Heaven (The Chimes song)

Last updated
"Heaven"
Heaven (The Chimes song).jpg
Single by the Chimes
from the album The Chimes
Released20 November 1989 (1989-11-20) [1]
Genre House
Length3:51
Label CBS
Songwriter(s) Pauline Henry, Mike Peden, James Locke
Producer(s) The Chimes
The Chimes singles chronology
"1-2-3"
(1989)
"Heaven"
(1989)
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"
(1990)
Music video
"Heaven" on YouTube

"Heaven" is a song by Scottish band the Chimes, released on 20 November 1989 as the second single from their only album, The Chimes (1990). It reached number one on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, staying at the top for one week. The song also peaked at number 54 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart, but failed to appear on the Billboard Hot 100. "Heaven" also reached number 24 on the UK Singles Chart and number five in New Zealand.

Contents

Critical reception

Bill Coleman of Billboard complimented the song as "tasty" and "an even stronger club offering", than the band's debut single, "1-2-3". He felt that vocalist Pauline Henry's delivery "sends shivers and has been called by one colleague "the Candi Staton of the '90's"." [2] Paul Lester from Melody Maker declared the song as "brilliant", adding that "Heaven" "should give the Chimes their second visit to Top of the Pops ". [3] Music & Media wrote that this self-produced and self written soul number has a house rhythm track and an "excellent" vocal performance. The reviewer added, "The record sparkles with gospel energy and the inclusion of an unexpectedly messy piano is great. Give it a play." [4] When re-released in 1990, the magazine stated that "following up their massive "I Still Haven't Found...", this electryfing act brings us more house-pulsed dance. Soulful vocals and a rocking piano riff." [5] Nick Robinson from Music Week commented on the re-release, "This time the funky drum, subtle piano and wailing vocal track should make a sizeable dent in the pop chart, building on the success of "Still Haven't Found.." earlier this year." [6]

Helen Mead from NME complimented its "stomping smash and grab", declaring it as "a track that couldn't have been any more perfect for the club climate if they'd got Adamski in on keyboards." [7] Daniele Davoli of Black Box reviewed "Heaven" for Number One , saying, "It's really nice. It seems to be like a true sound — when you close your eyes you see the song in the same way. It's not a refined song but it's full of feeling and that's the stuff I like. They're going to have a heavy success." [8] Miranda Sawyer from Smash Hits noted Henry's "remarkable voice", declaring the track as "classy". [9] Steven Daly from Spin concluded, "1990 won't yield many records better than the Chimes' go-for-broke paean to sexual congress "Heaven"..." [10]

Track listing

Mini CD single
No.TitleLength
1."Heaven" (heavy club)5:45
2."Heaven" (alternative 12-inch mix)4:26
3."So Much in Love" (extended demo version)4:32
Total length:14:43

Charts

Chart (1989-1990)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [11] 62
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) [12] 67
Ireland (IRMA) [13] 25
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade) [14] 4
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [15] 34
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [16] 5
UK Singles (OCC) [17] 24
US Hot Black Singles ( Billboard ) [18] 54
US Hot Dance Club Play ( Billboard ) [19] 1

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Something in Common</span> 1993 single by Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston

"Something in Common" is a song by American singers Bobby Brown and then-wife Whitney Houston, that was featured on Brown's third album, Bobby (1992). The single version was re-recorded and released in December 1993, and was also available on Brown's 1993 compilation album Remixes in the Key of B. It stands as the couple's first musical collaboration and the only one released as a single. The song examines two unlikely people coming together as they find "something in common."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finally (CeCe Peniston song)</span> 1991 single by CeCe Peniston

"Finally" is a song by American singer-songwriter CeCe Peniston, released in September 1991 as her debut single from her first album, Finally (1992). It received critical acclaim, becoming Peniston's first hit song, peaking at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 in January 1992. It is also her only US top-ten hit to date. Prior to that, the track was a major success on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, where it spent two weeks at number one in late 1991. In addition, a dance remix of the song, the "Choice Mix", peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart in March 1992. The remix appeared on many dance music compilations in the early '90s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue Savannah</span> 1990 single by Erasure

"Blue Savannah" is a song by British synth-pop duo Erasure that was issued as a single on 26 February 1990, from their fourth studio album, Wild! (1989). The song was written by members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell. Mute Records released it in Europe as the album's third single, and Sire Records released it in the United States as the album's second single. Considered one of the band's signature songs, the duo still perform it regularly in concerts. It has been described as an uplifting love song; the instrumentation is crisp and heavily synthesized, accented with sweeping, programmed piano.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I've Been Thinking About You</span> 1990 single by Londonbeat

