From a Distance

Last updated

"From a Distance" is a song by American singer-songwriter Julie Gold, initially penned in 1985. [1] [2] Gold's friend Christine Lavin introduced the song to Nanci Griffith, who first recorded it for her 1987 album Lone Star State of Mind . A successful cover version by Bette Midler was released in 1990.

Contents

Interpretation

Julie Gold has stated that she believes in an immanent and beneficent God, and also thinks that people have a right to interpret the song any way they want, as with all art. [3] She has stated that the song is about the difference between how things appear to be and how they really are. [3]

Original Nanci Griffith version

"From a Distance"
Nanci Griffith - From a Distance.jpg
Promotional single by Nanci Griffith
from the album Lone Star State of Mind
Written1985
Released1988 [4]
Genre Country
Length4:10
Label MCA
Songwriter(s) Julie Gold
Producer(s) Tony Brown, Nancy Griffith

Nanci Griffith recorded it first in her 1987 album Lone Star State of Mind . Nanci Griffith stated that a songwriter Julie Gold sent her the song in 1986, asking Griffith what was wrong with it, as Gold had sent it to many artists and record companies but none wanted to record it. Griffith answered that she loved it so much the moment she heard it and that she wanted to hear it performed personally by Gold. This established a relationship between the two with Griffith being the first to record "From a Distance" in her Lone Star State of Mind album.

Griffith performed it live many times and a version of her live performance on August 19–20, 1988 at the Anderson Fair, a Houston, Texas club long known for featuring folk artists in an intimate setting, appeared in her live album One Fair Summer Evening .

The Griffith version charted only in Ireland, where her version became a sleeper hit, spending 17 non-consecutive weeks in the Irish Top 30 during 1988, peaking at number nine in April.

Track listing

  1. "From a Distance"
  2. "Sing One For Sister"

Charts

Chart (1988)Peak
position
Ireland (IRMA) [5] 9

Bette Midler version

"From a Distance"
Midler From a D.jpg
Single by Bette Midler
from the album Some People's Lives
B-side "One More Round"
ReleasedSeptember 19, 1990 (1990-09-19)
Genre Pop
Length4:37
Label Atlantic
Songwriter(s) Julie Gold
Producer(s) Arif Mardin
Bette Midler singles chronology
"Wind Beneath My Wings"
(1989)
"From a Distance"
(1990)
"Night and Day"
(1991)
Music video
"From a Distance" on YouTube

"From a Distance" became an international commercial success after it was covered by American singer Bette Midler for her seventh studio album, Some People's Lives (1990). World events at this time gave the song a resonance as an anthem during the Gulf War. [6] It reached number one on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and number two on the Billboard Hot 100. [7] The song went on to win a Grammy for Song of the Year (for Julie Gold) in 1991 and a "3 Million Airs Award" from Broadcast Music Incorporated. The song also reached the top 10 in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. In the United Kingdom, the song peaked at number six following a re-release in 1991, having originally failed to make the top 40 when released concurrently with Cliff Richard's version.

Midler re-recorded a Christmas edition for her 2006 Christmas album, Cool Yule , with additional lyrics by Los Angeles native Jay Landers. Additional recordings of the original have been performed by Gold, Griffith, Simon Nicol (of Fairport Convention) and many others.

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard described "From a Distance" as a "soothing hymn that invokes inspirational images similar to "Wind Beneath My Wings", adding that the song "proves that the Divine Miss M still has what it takes to tackle top 40 territory." [8] Hannsjörg Riemann from German Bravo gave Midler's version two out of three, viewing it as a "tearjerker". He added, "The scandal noodle of the US show scene has a great voice, as can also be seen here. Leisurely tempo, pleasant melody, medium strong arrangement." [9] Alison Mayes from Calgary Herald called it a "sure-hit", saying that it "should have been done by Whitney Houston". [10]

Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report felt the singer's Grammy for "Wind Beneath My Wings" "reaffirmed her innate ability to extract every single ounce of emotion out of a song. Teaming once again with producer Arif Mardin, she seems right at home with a tune that has much of the same quality as her giant hit of last year. Bette's certain to go the distance again." [11] Gene Sandbloom from The Network Forty found that the lyrics "manage to take in the globe (with a minimum of sugar) and deliver a song worth listening to a hundred times. The music, produced by sound specialist Arif Mardin, is a slow crescendo made to support Midler's voice without overwhelming." He added that she "again uses her "no frills" vocal approach which makes this song so genuine." [12]

Retrospective response

In an 2020 retrospective review, Matthew Hocter from Albumism stated that the song "showcases her magnificent vocality, coupled with lyrics entrenched in hope and peace." [13] Conversely, Midler's recording of the song ranked at number 37 on VH1's list of the "50 Most Awesomely Bad Songs Ever." [14] and ranked at number 14 on Blender Magazine's list of "The 50 Worst Songs Ever". [15] Criticisms focus on the song's lyrical content and the production of Midler's version.

Track listings

  1. "From a Distance" – 4:37
  2. "One More Round" – 2:01
  1. "From a Distance"
  2. "One More Round"
  3. "Wind Beneath My Wings"
  4. "The Rose"

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [44] Gold35,000^
United States (RIAA) [45] Platinum1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesSeptember 19, 1990
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • cassette
Atlantic [45]
United KingdomOctober 1, 1990
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
[46]
JapanOctober 25, 1990Mini-CD [47]

Cliff Richard version

"From a Distance"
From-a-distance-by-cliff-richard.jpg
Single by Cliff Richard
from the album From a Distance: The Event
B-side "Lindsay Jane II"
ReleasedOctober 1, 1990
RecordedJune 16–17, 1989
Label EMI
Songwriter(s) Julie Gold, PF Sloan
Producer(s) Cliff Richard
Cliff Richard singles chronology
"Silhouettes"
(1990)
"From a Distance"
(1990)
"Saviour's Day"
(1990)
Music video
"From a Distance" on YouTube

A cover by Cliff Richard released in October 1990 (very shortly after Midler's) served as the title track to his album From a Distance: The Event , which reached number 11 on the UK Singles Charts [48] and number 16 in Ireland.

Richard opened his 1999 concert at Royal Albert Hall with the song.

Track listings

  1. "From a Distance"
  2. "Lindsay Jane II"
  1. "From a Distance"
  2. "Lindsay Jane II"
  3. "Wired for Sound" (live)

Charts

Chart (1990)Peak
position
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) [49] 37
Ireland (IRMA) [50] 16
UK Singles (OCC) [51] 11

Magdalene Survivors Together charity version

"From a Distance"
From-a-distance-charity-single.jpg
Single by Various artists
ReleasedMay 31, 2011
Length4:05
Songwriter(s) Julie Gold, PF Sloan
Producer(s) John Reynolds, Tim Oliver

"From a Distance" became a 2011 charity single [52] in support of Magdalene Survivors Together, a charity set up in July 2009 by Steven O'Riordan focusing on the human rights aspect of the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland. The 2011 single directed by O'Riordan had vocal participation from several artists: Sinéad O'Connor, Tommy Fleming, Brian Kennedy, Daniel O'Donnell, Ann Scott, Moya Brennan, Charlie Landsborough, Patrick Sheehy, Lumiere and the Scottish Glasgow Gospel Choir.

The track was produced by John Reynolds and Tim Oliver and mastered at Soundmastwers, London. Tesco Ireland, Beaumex Ireland and Believe Digital distributed the single online and it was made available in Tesco stores through Ireland. The proceeds would go to build an Irish national monument for the Magdalene women.[ citation needed ]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bette Davis Eyes</span> 1981 single by Kim Carnes

"Bette Davis Eyes" is a song written and composed by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon in 1974. It was recorded by DeShannon that year but made popular by Kim Carnes in 1981 when it spent nine non-consecutive weeks at the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It won the 1981 Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The music video was directed by Australian film director Russell Mulcahy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Great Beyond</span> 1999 single by R.E.M.

