"the lovers" is a song written by jimmy jam and terry lewis and recorded by american recording artist alexander o'neal. it is the fourth single from the singer's second solo album, "hearsay" (1987). the song's distinctive backing vocals were performed by cherrelle and lisa keith. following the successful chart performances of the "hearsay" singles "fake", "criticize", and "never knew love like this", "the lovers" was released as the album's fourth single.