"I've Been Thinking About You" is a song by British-American band Londonbeat, released as the lead single from their second studio album, In the Blood (1990). The song was produced by Martyn Phillips, and written by band members Jimmy Chambers, George Chandler, Jimmy Helms, and William Henshall. It became a major worldwide hit, reaching the number-one spot in more than 10 countries—including Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States—and peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Make Me Over (song)</span> 1962 single by Dionne Warwick

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

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Don't Have to Worry (En Vogue song)</span> 1990 single by En Vogue

"You Don't Have to Worry" is a song by American girl group En Vogue from their debut album, Born to Sing (1990). The song was released as the third single from the album on October 31, 1990, and was the group's third consecutive number-one single on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ride on Time</span> 1989 single by Black Box

"Ride on Time" is a song by the Italian dance group Black Box. It was released as a single in July 1989 and included on Black Box's debut album, Dreamland (1990).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Show Me Heaven</span> 1990 single by Maria McKee

"Show Me Heaven" is a power ballad written by American singer and songwriter Maria McKee, Eric Rackin and Jay Rifkin, and recorded by McKee for the soundtrack to the Tom Cruise film Days of Thunder, released in June 1990. Produced by Peter Asher, the song received favorable reviews from most music critics, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart for four weeks and went on the become the sixth-highest-selling single of 1990 in the UK. Additionally, the song became a worldwide hit, topping the charts of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Norway and becoming a top-five hit in Australia, Ireland, Sweden, and Switzerland. It has since been covered by numerous other artists, including Tina Arena.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Night in Heaven</span> 1993 single by M People

"One Night in Heaven" is a song by British band M People, released as their sixth overall single and the first single from their second album, Elegant Slumming (1993). Written by band members Mike Pickering and Paul Heard, it was released on 14 June 1993. The song was successful in Europe, peaking at number six on the UK Singles Chart. In Iceland, it reached number five, while peaking at number 26 on the Eurochart Hot 100. Its accompanying music video was filmed in Barcelona, Sitges and Montserrat in Spain.

"It's a Fine Day" is a song written by English poet and musician Edward Barton. It was originally recorded in a cappella in 1983 by Jane, and later by Opus III for whom it was a major international hit in 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rockin' Over the Beat</span> 1989 single by Technotronic

"Rockin' Over the Beat" is a song by Belgian dance act Technotronic. It was released in 1989 as the fourth and final single from the act's debut studio album, Pump Up the Jam. It is accredited to "Technotronic featuring Ya Kid K", who co-wrote the track with Jo Bogaert.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everybody Everybody (song)</span> 1990 single by Black Box

"Everybody Everybody" is a song by the Italian house group Black Box, with uncredited vocals by American singer Martha Wash, from their debut studio album, Dreamland (1990). Wash was replaced by French model Katrin Quinol as the credited vocalist who made several appearances with Black Box, which led Wash to file a lawsuit against the group. The song was written by Daniele Davoli, Mirko Limoni, and Valerico Semplici, while produced by Groove Groove Melody. It was released by RCA Records as the third single from the album. The house, pop, and eurodisco song consists of an organ, drums, horns, and strings. "Everybody Everybody" contains a sample of Larry Blackmon's vocals and a drum loop from Bobby Byrd's 1987 remix of James Brown's song "Hot Pants" (1971).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Don't Know Anybody Else</span> 1989 single by Black Box featuring Martha Wash

"I Don't Know Anybody Else" is a song by Italian music group Black Box. It was the second single from their debut album, Dreamland (1990), and was originally released in the United States in December 1989. It was released worldwide in the early months of 1990 and had a great success in record charts, including Ireland, Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom, where it reached the Top 5. In other countries, it peaked between number 5 and number 10. It entered the UK Singles Chart on February 17, 1990 and remained for eight weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">People Hold On</span> 1989 single by Coldcut

"People Hold On" is a song by British band Coldcut and singer-songwriter Lisa Stansfield, released as the first single from the band's debut album, What's That Noise? (1989). It was written by Matt Black, Jonathan More and Stansfield, and produced by Coldcut. The song received positive reviews from music critics and became a commercial success. It was released as a single on 13 March 1989 and reached number eleven on the UK Singles Chart and number six on the US Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs chart. The song was remixed by Blaze, Juan Atkins, Dimitri from Paris, Mark Saunders, Eric Kupper, Tyrone Perkins and Masters At Work.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1-2-3 (The Chimes song)</span> 1989 single by the Chimes