"The Great Beyond" is a song by American rock band R.E.M., written for the 1999 film Man on the Moon. It was released as a single the same year for support of the film's soundtrack album. On the soundtrack, there is some dialogue from the movie at the end of the track; meanwhile, the single version is a radio edit, with the bridge omitted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Rose (song)</span> 1980 song by Lincoln Mayorga and Amanda McBroom

"The Rose" is a pop song written by Amanda McBroom. Bette Midler made the song famous when she recorded it for her 1979 film The Rose, in which it plays during the closing credits. It has been recorded multiple times, including by Conway Twitty and Westlife who had US Country & Western and UK number one hits with the song, respectively. Nana Mouskouri recorded a German version, also in 1980, as well as an English version.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angel (Madonna song)</span> 1985 single by Madonna

"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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Touch Myself</span> 1990 single by Divinyls

"I Touch Myself" is a song recorded by Australian rock band Divinyls. It was written by the songwriting team of Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg along with Christine Amphlett and Mark McEntee of the Divinyls. It was released in November 1990 by Virgin as the lead single from the band's fourth album, diVINYLS (1991), and deals with the subjects of eroticism and female masturbation. The single achieved success, reaching No. 1 in Australia and No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In January 2018, Australian network Triple M ranked the song at No. 60 in its list of the "most Australian" songs of all time. In 2023, Billboard magazine ranked it among the "500 Best Pop Songs of All Time".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enjoy the Silence</span> 1990 single by Depeche Mode

"Enjoy the Silence" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode. Recorded in 1989, it was released as the second single from their seventh studio album, Violator (1990), on 5 February 1990. The single is certified Gold in the US and Germany. The song won Best British Single at the Brit Awards 1991.

"Wind Beneath My Wings" is a song written in 1982 by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley.

<i>Some Peoples Lives</i> 1990 studio album by Bette Midler

Some People's Lives is the seventh studio album by American singer Bette Midler. It was released by Atlantic Records on September 4, 1990, in the United States. It contains one of her biggest hits, "From a Distance," which won songwriter Julie Gold a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Unskinny Bop</span> 1990 single by Poison

"Unskinny Bop" is a song by American glam metal band Poison, released as the first single from their third studio album, Flesh & Blood (1990), on June 18, 1990. The song peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100, number five on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, and number one on Canada's The Record chart. It also entered the top 20 in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Grease Megamix</span> 1990 single by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John

"The Grease Megamix" is a megamix released in 1990 to commemorate the video release of Grease. The single was credited to John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John and released via Polydor Records. It was created by Phil Harding and Ian Curnow for PWL by the request of Polydor Records, who supplied copies of the original multi-track recordings. The megamix topped the charts of Australia and Spain and became a top-five hit in Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hold On (Wilson Phillips song)</span> 1990 single by Wilson Phillips

"Hold On" is a song by American vocal group Wilson Phillips, released on February 27, 1990 by SBK, as the lead single from their debut studio album, Wilson Phillips (1990). The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for a week in June 1990 and was the most successful single of that year in the US. It also became a worldwide hit, peaking within the top three in Australia and Canada and the top 10 in Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The song received platinum sales certifications in Australia and the UK and a gold certification in the US. Julien Temple directed its music video.

<i>Lone Star State of Mind</i> 1987 studio album by Nanci Griffith

Lone Star State of Mind is the fifth studio album released by American musician Nanci Griffith, and her first album for MCA Records. With the album, Griffith's music took a turn from her original folk music base into more commercially viable country music. For this album, she enlisted the talents of veteran country producer Tony Brown. The album garnered her first appearance on the Billboard Country charts, rising to No. 23 on the Country Albums chart, and was her highest-charting album on the chart. It was also a massive success in the United Kingdom, where it topped the country albums chart and spent over a year in the top 20. The title track, "Lone Star State of Mind," became the first of only three Griffith singles to enter the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It peaked at No. 36, while two other singles from the album, "Cold Hearts/Closed Minds" and "Trouble in the Fields", reached No. 64 and No. 57 respectively. The song "From a Distance" would go on to become a major pop hit when covered by Bette Midler in 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cryin'</span> 1993 single by Aerosmith

