Generations of Love

Last updated
"Generations of Love"
Generations of Love - Jesus Loves You.jpg
Single by Jesus Loves You featuring MC Kinky [1]
from the album The Martyr Mantras [2]
Released
Recorded1990
Genre
Length
  • 4:00(la la gone gaga mix)
  • 7:13 (oakenfold mix)
Label More Protein
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Jesus Loves You featuring MC Kinky [1] singles chronology
"After the Love"
(1989)
"Generations of Love"
(1990)
"Bow Down Mister"
(1991)
Music video
"Generations of Love" on YouTube

"Generations of Love" is a song by British band Jesus Loves You, founded by singer Boy George, and was released as the second single from their only album, The Martyr Mantras (1990). The song also features raggamuffin toaster MC Kinky and received favorable reviews from most music critics; both Melody Maker and NME named it Single of the Week. [4] [5] It made the UK Singles Chart in two versions; the "Land of Oz Mix" [1] which peaked at number 80 in 1990 and the "La La Gone Gaga Mix" [3] which peaked at number 35 in 1991. [6] The 1990 version also peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, while the 1991 version peaked within the top 20 in the Netherlands and the top 30 in Austria and Belgium. Its music video was directed by Baillie Walsh.

Contents

British magazine Mixmag ranked "Generations of Love" number 100 in its "100 Greatest Dance Singles Of All Time" list in 1996. [7] In 2016, a new version was released by Phunk Investigation with Boy George's vocals, and remixed by Cristian Poow and Tom Novy. [8]

Critical reception

Bill Coleman from Billboard wrote, "If the vocals sound familiar, they should—since track is actually the latest from former pop darling Boy George. Brilliantly conceived deep house jam has already set U.K. dancefloors on fire. Similar results can be expected here." [9] The magazine's Larry Flick felt that "this is arguably among the true, timeless gems of the singer's career, with its politically relevant and emotionally charged lyrics—not to mention its fist-waving performance." [10] Jim Farber from Entertainment Weekly remarked that "simultaneously fey and determined, he conveys a tender reassurance and an emphatic strength. Just as emotionally nuanced are the synthesized bass lines that dominate the record." He added that they create "a hypnotic groove, reminiscent of the extended soul tracks pioneered by Isaac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield in the early ’70s." [11] Irish Evening Herald stated that George is "in splendid voice". [12] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report wrote that "addressing human injustice with a message of hope and love, Boy George rejuvenates his career thanks to a beautiful melody and a superb singing performance." [13] A reviewer from Pakistan's The Herald said that "good old Boy George is back with a new posse and (thankfully) minus the gender-bender hype. Tuneful, energetic with lots going on in the background and up front." [14]

Andrew Smith from Melody Maker named it Single of the Week, declaring it as "a brooding, deep blue masterpiece of a song. In feel it's like a mantra; mesmeric and generous, built on shuffling rhythms and repetitious, funky, dubbed-out bass. [...] From the opening marimba flurries to the poignant, percussive fade at the end, "Generations" is a force that's impossible to resist." [4] In his album-review, he praised the song as "gorgeously melancholic". [15] David Giles from Music Week felt the 1990-version is "reflecting the gentler "vibes" on the dancefloor at present and hinting at the impending reggae influence this summer." [16] The magazine's James Hamilton described the 1991 remix as a "flamenco/ragga rap" fusion. [17] Upon the release of the 1996 remix, Brad Beatnik gave it four out of five, adding, "Nice, very nice." [18] Barbara Ellen from NME also named it Single of the Week, writing, "Everything is here, from the mad raving of that queen of freaks MC Kinky, to a Balearic buzz that echoes The Gypsy Kings to an eerie evocation of Indian spirituality. Best of all, "Generations of Love" positively oozes joie de vivre, mocking the listener's complacency with its air of celebration. This will definitely be a massive hit in the clubs but as far as the chart proper is concerned it's up to you. Go on, buy this record, do the right thing for once in your lives." [5] Another editor, Betty Page, complimented it as "full, smooth and richly satisfying". [19] Phil Cheeseman from Record Mirror found that the song "set the pace for a series of mellow, house-inspired grooves that are just as likely to work in your living room as the club environments they were designed for." [20] Caroline Sullivan from Smash Hits declared it as a "glossy, understated dance tune". [21]

