Don't Make Me Over (song)

Last updated

"Don't Make Me Over"
Dont make me over dionne warwick US single variant A.png
One of the variants of the US single (side B label)
Single by Dionne Warwick
from the album Presenting Dionne Warwick
B-side "I Smiled Yesterday"
ReleasedOctober 1962 [1]
RecordedAugust 1962
Studio Bell Sound (New York City)
Length2:46
Label Scepter
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Burt Bacharach
  • Hal David
Dionne Warwick singles chronology
"Don't Make Me Over"
(1962)
"This Empty Place"
(1963)

"Don't Make Me Over" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, originally recorded by American singer Dionne Warwick in August 1962 and released in October 1962 as her lead solo single from her debut album, Presenting Dionne Warwick (1963), issued under Sceptor Records. [2] [3] The song reached number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

Contents

Dionne Warwick original

Warwick recorded "Don't Make Me Over" in August 1962, a song that was later chosen as the lead single for her debut album Presenting Dionne Warwick. In October 1962, Scepter Records released the track as her first solo single. Initially, Warwick had found out that "Make It Easy on Yourself"—a song on which she had recorded the original demo and had wanted to be her first single release—had been given to another artist, Jerry Butler. [4]

From the catchy contemporary phrase, "Don't make me over",[ citation needed ] Burt Bacharach and Hal David wrote and produced their first US top 40 pop hit (No. 21) and US R&B hit (No. 5). It was also a top-forty hit in Canada, at number 38. The background vocals in the song were from the Gospelaires, which featured sister Dee Dee, Sylvia Shemwell and aunt Cissy Houston. [5]

In 2000, Dionne Warwick's 1962 version of "Don't Make Me Over" on Scepter Records was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. [6]

Track listing

A1: "Don't Make Me Over" – 2:51
B1: "I Smiled Yesterday" – 2:43
A1: "Don't Make Me Over" – 2:46
A2: "Shall I Tell Her" – 2:33
B1: "Make The Music Play" – 2:25
B2: "Any Old Time Of Day" – 2:25
A1: "Don't Make Me Over" – 2:46
A2: "Shall I Tell Her" – 3:20
B1: "I Smiled Yesterday" – 2:44
B2: "Wishin' And Hopin'" – 2:25

Charts

Chart (1962–1963)Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia) [7] N/A
Canada (CHUM)[ citation needed ]38
France (IFOP) [8] 69
US Billboard Hot 100 [9] 21
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [10] 5

Jennifer Warnes version

Chart (1979)Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100 [11] 67
US Adult Contemporary ( Billboard ) [12] 36
US Hot Country Songs ( Billboard ) [13] 84

Sybil version

"Don't Make Me Over"
Sybil-Don't Make Me Over.jpg
Single by Sybil
from the album Sybil
B-side "Here Comes My Love"
ReleasedJuly 10, 1989 (1989-07-10) [14]
Genre
Length3:54
Label Next Plateau Records Inc.
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Dolores Drewry
  • James Bratton
Sybil singles chronology
"Can't Wait (On Tomorrow)"
(1988)
"Don't Make Me Over"
(1989)
"Walk On By"
(1990)
Music video
"Don't Make Me Over" on YouTube

In July 1989, American singer Sybil released a dance cover of the song as the second single from her second album, Sybil (1989). Her version, released by Next Plateau Records Inc., became a number-one hit in New Zealand for four weeks, reached number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart, eventually receiving a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This version also became a UK hit, peaking at number 19 on the UK Singles Chart.

Critical reception

Bill Coleman from Billboard described Sybil's cover as a "spirited Soul II Soul-ish rendition of the Dionne Warwick classic [that] has smash written all over it". [15] In a retrospective review, Pop Rescue stated that it has a beat that musically reminds of "a hybrid" of Soul II Soul's "Keep On Movin'" and Take That's "Pray", calling it "mellow and soulful". [16] Miranda Sawyer from Smash Hits noted "the swoony dance wisples" of the song. [17] David Keeps from Spin felt Sybil "seems to be emerging as the Dionne Warwick of the Soul II Soul generation", remarking her "achingly sexy conga-strings-and-coos" version of "Don't Make Me Over". [18]

Track listings

7-inch single, West Germany (1989)
No.TitleLength
1."Don't Make Me Over" (radio version)3:54
2."Here Comes My Love"3:58
12-inch single, West Germany (1989)
No.TitleLength
1."Don't Make Me Over" (The KING-dom Come mix)7:20
2."Don't Make Me Over" (radio mix)3:54
3."Here Comes My Love" (vocal)3:58
4."Here Comes My Love" (instrumental)3:58
CD maxi, West Germany (1989)
No.TitleLength
1."Don't Make Me Over" (Nightime mix)3:45
2."Don't Make Me Over" (Daytime mix)3:27
3."My Love Is Guaranteed" (Red Ink mix part 1)5:35
CD maxi, France (1989)
No.TitleLength
1."Don't Make Me Over" (The King-Dom Come mix)7:20
2."Don't Make Me Over" (radio mix)3:54
3."Here Comes My Love" (vocal)3:58
4."Don't Make Me Over" (instrumental version)3:36