"Cryin'" is a song by American hard rock band Aerosmith. It was written by Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Taylor Rhodes, and released by Geffen Records on June 29, 1993, as the second US single from their 11th studio album, Get a Grip (1993). The single reached numbers 12 and 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100, ending the year at number 60 overall. It is one of their most successful hits in Europe, reaching number one in Norway, number three in Iceland, Portugal, and Sweden, and number 17 on the UK Singles Chart. The song went gold in the United States for selling over 500,000 copies. Its music video, directed by Marty Callner, features Alicia Silverstone, Stephen Dorff and Josh Holloway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roam</span> 1989 single by the B-52s

"Roam" is a song by American new wave band the B-52's released as the fourth single from their fifth studio album, Cosmic Thing (1989). The vocals are sung by Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, making it the only vocal track on the album without any vocal involvement from Fred Schneider. It is also the only track from the album in which the B-52's worked with a co-writer, Robert Waldrop, who penned the lyrics. Released as a single in 1989, "Roam" peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and entered the top 10 in Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">When You Tell Me That You Love Me</span> 1991 single by Diana Ross

"When You Tell Me That You Love Me" is a song by American singer Diana Ross, released on August 20, 1991 as the lead single from her nineteenth studio album, The Force Behind the Power (1991). The song was released on the Motown label in the United States and by EMI Records in the United Kingdom. It was written by Albert Hammond and John Bettis, and produced by Peter Asher. A sentimental ballad, it became the album's biggest hit, peaking at number 37 on the US Billboard R&B singles chart and number two on the UK Singles Chart. Ross considers it one of her signature songs and it was subsequently covered by various artists. The UK release of "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" included her 1985 hit "Chain Reaction".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Out of Tears</span> 1994 single by the Rolling Stones

"Out of Tears" is a song by English rock band the Rolling Stones featured on their 1994 album, Voodoo Lounge. It was released as the album's third single. The song was moderately successful, reaching the top 40 in several countries, including Canada, where it peaked at No. 3 on the RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart for six consecutive weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bette Midler discography</span>

American singer Bette Midler has released 13 studio albums, four soundtrack albums, five live albums, one spoken word album, seven greatest hits compilations, four video albums, 39 official singles, nine promotional singles, and 11 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Night and Day (Bette Midler song)</span> 1991 single by Bette Midler

"Night and Day" is a 1991 song by Bette Midler written by Roxanne Seeman and Billie Hughes. It is the second single from Some People's Lives produced by Arif Mardin with Marc Shaiman as associate producer. "Night and Day" was arranged by Arif Mardin, Billie Hughes, and Joe Mardin. Jack Joseph Puig was the recording and mix engineer. "Night and Day" was also released as a single in Japan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jealous Again (song)</span> 1990 single by the Black Crowes

"Jealous Again" is the debut single of American band the Black Crowes, released as the lead single from their 1990 debut album, Shake Your Money Maker. The song reached number 75 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks charts. It also charted in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom throughout 1990 and 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wild Women Do</span> 1990 single by Natalie Cole

"Wild Women Do" is a song by American singer-songwriter Natalie Cole. The song was written by Greg Prestopino, Sam Lorber, and Matthew Wilder for the 1990 romantic comedy film Pretty Woman and was included on the film's soundtrack as the opening track. The song contains influences from pop, rock, R&B, and soul music, and its lyrics describe an independent woman who lives a wild life. In 1990, the song was also included on certain re-issues of Cole's 1989 album Good to Be Back.

