"Again" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Lenny Kravitz | ||||
from the album Greatest Hits | ||||
Released | September 22, 2000 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:50 | |||
Label | Virgin | |||
Songwriter(s) | Lenny Kravitz | |||
Producer(s) | Lenny Kravitz | |||
Lenny Kravitz singles chronology | ||||
|
"Again" is a song by American rock musician Lenny Kravitz, being the only new song from his first Greatest Hits album, released in 2000. Written, arranged and produced by himself, "Again" was initially set to be on his sixth studio album; however, Kravitz found that the song didn't fit the tone of the album, releasing it instead as the lead single from the compilation on September 22, 2000, through Virgin Records. The mid-tempo rock ballad finds Kravitz wondering if he will ever see his former lover again and if they will reunite once more.
"Again" received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who called it a magnificent and anthemic pounder. "Again" also won Kravitz a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 2001, a feat he had already achieved twice consecutively, with "Fly Away" and "American Woman". Commercially, the single reached number four on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Kravitz's first top-five hit in nearly nine years. "Again" was also successful internationally, topping the charts of Iceland and Italy, reaching number five in New Zealand, and becoming a top-10 hit in Austria, Croatia, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland. The song's music video was directed by Paul Hunter and stars Lenny and actress Gina Gershon as two-thirds of a romantic triangle.
In 1998, Lenny Kravitz released his fifth studio album, 5 . The album received mixed reviews from critics, [2] [3] [4] who praised the revitalization of his sound, but believed the album was not as enjoyable as his previous offerings. [5] Despite the negative reviews, the album sold six million copies worldwide [6] and spawned one of Kravitz's most successful singles, "Fly Away", which peaked inside the top 10 in many countries [7] and topped the UK Singles Chart, [8] While releasing 5's final single, "Black Velveteen", Kravitz announced the release of his first greatest hits album. Driven by the approach of the holiday shopping season, Virgin Records released the compilation featuring one new song, "Again," and 14 old tracks. [6] "Again" was one of the several tracks Kravitz wrote for his then-upcoming album, but he decided to release it separately, deciding it did not fit in with the album's tone. [6] There was an aggressive media campaign for the release of the song utilizing the Internet. It was released on September 22, 2000, [9] and was the most added song on the "rock format" during its first week on radio. [10]
"Again" was written, arranged and produced solely by Lenny Kravitz. According to the digital sheet music published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, the song is written in the key of A major, [11] and set in a moderate tempo. Kravitz's vocals span from the low note of E3 to the high note of A4. [12] Lyrically, "Again" details about losing contact with a past lover and wondering if they will ever encounter each other in the future to give the relationship another chance.[ citation needed ]
"Again" received high praise from music critics. In his review for the Greatest Hits, Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic selected the song as one of the album's highlights as well as calling the song "magnificent". [13] Matthew S. Robinson of Music Dish wrote that the song is "an anthemic pounder which, like so many of his other songs, is hook-heavy and a bit repetitive and for which Kravitz diligently handles much of the orchestration and performance himself." [14] Rob Brunner of Entertainment Weekly was more critical with the song, calling it a "ridiculous mid-tempo snooze", where Kravitz "sings like Bryan Adams and plays guitar like he's auditioning for a Journey tribute band." [15]
"Again" was nominated and eventually won a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, in its 43rd edition. By doing so, Kravitz managed to set a Grammy Award record, by having the most consecutive Grammys won for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance with "Fly Away" (1999), "American Woman" (2000), "Again" (2001) and later "Dig In" (2002). [16] The song also entered VH1's list of "25 Greatest Power Ballads" at number 13. [17]
"Again" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 72, becoming the "Hot Shot Debut" of the week ending November 18, 2000. [18] The song entered the top-ten nine weeks later, on the edition of January 20, 2001, climbing from number 11 to number 9, [19] becoming his second top-ten single. On the issue of February 10, 2001, "Again" climbed to number 5, with a gain of 5 million listeners, becoming the most-played song in the country. [20] The song went on to peak higher a week later, climbing to number 4, [21] becoming its peak position for four consecutive weeks. [22] [23] It became Kravitz's most successful song in nearly nine years, the last being 1991's "It Ain't Over 'til It's Over", which peaked at number two. The song also topped the Adult Top 40 and Mainstream Top 40 charts simultaneously, a record at the time. [24]
The song was also successful elsewhere. It debuted and peaked at the top of the Italian charts on November 23, 2000. It later re-entered the charts at number 3 and after falling to number 5, the song climbed to number 2, spending a total of ten weeks on the charts. [25] In New Zealand, the song climbed slowly the charts until peaking at number 5, in its fourteenth week, on February 25, 2001; his highest-charting single since "Believe" (1993). [26] The song also peaked inside the top-ten in Switzerland, becoming one of his most successful songs there, [27] while in Austria, it remains as Kravitz's most successful song, reaching a peak of number six. [28]
The music video for the song was directed by acclaimed video director Paul Hunter and was filmed in New York City's TriBeCa neighborhood. It stars Lenny and actress Gina Gershon as two-thirds of a sordid romantic triangle. The video became the first ever downloadable video on MTV.com and VH1.com. [10]
