling”.

[@shevawn1973]

I just remembered this. If you wondered how Lionel got away with this video. You've definitely need to check out Benny Mardones "Into the Night". He had a voice that was over the top. Once in a lifetime type. It was a hit not only once, but twice when it was reintroduced years later. He said it was about a young girl that lived in the same apartment building that was being mistreated, but the Official Video is...well something different. When it came out nobody thought it was a big deal (like Lionel's "Hello"), but now it's like Wowser. It's a truly beautiful song and Benny definitely has a wonderful voice. He passed away a few years ago from a neural disease. Please check it out.

[@RCSmith-rf7vj]

Lionel has a very unique and identifiable voice- it is simply amazing.

[@rozequinn1519]

Check out "Easy" with the Commodores. He sings lead. So pretty.

[@chrislaustin]

...........Like Sunday Morning.

[@dawngrant4918]

Still by Lionel Ritchie is a CAN'T miss!!!

[@spookym123]

That song is actually by the Commodores, of which Lionel Ritchie was a member.

[@BobbyCYeah]

Lionel Ritchie started as the leader of a funk-pop group called The Comodores. their song titled "Zoom" is a must listen. Absolutely.

[@gosiahoot6998]

You've got to hear Lionel Richie with the Commodores--Sail On is a song you could listen to on repeat forever. You'll love the close harmonies. Zoom is great too--so many great Commodores songs. They were some of the best of Motown.

[@elenaHernandez-nu7fw]

I was honored to see Lionel with the commodores in the eighties. I will never forget it. The piano came up out of the stage awesome. I don't think Lionel had much to say about this video, he is a good person. I like to see him on American idol he gets so excited for people. Lionel is a singer and song writer. Try dancing on the ceiling very fun.

[@karlsmith2570]

Another song by Lionel Ritchie you might also enjoy is "Dancing On The Ceiling"

[@patriotsson6219]

To put your hearts at ease, this is what you would call in community college, adult classes. Like learning a new hobby. Acting, sculpting etc...

[@sandralyn5869]

This is such a great song. I'm so happy that you reacted to it. Lionel Richie has one of the greatest voices of all time

[@alexandervasel6845]

My favorite is "sail on" when he was with the commodores. The harmonizing is fantastic!

[@angeliaharman1649]

You have to remember this was the 80's. Times have definitely changed! We did have lockers at my college back then and we called our professors Mr/Ms. Nothing creepy here....just a beautiful memory of time gone by for me!

[@LMmccallL57]

@Angelina Harman Same here! Reading the comments, I thought I'd be the only one whose college had lockers, though not in every building, and we also said Mr. or Mrs., not professor. Whew! I don't feel alone, anymore. Thank you. :)

[@angeliaharman1649]

@@LMmccallL57 Perhaps we are the only "older" folks on here from a small town...?! 😆

[@rosamorales5282]

Omg. Please don't take it creepy. Way before ME TOO a different time. Sadly these days we've lost our innocence. It's a love song.

[@marthaz]

Now you really need to check out Lionel and Diana Ross - "Endless Love" to really get carried completely away with his songwriting and vocal talent. Always love your genuine reactions 💕

[@cathybrookeburt2616]

Lionel is now a judge on American Idol & he was in the band the Commadores before he went solo. Tons of big hits both solo & with the band.

[@NoMoreChiskisLies]

The ballet teacher in this video is Michael Peters, the choreographer to Thriller, Beat It and many other iconic videos :) He has passed away in 1994 but definitely left his mark.

[@pauljansen1137]

Night Shift and Easy from the Commodores are pretty great songs as well!!!!

[@cliftonparago4547]

Nightshift was after he left the band

[@pauljansen1137]

@@cliftonparago4547 didn't know that...thanks for the info!

[@IshiAndNomyJackson]

LOL,it's college. It's funny how all the reactors think it's a little creepy,but I don't think any of us thought anything of it back then🙂

[@lisa_jetsgurl642]

Facts!!! 🤣🤣

[@justcurious1146]

yes and also, it could be her final year or even sh had begun college at an older age as my sister in law did at that time, she was 30 when she started college

[@noreenjohnson4285]

Yet they (Rob Squad) don't think it's creepy when Tom Jone's pulls ladies from the audience to make out with them?? He's the real creep, in real life (but I do love his songs-I won't take that from him).

[@baldeagle7155]

I don’t know about anyone else but when she turns the bust around for him to see I can’t stop laughing every time I’ve seen this video. Apparently Lionel hated the busy.

[@joerawlings2824]

You need to hear Lionel when he was with the Commodores: "Sail On" "Still" "Three Times A Lady" "Just To Be Close To You" "Easy"

[@jerickson725]

OMG! Pretty sure this song was never seen as anything other than sweet, because it was a time when people were not working overtime trying to stir up controversy at every turn, unlike the cloud of negativity we've all been drawn into currently. Back then, the possibility of an inappropriate relationship probably never entered the minds of listeners. Simply a man smitten with a woman at a theater arts college, and figuring out how to tell her he's interested, then finding out she has felt the same way. I find it so sad that in more recent years, we have been "groomed" to assume there is a good possibility an atrocious, immoral, or degrading intention is hidden in everything and everywhere. Whether it be predatory, sexist, racist etc., our first instinct now, is to grasp at straws, trying to find something awful. I'm so glad I grew up in the 70's and 80's, and got to experience part of my life without any of the hyper-sensitive, pessimistic social climate we are living in today.