Impact and legacy

British electronic dance and clubbing magazine Mixmag ranked "Generations of Love" number 100 in its "100 Greatest Dance Singles Of All Time" list in 1996, [7] noting that "the gently rolling flamenco guitars and warm Mediterranean vocals saw dance floors turn to slush in its wake." [7]

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Generations of Love" was directed by British music video and film director Baillie Walsh. [22]

An uncensored 7-minute short movie named "Generations of Love" was also made by the band. It features Boy George, Talullah and Leigh Bowery. [23] The film was shot in and around Soho, London, and was produced to promote the single. The short film gives an intriguing snapshot into London’s Soho nightlife during 1990 (still hungover from the late-1980s) by way of capturing the bustling local outdoor streets, and the inside of long-gone amusement arcades and porn cinemas. Talullah, in a wig, plays the role of a straight office-type punter, looking for a quick trick, who ends up pulling a transvestite hooker. They visit a Soho dark porn cinema, where business is dealt. Boy George appears in the film briefly in drag and as himself. The movie has a classic early Andy Warholesque feel to it.

A second, performance-only video was subsequently directed by Zelda Barron who had previously worked with George when she directed the 'I'll Tumble 4 Ya' music video for Culture Club, and several others. [24]

Track listing

A. "Generations of Love" (Land Of Oz 12" Mix) – 7:05
B. "Generations of Love" (Future Dub) – 5:34
A. "Generations of Love" (The 70's Mix) – 6:09
B1. "Generations of Love" (The Jazz Mix) – 6:08
B2. "Generations of Love" (The Ambient Mix) – 5:58
  1. "Generations of Love" (Land Of Oz 7" Mix) – 4:58
  2. "Generations of Love" (Land Of Oz 12" Mix) – 7:15
  3. "Generations of Love" (The 80's Mix) – 7:47
A. "Generations of Love" (La La Gone Gaga Mix)
B. "Generations of Love" (Land Of Oz 7" Mix)
A. "Generations of Love" (Totally Outed Mix)
B1. "Generations of Love" (90's Corporeal Mix)
B2. "Generations of Love" (Land Of Oz 12" Mix)
  1. "Generations of Love" (La La Gone Gaga Mix) – 3:59
  2. "Generations of Love" (Totally Outed Mix) – 7:04
  3. "Generations of Love" (Bodhisattva Mix) – 6:11
A1. "Generations of Love" (Cheap Spanish Wine Vocal Mix)
A2. "Generations of Love" (Can't Una Copa Dub)
AA1. "Generations of Love" (Disco Rumproller)
AA2. "Generations of Love" (Soho Sleaze)
AA3. "Generations of Love" (Mother's Leftovers)
  1. "Generations of Love" (Cheap Spanish Wine Vocal Mix)
  2. "Generations of Love" (Can't Una Copa Dub)
  3. "Generations of Love" (Disco Rumproller)
  4. "Generations of Love" (Soho Sleaze)
  5. "Generations of Love" (Mother's Leftovers)
  1. "Generations of Love" (Scream Radio Mix) – 4:26
  2. "Generations of Love" (La La Gone Gaga Mix) – 3:58
  3. "Generations of Love" (De-Phazz Radio Mix) – 3:38
  4. "Generations of Love" (Dharma Bums Vocal Mix) – 6:43
  5. "Generations of Love" (Mothers Vocal Mix) – 5:24
  6. "Generations of Love" (Land Of Oz Mix By Paul Oakenfold) – 6:23
  7. "Generations of Love" (Timewriter Bootleg Mix) – 8:49
  8. "Generations of Love" (Andrew Wooden Remix) – 6:51
  9. "Generations of Love" (Airscape Sensation Mix) – 5:12
  10. "Generations of Love" (De-Phazz Dub Mix) – 5:33