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [34] Gold500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Other versions

Various other versions of the song have been recorded:

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dionne Warwick</span> American singer (born 1940)

Marie Dionne Warwick ( dee-ONWOR-wik; is an American singer, actress, and television host. During her career, Warwick has won many awards, including six Grammy Awards. She has been inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Apollo Theater Walk of Fame. In 2019, Warwick won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Three of her songs have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

<i>Soulful</i> (Dionne Warwick album) 1969 studio album by Dionne Warwick

Soulful is the twelfth album by Dionne Warwick. Released in 1969 on Scepter Records, it was the first of Warwick's Scepter albums that did not directly involve her longtime production and songwriting team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Instead, the album was produced by Warwick and Chips Moman and was composed of covers of soul hits and soul-influenced pop songs.

"That's What Friends Are For" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself</span> 1964 hit single for Dusty Springfield

"I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David. The song was recorded by Dusty Springfield and it reached No. 3 on the UK chart in 1964.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Say a Little Prayer</span> 1967 song by Burt Bacharach and Hal David

"I Say a Little Prayer" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for Dionne Warwick, originally peaking at number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart in December 1967. On the R&B Singles chart it peaked at number eight. The following year, it was a top ten hit for Aretha Franklin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Do You Know the Way to San Jose</span> Song by Burt Bacharach with lyrics by Hal David; performed by Dionne Warwick

"Do You Know the Way to San Jose" is a 1968 popular song written and composed for singer Dionne Warwick by Burt Bacharach. Hal David wrote the lyrics. The song was Warwick's biggest international hit to that point, selling several million copies worldwide and winning Warwick her first Grammy Award. David's lyrics tell the story of a native of San Jose, California, who, having failed to break into the entertainment field in Los Angeles, is set to return to her hometown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walk On By</span> 1964 single by Dionne Warwick

"Walk On By" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for singer Dionne Warwick in 1963. Warwick's recording of the song peaked at number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Cash Box Rhythm and Blues Chart In June 1964 and was nominated for a 1965 Grammy Award for the Best Rhythm and Blues Recording.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alfie (Burt Bacharach song)</span> 1966 song by Burt Bacharach and Hal David

"Alfie" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David to promote the 1966 film Alfie. The song was a major hit for Cilla Black (UK) and Dionne Warwick (US).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'll Never Fall in Love Again</span> 1969 single by Bacharach & David

"I'll Never Fall in Love Again" is a popular song by composer Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David that was written for the 1968 musical Promises, Promises. Several recordings of the song were released in 1969; the most popular versions were by Dionne Warwick, who took it to number 6 on Billboard magazine's Hot 100 and spent three weeks topping the magazine's list of the most popular Easy Listening songs, and Bobbie Gentry, who topped the UK chart with her recording and also peaked at number 1 in Australia and Ireland, number 3 in South Africa and number 5 in Norway.

"Make It Easy on Yourself" is a popular song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David which was initially a hit for Jerry Butler in 1962. The best-known version is the 1965 recording by the Walker Brothers, for whom it was a No. 1 UK and Canadian hit. Dionne Warwick, who made a demo of the song in early 1962, later had a hit with it in 1970.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Guy's in Love with You</span> 1968 single by Herb Alpert

"This Guy's in Love with You" is a hit song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and released by Herb Alpert in May, 1968. Although known primarily for his trumpet playing as the leader of the Tijuana Brass, Alpert sang lead vocals on this solo recording, which was arranged by Bacharach. An earlier recording of the song by British singer Danny Williams with different lyrics titled "That Guy's in Love" appeared on Williams' 1968 self-titled album.

"Wishin' and Hopin'" is a song, written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach, which was a US Top 10 hit for Dusty Springfield in 1964.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What the World Needs Now Is Love</span> 1965 single written by Bacharach & David

"What the World Needs Now Is Love" is a 1965 popular song with lyrics by Hal David and music composed by Burt Bacharach. First recorded and made popular by Jackie DeShannon, it was released on April 15, 1965, on the Imperial label after a release on sister label Liberty records the previous month was canceled. It peaked at number seven on the US Hot 100 in July of that year. In Canada, the song reached number one.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Message to Michael</span> 1966 single by Dionne Warwick