[@noreenjohnson6433]

Very well said!

[@Sunny-jz3dy]

Agreed!

[@kparise8452]

Amber's reaction to Lionel singing "Hello" into the phone is PRICELESS!!! LOL!!!

[@kateritter5765]

Yeah, it does seem creepy now. Sting's song "Every Breath You Take" is way creepier.

[@unndunn1]

I was in college when this song came out. I had a huge crush on one of my professors and this song just made me more dramatic than I already was. 😂😂😂

[@kimbermorgan1971]

Same, only I was in 9th grade and crushing on my English/History teacher. 😂

[@dannywhelan9861]

I think if the blind woman would have turned around when he "sung to her" in he room, we could assume that this music video is not just a manifestation of events. I mean, she blind, not deaf lol Extreme wokeness has made our generation str8 paranoid and thinking the most negative intentions or outcomes. And as apparently shocking as it is when he sings hello into the phone, he's essentially singing for the sake of completely the song, the lyrics, as the video ends. No one is actually going to be that corny or romantic, depending on how you personally see it.. at the end of the day, Its an abstract style of conveying feelings and to evoke emotion.

[@geneholland1188]

Agreed. It does have a creepy vibe to it in hindsite but many would argue it wasn't there or meant to be originally. Amber had an equal reaction to Jessie's girl but totally missed the mark. In that video he had a crush on his buddies gf. The didn't pursue it. He didn't stalk her, it was his best friends girl so he seen her around. He looked in the mirror wondering what she didn't see in him and yet she got the vibe it was creepy when it was just a crush. Today's woke mentality isn't always spot on, sometimes it's simply about emotions. Truthfully if this really happened as it sits you're looking at two people who have feelings for each other and they're hesitant to share it. I agree the age thing really bothers most people (I know I couldn't do it), but life is so short and sometimes happiness is found in strange places. Though I would say if the age thing is as we see it to be then this happiness may be doomed to be short. But I will admit when I first saw this it felt off for me too (I'm 51 so I heard it the first time it came out and the video felt off.)

[@ChandraLeigh]

Nicely put..

[@module79l28]

Honestly, I'm very surprised by Amber's reaction. I never thought she was so judgemental.

[@geneholland1188]

@@module79l28 I don't think it's to much of a leap. Both Amber and Jay are teachers if I'm not mistaken and as such it would probably hit home a little more with them being very conscious of inappropriate behavior. I know I found the video a little troubling and I'm 51 and thought so when it first came out. Plus even Lionel Ritchie said he felt it wasn't the best way to go with the video but was told by the director well it's the story I'm telling not what you're telling. There's some room there for interpretation for sure.

[@module79l28]

@@geneholland1188 - It's only "inappropriate behaviour" in millennials' minds, back when the video came out it was viewed simply as romantic. J was way more open-minded about it, he understood that a romantic relationship between a college teacher and a college student was acceptable. There's plenty of room for interpretation, I agree, but Amber kind of "shut down" her mind and let some silly prejudice take over.

[@kenturoni]

the must song from lionel is "truly" and "still". just masterpiece

[@southernlady75-Amy]

"How did they get away with making this video?" Had me rolling. Yea, things weren't as PC back then. haha. It is SO weird when I watch it back now. But it was always a favorite song of mine.

[@surlechapeau]

J&A, His "Three Times A Lady", "All Night Long" and "Easy" are next for you!! His duet with Diana Ross "Endless Love" is great!! You could do a whole wedding with his songs!

[@theweirdsistersoracle2]

Lionel Ritchie is an icon. He's one of my and my husband's all time favorite singers. He was a founding member of the Commodores, and then went on to have a spectacular solo career. He is the man behind "Lady", he wrote it specifically for Kenny. He has so many other songs as good as this if not better. And it is supposed to be an arts school. I think she's supposed to be in her early twenties.

[@nicklengyel6710]

Dancing on the ceiling, Say you Say me. Were terrific songs and videos.

[@davidwalkerjr1949]

I grew up in the 80s, so so many genres of music and so many ways people Express themselves, I agree my thoughts whenever a teacher and a high school student, I looked at as an art university, with two adults, who had feelings for each other, I agree with some of the people everyone perceives things so different today, just what we deal with today, overall it was just a sweet beautiful song

[@consciousbeing1188]

I'm blown away that you guys could think this is anything but a college level setting... She looks way older than a teen. Keep in mind that this song came from a much more conservative time as well. Any allusion to an inappropriate teacher/student relationship probably stems from your teaching backgrounds.

[@KimbaLoveAdams]

I agree

[@meladonna]

What college has a bell between classes?

[@daynamaschke9438]

I disagree and I was a female teenager in the 80s. Totally agree with Amber and glad people are recognizing it now for what it was back then...

[@znk0r]

Wtf...nah its inappropriate...it was then and still is now. The song is not but the video sure is.

[@daynamaschke9438]

Also, the 80s were Not conservative....did you ever see Porky's.....go listen to the date rape scene in 16 Candles....and cocaine and crank was everywhere!!!