| Groove Thang | |
| Cover: | ZhanéGrooveThangSingle.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Zhané |
| Album: | Pronounced Jah-Nay |
| Released: | January 1994 |
| Genre: | Dance |
| Length: | 3:55 |
| Label: | Motown |
| Composer: |
|
| Lyricist: | Renée A. Neufville |
| Producer: | Naughty by Nature |
| Chronology: | Zhané |
| Prev Title: | Hey Mr. D.J. |
| Prev Year: | 1993 |
| Next Title: | Sending My Love |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
"Groove Thang" is a song by American R&B group Zhané from their debut album, Pronounced Jah-Nay (1994). Released in January 1994, it was produced by and features a rap verse from Naughty by Nature. The song is based on a sample of "Haven't You Heard" as performed by Patrice Rushen. It peaked at number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100. A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Markus Blunder.
Jose F. Promis at AllMusic considered "Groove Thang" to be "smooth and infectious" but noted its similarity to the group's previous single, stating that it "sounds like 'Hey Mr. D.J.' part two."[1] J.D. Considine from The Baltimore Sun described it as "near-irresistible" and a "sturdy, bass-thumping number".[2] Larry Flick from Billboard felt it "is propelled by precious lead vocals and a chorus that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Plush instrumentation is another plus in the act's bid to keep the momentum at radio and retail in high gear. Overall, odds are in its favor."[3] Ralph Tee from Music Weeks RM Dance Update declared it as "a fresh new tune destined to do huge things", "with chirpy vocals and a bouncy mid-tempo dance groove".[4] Another editor, James Hamilton, described it as a "slowed down Patrice Rushen 'Haven't You Heard' based sweet slinky strong jogger".[5]
| Chart (1994) | Peak position | |
|---|---|---|
| Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[6] | 84 | |
| Europe (European Dance Radio)[7] | 6 | |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[8] | 17 | |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100 Tipparade)[9] | 4 | |
| UK Dance (Music Week)[10] | 5 | |
| UK Club Chart (Music Week)[11] | 3 | |
| US Billboard Hot 100[12] | 17 | |
| US Dance Club Play (Billboard)[13] | 13 | |
| US Hot R&B Singles (Billboard)[14] | 2 | |
| US Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard)[15] | 1 | |
| US Top 40/Mainstream (Billboard)[16] | 33 | |
| US Top 40/Rhythm-Crossover (Billboard)[17] | 4 |
| Chart (1994) | Position | |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Top Singles (RPM)[18] | 41 | |
| UK Club Chart (Music Week)[19] | 72 | |
| US Billboard Hot 100[20] | 74 | |
| US Hot R&B Singles (Billboard)[21] | 20 |
| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | January 1994 | Motown | ||
| Japan | February 25, 1994 | Mini-CD | [22] | |
| United Kingdom | March 7, 1994 | [23] |