"Message to Michael" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, that has been a hit for several different artists under several different titles. The song was first recorded as "Message to Martha" by Jerry Butler in 1962. In 1964, singer Lou Johnson had a minor US hit with the song, with the title "Kentucky Bluebird". British singer Adam Faith also recorded the song as "A Message to Martha " in 1965, and had a substantial hit with it in the UK, reaching No. 12. Exactly the same recording was issued in Australia as "Message to Martha", where it was a No. 15 hit for Faith. In the United States, Dionne Warwick's version, titled "Message to Michael", was a top ten hit there in 1966.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Less Bell to Answer</span> 1970 single by the 5th Dimension

"One Less Bell to Answer" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Originally written in 1967 for Keely Smith, the song was rediscovered in late 1969 by Bones Howe, the producer for the 5th Dimension, and the song was included on the group's 1970 debut album for Bell Records, Portrait. Lead vocals on the single were sung by Marilyn McCoo.

"Reach Out for Me" is a 1963 a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and originally recorded by Lou Johnson. In the US, the original version peaked at number seventy-four on the Billboard Hot 100 the week ending December 7, 1963.

"The Windows of the World" is a song written by Burt Bacharach (music) and Hal David (lyrics) which was a hit single for Dionne Warwick in 1967.

"Trains and Boats and Planes" is a song written by composer Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David. Hit versions were recorded by Bacharach in 1965, by Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas in the same year, and by Dionne Warwick in 1966.

<i>Sybil</i> (album) 1989 studio album by Sybil

Sybil is the second studio album by American singer Sybil, released in 1989. Five singles were released from the album; "Can't Wait ", which had been released as a standalone single in 1988, and two cover versions of the Burt Bacharach and Hal David-written Dionne Warwick songs "Don't Make Me Over" and "Walk On By", which were both released as singles in 1989 and 1990 respectively. These two singles became Sybil's first real big hits worldwide, and were followed by "Crazy for You" and a cover of Michael Jackson's "I Wanna Be Where You Are".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You'll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart)</span>

"You'll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart)" is a song composed by Burt Bacharach, with lyrics by Hal David. It was originally recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1964, who charted at number 34 in the US Billboard Hot 100 with her version. It was covered by the Stylistics in 1973, who reached number 23 in the US with their cover.

References

  1. Billboard, October 27, 1962, page 13
  2. Butler, Jerry (2004). Only the Strong Survive: memoirs of a soul survivor. Bloomington IN: Indiana University Press. p. 116. ISBN   0-253-21704-0.
  3. Dominic, Serene (2002). Burt Bacharach, song by song: the ultimate Burt Bacharach reference for fans. London: Omnibus Press. p. 93. ISBN   0-8256-7280-5.
  4. Richardson, Kalia (January 1, 2023). "Dionne Warwick Is Ready for an Encore". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  5. Warwick, Dionne; Wooley, David Freeman (November 22, 2011). My Life, as I See It: An Autobiography. Simon and Schuster. ISBN   978-1-4391-7135-6.
  6. "GRAMMY HALL OF FAME AWARD". www.grammy.com. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  7. "Dionne Warwick – Don't Make Me Over" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  8. "InfoDisc : Les Tubes de chaque Artiste commençant par W" . Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  9. "Dionne Warwick Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  10. "Dionne Warwick Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  11. "Jennifer Warnes Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  12. "Jennifer Warnes Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  13. "Jennifer Warnes Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  14. "New Singles". Music Week . July 8, 1989. p. 27.
  15. "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard . July 29, 1989. p. 69. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  16. "Review: 'Walk On By' by Sybil (Vinyl, 1990)". Pop Rescue. March 23, 2017. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  17. Sawyer, Miranda (February 21, 1990). "Review: LPs". Smash Hits . p. 53. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  18. Keeps, David (May 1990). "Spins". Spin . p. 77. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  19. "Response from ARIA re: chart inquiry, received 15 July 2015". imgur.com. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  20. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 6660." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  21. "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 6688." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  22. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 6, no. 44. November 4, 1989. p. IV. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  23. "Sybil – Don't Make Me Over". top40.nl. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  24. "Sybil – Don't Make Me Over" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  25. "Sybil – Don't Make Me Over". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  26. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  27. "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard . December 2, 1989. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  28. "Dance Singles Sales" . Billboard. October 21, 1989. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  29. "Dance Club Songs" . Billboard. October 7, 1989. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  30. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs" . Billboard. October 7, 1989. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  31. "Offiziellecharts.de – Sybil – Don't Make Me Over" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  32. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1989". Billboard. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  33. "End of Year Charts 1990". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  34. "American single certifications – Sybil – Don't Make Me Over". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  35. "Official Singles Chart Top 50 24 February 1966 - 02 March 1966". Official Charts Company . Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  36. "RPM Top 100 Singles - May 2, 1966" (PDF).