Mark Morrison is a British R&B singer who rose to fame in the mid-90s with his smash hit Return of the Mack. The song, which was released as the third single from his debut album of the same name, topped the UK Singles Chart and became a European and Australian hit. In the US, it reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and went platinum.
But what makes Return of the Mack such a timeless classic? How did Mark Morrison craft this catchy and soulful anthem of resilience and redemption? And what is the secret history and impact of this song on pop culture?
In this article, we will explore these questions and more as we dive deep into the genius of Mark Morrison and his masterpiece, Return of the Mack.
The Background and Composition of Return of the Mack
Following his release from prison for a nightclub brawl, Mark Morrison wrote and recorded Return of the Mack in 1995. He had previously signed a record deal with Warner Music Group, but his career was put on hold due to his legal troubles. He used his time in jail to reflect on his life and write songs for his debut album.
One of those songs was Return of the Mack, which he described as “a song about coming back from nothing. The song is about his comeback after losing his girlfriend, who cheated on him while he was in prison. He sings about how he overcame his heartbreak and regained his confidence and swagger, while also warning his ex that she would regret her actions.
The song’s beat is sampled from the song Genius of Love by American band Tom Tom Club, which was also famously used by Mariah Carey in her hit Fantasy. The song also samples Games by Chuckii Booker, as well as fragments from UFO by ESG, Cerrone’s Rocket in the Pocket, and Feel The Heartbeat by The Treacherous Three. The result is a groovy and funky track that blends R&B, New Jack Swing, and hip-hop elements.
The song’s hook is catchy and memorable, with Morrison repeating the phrase return of the mack in a warbly croon. The chorus is simple but effective, with Morrison declaring that he is “the mack” and that he is “back”.
The verses are more expressive and emotional, with Morrison telling his story of betrayal and recovery. He also showcases his vocal range and versatility, switching from a low growl to a high falsetto.
The song’s lyrics are clever and witty, with Morrison using wordplay and rhymes to convey his message. For example, he sings:
You lied to me / All those times I said that I loved you / You lied to me / Yes I tried, yes I tried / You lied to me / Even though you know I’d die for you / You lied to me / Yes I cried, yes I cried
Here, he uses an internal rhyme scheme (lied, tried, died, cried) to emphasise his pain and anger. He also uses a contrast between love and lies, as well as life and death, to show how deeply he was hurt by his ex.
Another example is:
Well I tried to tell you so (yes I did) / But I guess you didn’t know / As I said the story goes / Baby now I got the flow
Here, he uses an external rhyme scheme (did/know/goes/flow) to express his confidence and success. He also uses repetition of “I” to assert his identity and agency. He also uses the metaphor of having “the flow”, which can mean both having musical talent and being in control of his life.
The Impact and Legacy of Return of the Mack
Return of the Mack was a huge success for Mark Morrison, both commercially and critically. It sold over 2 million copies worldwide and earned him several awards and nominations, including a Brit Award for Best British Male Solo Artist in 1997. It also established him as one of the leading R&B artists in Europe at the time.
The song also had a lasting impact on pop culture, as it became a staple of 90s nostalgia and a reference point for many artists and media. For example:
- The song has been covered or sampled by numerous artists, such as Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Snoop Dogg, Mann, Notorious B.I.G., French Montana, and more.
- The song has been featured or mentioned in various movies, TV shows, video games, and commercials, such as Shrek the Third, The Wire, The Office, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, FIFA 21, and more.
- The song has inspired several parodies and memes, such as “Return of the Snack”, “Return of the Cat”, “Return of the Mac and Cheese”, and more.
- The song has been used as a theme or slogan for various events and campaigns, such as the return of NBA star Shaquille O’Neal to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2006, the return of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to politics in 2017, and the return of McDonald’s Big Mac to the UK menu in 2020.
The song has also been praised and analyzed by many critics and fans, who have recognised its artistic merit and cultural significance.
The Conclusion
Return of the Mack is more than just a catchy song. It is a testament to Mark Morrison’s talent and resilience, as well as a reflection of his personal and professional journey. It is also a cultural phenomenon that has transcended time, influencing and inspiring generations of listeners and creators.