Charts

Related Research Articles

From October 26, 1974 until August 28, 1976, Billboard's Disco Action section published weekly single retail sales charts from various local regions along with Top Audience Response Records in their magazine. Billboard debuted its first national chart devoted exclusively to 12-inch Singles Sales in their issue dated March 16, 1985. This record type is most commonly used in disco and dance music genres where DJs use them to play in discos or dance clubs because of the exclusive extended remixes that are often only made available on this format, but Billboard's 12-inch Single Sales chart ranks releases by artists from all styles of music that release maxi-singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diamonds and Pearls (song)</span> 1991 single by Prince and The New Power Generation

"Diamonds and Pearls" is the title track of American musician Prince and The New Power Generation's 1991 album and was released as a single in November 1991. The song is an upbeat ballad, given a rock edge with guitar and heavy drumming. It also features the vocals of NPG member Rosie Gaines. The ballad is an expression of love and not lust, as is the theme on some of the other singles from the album. It was a top 10 hit, reaching number three in the US and the top spot on the R&B chart. The pearls in the accompanying music video come from Connie Parente, a Los Angeles jewelry collector and designer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Not in Love</span> 1975 song by British band 10cc

"I'm Not in Love" is a song by British group 10cc, written by band members Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman. It is known for its innovative and distinctive backing track, composed mostly of the band's multitracked vocals. Released in the UK in May 1975 as the second single from the band's third album, The Original Soundtrack, it became the second of the group's three number-one singles in the UK between 1973 and 1978, topping the UK Singles Chart for two weeks. "I'm Not in Love" became the band's breakthrough hit outside the United Kingdom, topping the charts in Canada and Ireland as well as peaking within the top 10 of the charts in several other countries, including Australia, West Germany, New Zealand, Norway and the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love and Kisses (song)</span> 1990 single by Dannii Minogue

"Love and Kisses" is a dance-pop song performed by Australian singer Dannii Minogue. The song was written by Alvin Moody, and produced by Moody, Vincent Bell and Dancin' Danny D for Minogue's debut album Love and Kisses (1991). It was released as Minogue's debut single in February 1990 in Australia and on 18 March 1991 in the United Kingdom. It entered the top 10 in the UK and Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Success (Dannii Minogue song)</span> 1990 single by Dannii Minogue

"Success" is a dance-pop song performed by Australian singer Dannii Minogue. The song was written by Minogue and Alvin Moody, and produced by Moody and Vincent Bell for Minogue's debut album, Love and Kisses (1991). It was released as Minogue's second single in September 1990 in Australia. It was remixed and released in May 1991 in the United Kingdom. The song's lyrics discuss the highs and lows of being a celebrity. It entered the top 40 in Australia, Ireland, and the UK. Minogue performed this song when she was invited to perform on The Royal Variety Show in front of Elizabeth II.

<i>U Can Never B2 Straight</i> 2002 studio album by Boy George

U Can Never B2 Straight is a 2002 album by Boy George. The album includes acoustic songs from George's London play Taboo, new and previously unreleased songs, as well as selected songs taken from his albums Cheapness and Beauty and The Martyr Mantras, the latter from when George was part of the band Jesus Loves You.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Move Any Mountain</span> 1991 single by the Shamen

"Move Any Mountain" is a song by Scottish electronic music group the Shamen, first released under the title "Pro›gen". With an official remix by the Beatmasters, the song was re-released in the UK in summer 1991 and was their first top-10 single, reaching number four in the UK Singles Chart. It was included on the band's second album, En-Tact (1990), and is also their only top-40 hit in the US, where the song peaked at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Killer (Adamski song)</span> 1990 single