The music video for "Again" features Kravitz with his girlfriend in his apartment (Gershon), whom he does not seem to be interested in. Similar to the song's lyrical content, he meets a girl (Teresa Lourenco), who works as a waitress in a restaurant/diner. At the end of the video, Kravitz goes to the restaurant to meet her again, but she is not there and Kravitz leaves. Soon after he leaves, the waitress enters the restaurant, not knowing he was there to see her. Kravitz returns to his apartment, losing the chance to meet her one more time. Some other shots of the video show Kravitz performing the song at the Limelight club. Other scenes show Kravitz in his apartment, wandering around, shown nude after taking a shower, watching television and some sexually suggestive scenes where he is seen making out with Teresa. [29]
Australian CD single [30]
Japanese CD single [31]
| UK CD single [32]
European CD single [33]
European CD single with free poster [34]
|
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA) [68] | Gold | 35,000^ |
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [69] | Platinum | 60,000* |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. |
"Dress You Up" is a song by American singer Madonna from her second studio album, Like a Virgin (1984). It was released as the album's final single on July 24, 1985, by Sire Records. Written by Andrea LaRusso and Peggy Stanziale, and produced by Nile Rodgers, who also played guitar on the track, it was the final song to be added to the album. Rodgers had asked the writers to compose something similar to the work of his band Chic but, due to LaRusso and Stanziale being busy with other projects, the composition took time. When the lyrics were submitted, the producer initially rejected them, as he felt there was no time to compose a melody; Madonna, however, liked the lyrics and convinced him to include the song on Like a Virgin. Musically, "Dress You Up" is a dance-pop song whose lyrics are an extended metaphor for fashion and lust, comparing dressing up with passion.
"Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" is a song by American recording artist and actress Whitney Houston, featured on the soundtrack for the film Waiting to Exhale. It was released as the lead single from the soundtrack on November 6, 1995, by Arista Records. The song was written and produced by Babyface. A mid-tempo R&B and soul ballad, composed in the key of D-flat major, the song's lyrics speak about growing up and learning to let go. The song garnered mostly positive reviews from critics, many of whom noted Houston's vocal maturity in the song.
"Angel" is a song by American singer Madonna from her second studio album Like a Virgin (1984). It was released on April 10, 1985, by Sire Records as the album's third single. Written by Madonna and Steve Bray, it was one of the first songs developed for the project and, according to Madonna, was inspired by a girl who is saved by an angel, and she falls in love with him. "Angel" was released as a 12-inch single with "Into the Groove" in some countries and charted likewise. A music video was not filmed for "Angel", and instead, a promotional clip comprising segments of her previous videos was released in the United Kingdom.
"Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix)" is a song by American singer Jennifer Lopez for her remix album J to tha L–O! The Remixes (2002). The song was marketed as a remix of "Ain't It Funny", but is actually an entirely different song with the same title. It features guest vocals from Ja Rule (Jeffrey Atkins) and Caddillac Tah (Tiheem Crocker). It was written by Lopez, Atkins, Tah, Cory Rooney, Irving Lorenzo, and Ashanti. Over a reworking of the beat to Craig Mack's "Flava in Ya Ear" (produced by Easy Mo Bee), Lopez sings about "dropping a boyfriend who keeps messing up".
"Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" is a song by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson with Carly Simon from Jackson's seventh studio album, All for You (2001). It was written and produced by Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, with additional lyrics by Simon. The R&B and hip hop song is built around a sample of 1972's "You're So Vain" by Simon, who also added some new spoken parts into the song; it talks about an unidentified man who attempted to extort money from Jackson. A remix featuring Missy Elliott was released as the third and final single from the album on November 6, 2001, by Virgin Records.
"American Woman" is a song by Canadian rock band the Guess Who, released January 1970, from the album of the same name. It was later released in March 1970 as a single backed with "No Sugar Tonight", and it reached number one for three weeks commencing May 9 on both the United States' Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian RPM magazine singles chart. Billboard magazine placed the single at number three on the Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1970 list, and it was listed as number five for 1970 on the RPM Year-End Chart. On May 22, 1970, the single was certified as gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It also reached the top ten in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria, and the top twenty in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
"I Try" is a song co-written and performed by American musician Macy Gray. Issued as the second single from her debut album, On How Life Is (1999), the song was first released in Japan as a double A-side with "Do Something" on July 23, 1999. Later that year, on September 27, it received its first solo release in the United Kingdom. "I Try" is Gray's most successful single, peaking at number six in the United Kingdom, number five in the United States, number two in Canada, and number one in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. At the 2001 Grammy Awards, "I Try" won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and was nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
"Fly Away" is a song by American singer Lenny Kravitz. It was released as the fourth single from his fifth studio album, 5 (1998). Released on November 9, 1998, "Fly Away" peaked at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Outside of the United States, "Fly Away" topped the charts in Iceland and the United Kingdom and peaked within the top ten of the charts in several countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Ireland. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Performance in 1999.