"1-2-3" is the debut single of British dance music trio the Chimes, written by group members Pauline Henry, Mike Peden, and James Locke. Along with the track "Underestimate", their debut single reached number one for two weeks on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and is also their biggest single. "1-2-3" was the Chimes' only Billboard Hot 100 hit, peaking at number 82. Although the song stalled at number 60 in the band's native UK, it found chart success in New Zealand, where it peaked at number four. In 1990, the song was featured on their debut and only album, The Chimes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Touch Me (49ers song)</span> 1989 single by 49ers

"Touch Me" is a Italo house song by Italian group 49ers. Produced by Gianfranco Bortolotti, it was released on 4 December 1989 as the third single from their debut album, 49ers (1990). The song reached number three on the UK Singles Chart and was a top 10 hit in at least 10 other countries in Europe. Outside Europe, it was the first of four hits on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart for 49ers. It samples Aretha Franklin's "Rock-A-Lott" and Alisha Warren's "Touch Me".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sight for Sore Eyes</span> 1994 single by M People

"Sight for Sore Eyes" is the tenth overall single from British band M People from their third and multi-platinum album, Bizarre Fruit (1994). Written by bandmembers Mike Pickering, Paul Heard and Heather Small, and produced by M People, it was released as the album's lead single on 7 November 1994. The song peaked at number six on the UK Singles Chart and number four on the UK Dance Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get a Life (Soul II Soul song)</span> 1989 single by Soul II Soul featuring Marcia Lewis

"Get a Life" is a song by British R&B band Soul II Soul, released in November 1989 as the first single from their second album, Vol. II: 1990 – A New Decade (1990). It features Marcia Lewis and gained success in Europe, reaching number-one in Greece, number two in the Netherlands and number three in the UK. Additionally, it was a top 10 hit also in Austria, Belgium, Finland, West Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway and Sweden. Outside Europe, the song peaked at number four in Zimbabwe and number five in New Zealand. In the UK, it sold over 200 000 copies and was certified Silver.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Missing You (Soul II Soul song)</span> 1990 single by Soul II Soul

"Missing You" is a song by British Contemporary R&B band Soul II Soul, released in November 1990 as the fourth and last single from their second album, Vol. II: 1990 – A New Decade (1990). It features American singer-songwriter Kym Mazelle and was a top 30 hit in Ireland and the UK. Outside Europe, it peaked at number nine in Zimbabwe, number 39 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in the US and number 166 in Australia. A black-and-white music video was produced to promote the single. It shows Mazelle and Jazzie B dancing together on a dancefloor while performing it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghetto Heaven</span> 1990 single by The Family Stand

"Ghetto Heaven" is a song by American soul and R&B group The Family Stand, released in 1990 as their debut single, from their second album, Chain (1989). It features vocals by lead-singer Sandra St. Victor and was an international hit, peaking at number ten in the UK in April 1990. Eight years later, in January 1998, the song again charted on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 30. Additionally, it was a top 10 hit in Luxembourg and a top 20 hit in New Zealand. A music video was produced to promote the single, featuring the group performing in an urban city setting. American band Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam sampled it on their 1991 hit, "Let the Beat Hit 'Em".

References

  1. "New Singles". Music Week . 18 November 1989. p. 45.
  2. Coleman, Bill (17 March 1990). "Dance Trax: The Beloved's 'Happiness' Breaks Out All Over" (PDF). Billboard . p. 31. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  3. Lester, Paul (22 September 1990). "Singles". Melody Maker . Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  4. "Previews: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . 9 December 1989. p. 12. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  5. "Previews: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . 13 October 1990. p. 18. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  6. Robinson, Nick (29 September 1990). "Singles" (PDF). Music Week . p. 21. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  7. Mead, Helen (9 June 1990). "Long Play". NME . Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  8. Daniele, Davoli (29 November 1989). "Singles: Single of the Week". Number One . p. 43. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  9. Sawyer, Miranda (30 May 1990). "Review: LPs". Smash Hits . No. 300. p. 60. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
  10. Daly, Steven (August 1990). "Singles". Spin . p. 84. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  11. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 57.
  12. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 7, no. 42. 20 October 1990. p. V. Retrieved 20 June 2021.
  13. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – The Chimes". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  14. "The Chimes – Heaven" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  15. "The Chimes – Heaven" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  16. "The Chimes – Heaven". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  17. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  18. Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 118.
  19. Whitburn, Joel (2004). Hot Dance/Disco: 1974-2003. Record Research. p. 57.