"Killer" is a song by British DJ and record producer Adamski. It was written by Adamski and British singer-songwriter Seal, who also provided vocals. It was released in March 1990 by MCA Records as the first single from Adamski's second album, Doctor Adamski's Musical Pharmacy (1990), and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. The single spent four weeks at the top in May and June 1990 and sold over 400,000 copies in the UK, earning it gold certification. It also reached number one in Belgium and Zimbabwe and number two in the Netherlands and West Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It Only Takes a Minute</span> 1975 single by Tavares

"It Only Takes a Minute" is a 1975 song by American soul/R&B group Tavares, released as the first single from their third album, In the City (1975). The song was the group's only top-10 pop hit in the United States, peaking at number 10, and their second number one song on the American soul charts. On the US Disco chart, "It Only Takes a Minute" spent five weeks at number two and was the first of four entries on the chart. The song was subsequently covered by Jonathan King performing as 100 Ton and a Feather in 1976 and by boy band Take That in 1992.

Jesus Loves You were a British band, founded by singer Boy George. The band's music is a mixture of electronic dance music, Indian classical music and western pop music. Their lyrics are about love, spirituality and the equality of all human beings.

E-Zee Possee were an English electronic music group, active between 1989 and 1991, made up of vocalists and musicians, and led by MC Kinky. She was a rapper and friend of Boy George, and E-Zee Possee were promoted by George's label, More Protein.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Want Your Love (Chic song)</span> 1979 single by Chic

"I Want Your Love" is a song by American band Chic from their second studio album C'est Chic (1978). Featuring a solo lead vocal by Alfa Anderson, the song became a very successful follow-up to their hit single "Le Freak".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Where Has Love Gone? (song)</span> 1990 single by Holly Johnson

"Where Has Love Gone?" is a song by British singer-songwriter Holly Johnson, released in 1990 as the lead single from his second studio album Dreams That Money Can't Buy (1991). The song was written by Johnson and produced by Andy Richards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The People Want to Dance</span> 1991 single by Holly Johnson

"The People Want to Dance" is a song by English singer Holly Johnson, released by MCA on 2 September 1991 as the third and final single from his second studio album, Dreams That Money Can't Buy. The song was written by Holly Johnson and produced by Andy Richards. It peaked at number 108 in the UK Singles Chart.

<i>The Martyr Mantras</i> 1990 studio album by Jesus Loves You

The Martyr Mantras is the only studio album by Jesus Loves You and the fourth studio album by Boy George. It was credited to Jesus Loves You worldwide except in North America, where it was credited to Boy George upon its release there in 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Just Another Dream</span> 1989 single by Cathy Dennis

"Just Another Dream" is a song by English singer-songwriter Cathy Dennis, first released in the United Kingdom as her solo debut single in November 1989. The following year, it was remixed and included on Dennis' first album, Move to This (1990), and re-released as a single, becoming a top-10 hit in the United States. The song was co-written by Dancin' Danny D, a.k.a. D Mob, who also produced the track and sang backing vocals. Poku's vocals are often mistaken for Rick Astley. Two different music videos were produced for the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Where Love Lives</span> 1990 single by Alison Limerick

"Where Love Lives (Come On In)" is a song by British singer-songwriter and former dancer Alison Limerick, released first time in November 1990. It was her solo-debut and received favorable reviews from music critics, becoming a massive club hit in the early 1990s in both the United Kingdom and United States. In 1991, the single peaked at number 27 in the UK and number three on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in the US. It was also voted Dance Track of 1991 by Billboard magazine. In 1992, it was included on Limerick's debut album, And Still I Rise. In 1996, it was released in a new remix by Dancing Divaz, peaking at number nine in the UK and number four on the dance chart in the US. The song is famous for the funked-up piano intro and remains the singer's most successful release. It is now widely regarded as one of the biggest club anthems of all time, and has been remixed and re-released several times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everything Starts with an 'E'</span> 1989 single by E-Zee Possee featuring MC Kinky

"Everything Starts with an 'E'" is a song by English electronic music group E-Zee Possee featuring vocals from MC Kinky. It is considered by many to be the anthem of the acid house movement of the late 1980s, with the "E" in the title widely understood to refer to the drug Ecstasy (MDMA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mary Had a Little Boy</span> 1990 single by Snap!