"Are You Gonna Go My Way" is a song by American musician Lenny Kravitz, released in February 1993 by Virgin as the first single from his third studio album, Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993). The song was written by Kravitz and Craig Ross, while Kravitz produced it. It peaked at number one in Australia and number four on the UK Singles Chart, as well as number one on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart and number two on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Its music video was directed by Mark Romanek. The success of the song and the music video led to Kravitz being nominated for and winning several awards at the 1993 Grammy Awards and the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards. Since its release, "Are You Gonna Go My Way" has been covered by numerous artists, such as Metallica, Tom Jones, Robbie Williams, Mel B, Cactus Jack and Adam Lambert.
"It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" is a song written, produced, and performed by American musician Lenny Kravitz for his second studio album, Mama Said (1991). Released as the album's second single in June 1991, the song is a mid-tempo ballad musically inspired by Motown, Philly soul, and Earth, Wind & Fire. The horn line at the end is performed by the Phenix Horns from Earth, Wind & Fire. "That song just came out one day, and I knew it had a classic vibe. And I still love that song very much today," Kravitz said in an interview for VivaMusic.com in 2000. The line is based on a Yogiism, or quotation from Yogi Berra: "It ain't over 'til it's over."
"Where Are We Runnin'?" is a song performed by American rock musician Lenny Kravitz. It was released on April 5, 2004, as the lead single from his seventh studio album, Baptism (2004). Kravitz wrote the song with his long-time collaborator Craig Ross and produced it himself. Following its release, the song reached number 69 in the United States, number 13 in Italy, and number four in Spain.
"Rock and Roll Is Dead" is the first single released from the 1995 Lenny Kravitz album Circus. The song reached the top 20 in Canada, Finland, New Zealand, and Spain, but it underperformed in the United States, peaking at number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Dig In" is a song by American singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz, the lead single from his sixth studio album, Lenny (2001). It was released in September 2001. It was used in promos by the National Basketball Association for the 2002 NBA Playoffs, as well as the ending theme for the film Returner.
"Lady" is a song by American rock musician Lenny Kravitz, released as the final single from his seventh studio album, Baptism (2004), in August 2004. The song is believed to be written about Kravitz's then-girlfriend, Nicole Kidman. The song reached number 27 in the United States and number 99 in the Netherlands.
"Heaven Help" is a song by American rock musician Lenny Kravitz, released in August 1993 as the third single from his third studio album, Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993). The song made a brief appearance on the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 92. In the United Kingdom, it became his second top-twenty hit from Are You Gonna Go My Way, peaking at number 20, and in Canada and New Zealand, the song reached the top 30. It was later included on Kravitz' compilation album Greatest Hits.
"Stillness of Heart" is a song written by Lenny Kravitz and Craig Ross. The song was included on Kravitz's 2001 album, Lenny, and was released as a single on January 14, 2002. "Stillness of Heart" charted at number 38 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks charts, number 22 on the Canadian Singles Chart, and number 16 on the Italian Singles Chart.
"Dance Tonight" is the debut single of American R&B group Lucy Pearl, written by Raphael Saadiq, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Dawn Robinson and the first single taken from their self-titled debut album. Serviced to radio on the week of March 27, 2000, the single peaked at number 36 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, and it reached the top 40 in Canada and the Netherlands. It was nominated to Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group at the 43rd Grammy Awards (2001) but lost to Destiny's Child's "Say My Name".
"Is There Any Love in Your Heart" is a song by American singer Lenny Kravitz and released on November 22, 1993, as the fourth single from his third studio album, Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993). Following its release, the song reached the top 50 in Australia and New Zealand and peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. The song was later included on the Japanese edition of Kravitz' 2000 compilation album, Greatest Hits. The music video was directed by Mark Romanek and features Canadian model Ève Salvail playing a vampire.
"Here We Go Again" is a country music standard written by Don Lanier and Red Steagall that first became notable as a rhythm and blues single by Ray Charles from his 1967 album Ray Charles Invites You to Listen. It was produced by Joe Adams for ABC Records/Tangerine Records. To date, this version of the song has been the biggest commercial success, spending twelve consecutive weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 15.
"Believe" is a song by American musician Lenny Kravitz, released by Virgin Records on May 10, 1993, as the second single from his third album, Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993). It is a rock ballad with string orchestration, and was co-written, arranged and produced by Kravitz, with Henry Hirsch also contributing to the orchestration and composition. Its lyrics concern one being able to achieve freedom and "eternal grace" if they believe in themselves and put their faith in God.
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