References

  1. "The story behind the song "From a Distance"". performingsongwriter.com. Archived from the original on February 13, 2011. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  2. "official Julie Gold Biography". Archived from the original on May 28, 2006. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  3. 1 2 "Julie Gold and Her Songs" Archived February 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine , Here on Earth - Radio Without Borders , Wisconsin Public Radio, February 19, 2005 (audio Archived September 28, 2007, at the Wayback Machine )
  4. "From a Distance by Nanci Griffith - RYM/Sonemic". Rateyourmusic.com. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  5. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – From a Distance". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  6. Harrington, Richard (March 20, 1991). "GULF WAR SONGS, OUT OF TUNE". Washington Post. ISSN   0190-8286 . Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  7. Whitburn, Joel (2002). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–2001. Record Research. p. 170.
  8. Flick, Larry (October 6, 1990). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard . p. 71. Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  9. Riemann, Hannsjörg (January 1991). "Platten-News: Singles". Bravo (in German). p. 64. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  10. Mayes, Alison (October 11, 1990). "Recent Releases". Calgary Herald .
  11. Sholin, Dave (September 21, 1990). "Gavin Picks > Singles" (PDF). Gavin Report . No. 1825. p. 68. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  12. Sandbloom, Gene (September 21, 1990). "Top 40: Music Meeting" (PDF). The Network Forty. p. 28. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  13. Hocter, Matthew (September 3, 2020). "Bette Midler's 'Some People's Lives' Turns 30: Anniversary Retrospective". Albumism. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
  14. "VH1.com : Shows : 50 Most Awesomely Bad Songs...Ever : Countdown". June 7, 2004. Archived from the original on June 7, 2004. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  15. "Blender - All Things Blender, All in One Place". Archived from the original on May 8, 2004.
  16. From a Distance (US 7-inch single vinyl disc). Bette Midler. Atlantic Records. 1990. 7-87820.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. From a Distance (US cassette single sleeve). Bette Midler. Atlantic Records. 1990. 4-87820.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. From a Distance (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Bette Midler. Atlantic Records. 1990. A 7820, 7567-87820-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. From a Distance (UK cassette single sleeve). Bette Midler. Atlantic Records. 1990. A 7820C, 7567 87820-4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. From a Distance (Japanese mini-CD single liner notes). Bette Midler. Atlantic Records. 1990. AMDY-5032.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. From a Distance (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Bette Midler. Atlantic Records. 1990. A 7820T.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. From a Distance (UK CD single liner notes). Bette Midler. Atlantic Records. 1990. A7820CD, 7567-78611-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  23. "Bette Midler – From a Distance". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  24. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 9085." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  25. "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 9174." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  26. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 8, no. 27. July 9, 1991. p. 45. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  27. "Bette Midler – From a Distance" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  28. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – From a Distance". Irish Singles Chart.
  29. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 32, 1991" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  30. "Bette Midler – From a Distance" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  31. "Bette Midler – From a Distance". Top 40 Singles.
  32. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  33. "Bette Midler Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  34. "Bette Midler Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard.
  35. "Bette Midler Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  36. "Bette Midler Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  37. "Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1990". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. July 17, 2013. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  38. "Top 100 Adult Contemporary Tracks of 1990". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. July 17, 2013. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  39. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  40. "Top 100 Singles – Jahrescharts 1991" (in German). GfK Entertainment . Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  41. "1991 Top 100 Singles". Music Week . January 11, 1992. p. 20.
  42. "Billboard Top 100 – 1991". Archived from the original on July 7, 2009. Retrieved September 15, 2009.
  43. "1991 The Year in Music" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 103, no. 51. December 21, 1991. p. YE-36. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  44. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1990 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  45. 1 2 "American single certifications – Bette Midler – From a Distance". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  46. "New Singles". Music Week . September 29, 1990. p. 31.
  47. "ディスタンス | ベット・ミドラー" [Distance | Bette Midler] (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  48. "from a distance | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  49. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . October 27, 1990. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  50. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – From a Distance". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  51. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  52. "Magda Lene Survivors Together | Blog". Magdalenesurvivorstogether.net. Retrieved April 24, 2021.