"Mary Had a Little Boy" is a song recorded by German Eurodance group Snap!, released in December 1990 by Logic Records as the fourth and final single from their debut studio album, World Power (1990). The song features vocals by Penny Ford, who also co-wrote the lyrics, and reached number-one in Zimbabwe and on the RPM Dance/Urban chart in Canada. Its lyrics are based on the nineteenth century nursery rhyme, Mary Had a Little Lamb. The chorus includes the line "Mary had a little boy, little did she know; and everywhere that Mary went, the little boy was sure to go". The music video for the song was directed by James Hudson and filmed in London. The song was re-recorded and included on their 2003 remix album The Cult of Snap! featuring Milky & 2NF.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bow Down Mister</span> 1991 single by Jesus Loves You

"Bow Down Mister" is a song written by English singer Boy George, under the pseudonym "Angela Dust", and recorded by his first musical group following his departure from Culture Club, Jesus Loves You. Inspired by a trip George took to India, the song is a tribute to the Hare Krishna movement and incorporates the Hare Krishna mantra. Indian singer Asha Bhosle performs the female vocals on the song but is uncredited on the single release.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Generations of Love" at Discogs.com
  2. "The Martyr Mantras" at Discogs.com
  3. 1 2 "Generations of Love" 1991 version at Discogs.com
  4. 1 2 Smith, Andrew (9 June 1990). "Singles". Melody Maker . Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  5. 1 2 Ellen, Barbara (1 June 1991). "Singles". NME . p. 20. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  6. "Jesus Loves You – full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  7. 1 2 3 "The 100 Greatest Dance Singles of All Time". Mixmag . 1996. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  8. "Generations Of Love from Miniaturesrec on Beatport". www.beatport.com. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  9. Coleman, Bill (25 August 1990). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard . p. 87. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  10. Flick, Larry (24 August 1996). "Dance Trax: Paying Tribute To Larry Levan's Paradise Garage" (PDF). Billboard . p. 26. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  11. Farber, Jim (8 February 1991). "The Martyr Mantras". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  12. "Say hello to". Evening Herald . 15 June 1990. page 17.
  13. Sholin, Dave (15 March 1991). "Gavin Picks > Singles" (PDF). Gavin Report . No. 1847. p. 56. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  14. "Jesus Loves You Generations of Love". The Herald . 1991. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  15. Smith, Andrew (23 March 1991). "Albums". Melody Maker . p. 36. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  16. Giles, David (9 June 1990). "Singles" (PDF). Music Week . p. 21. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  17. Hamilton, James (1 June 1991). "Dance: Pick of the Week" (PDF). Music Week . p. 10. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  18. Beatnik, Brad (27 July 1996). "Hot Vinyl" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). p. 9. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  19. Page, Betty (30 March 1991). "Long Play". NME . p. 34. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  20. Cheeseman, Phil (6 April 1991). "Albums". Record Mirror . p. 16. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  21. Sullivan, Caroline (20 March 1991). "Review: Singles". Smash Hits . No. 321. p. 44. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  22. "Boy George: Generations of Love (1991)". IMDb . Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  23. Generations of Love (uncensored) Jesus Loves You featuring Boy George, Talullah, and Leigh Bowery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUv6qIc-MBA
  24. "Boy George (Jesus Loves You) - Generations of Love (La la Gone Gaga Mix) HD". YouTube . 11 September 2021.
  25. "Jesus Loves You". Billboard .
  26. 1 2 3 4 "Jesus Loves You - Generations Of Love". hitparade.ch.
  27. "Jesus Loves You". Official Charts Company.
  28. "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 8 June 1991. p. 22. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  29. "Official UK Dance Singles Chart (25 August 1996-31 August 1996)". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  30. "Ultratop Dance 06/06/1998". ultratop.be. Retrieved 17 May 2018.
  31. "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1991". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 17 April 2020.