I've Been Thinking About You

Last updated

"I've Been Thinking About You"
I've Been Thinking About You.jpg
Single by Londonbeat
from the album In the Blood
B-side "9AM"
ReleasedSeptember 24, 1990 (1990-09-24)
RecordedAugust 1990
Genre
Length
  • 5:17(album version)
  • 3:49 (radio edit and video version)
Label
Songwriter(s)
  • Jimmy Chambers
  • George Chandler
  • Jimmy Helms
  • William Henshall
Producer(s) Martyn Phillips [1]
Londonbeat singles chronology
"It Takes Two Baby"
(1989)
"I've Been Thinking About You"
(1990)
"A Better Love"
(1990)
Music video
"I've Been Thinking About You" on YouTube

"I've Been Thinking About You" is a song by British-American band Londonbeat, released in September 1990 by Radioactive and Anxious as the lead single from their second studio album, In the Blood (1990). The song was produced by Martyn Phillips, [1] 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. The song became the no. 1 radio airplay record in the US and was the BMI Awards Winner for 1992 Song of the Year. [2]

Contents

Critical reception

AllMusic editor Jim Smith described the song as "soulful dance", noting that Londonbeat's "pleasant harmonies and pumping flow are undeniably catchy". [3] Another AllMusic editor, Stephen Thomas Erlewine, called it "dazzling". [4] David Taylor-Wilson from Bay Area Reporter declared it as "infectious", remarking that the band "blends Motownlike harmonies with dance grooves that incorporate ’70s funk rhythms". [5] A reviewer from Billboard complimented its "tasty blend" and "unshakable pop hook". [6] Steve Morse from Boston Globe named it "a catchy soul-funk ditty" and "a deserved hit". [7] Marisa Fox from Entertainment Weekly noted its "hypnotically catchy chorus, sweet harmonies, and slow, rollicking beat". [8] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report commented, "It's always a treat when a song comes along that I can't wait to review. Impossible not to detect a Fine Young Cannibals influence on this production that's been the biggest buzz record for the past couple of weeks." He added, "An international smash that's gone to #1 in no less than eleven countries, it's destined to win over audiences in the U.S.A., too. Top 40 radio is in dire need of more music like this!" [9]

Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote, "C&W-tinged pop number underpins the band's characteristic massed gospel vocal style complete with jangling, melodic guitars and the sort of chorus which they patently lacked on their debut LP Speak . The first release from the forthcoming second LP In the Blood shows a definite maturity." [10] David Giles from Music Week found that the band have "taken note of dancefloor developments and ditched the go go based rhythms of old for a deep-rooted funkiness and R&B influenced vocal." [11] Stephen Holden from New York Times wrote, "Londonbeat is a textbook example of a group that recombines familiar pop-soul sounds in a personal and engaging way. Its single [...] blends the light, machine-driven rhythms of Soul II Soul with the post-Motown vocal style of Fine Young Cannibals." [12] Parry Gettelman from Orlando Sentinel noted that "its dance groove is blended with lush, postmodern R&B played on both synthesized and gen-u-ine instruments." [13] Ian Cranna from Smash Hits said the rhythm is "straight out of the Stock, Aitken & Watermans book of bounciness". [14] Bob Mack from Spin felt it "is too damn catchy". [15]

Chart performance

In Europe, "I've Been Thinking About You" peaked at number one in Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as on the Eurochart Hot 100. Additionally, it reached number two in Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom. In the latter country, it peaked in its sixth week at the UK Singles Chart, on 30 September 1990. [16] The song was also a top-10 hit in Denmark, Greece and Ireland. Outside Europe, "I've Been Thinking About You" topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Hot Dance Club Play charts in the United States, the RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart in Canada, and in Australia, Israel and Zimbabwe.

It was awarded with a gold record in Austria (25,000), Germany (250,000) and the US (500,000), a silver record in the UK (200,000), and a platinum record in Australia (70,000), the Netherlands (100,000) and Sweden (50,000).

Impact and legacy

"I've Been Thinking About You" became the no. 1 radio airplay record in the US and was the BMI Awards Winner for 1992 Song of the Year, honoring the songwriters, composers and music publishers of the song. [2] It was also awarded one of BMI's Pop Awards in the category for Million Performance Songs in 1993. [17] Australian music channel Max included the song in their list of "1000 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2013. [18] American magazine Billboard placed "I've Been Thinking About You" at number 158 in their ranking of "Billboard's Top Songs of the '90s" in 2019. [19]

Track listings

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [64] Platinum70,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria) [65] Gold25,000*
Germany (BVMI) [66] Gold250,000^
Netherlands (NVPI) [67] Platinum100,000^
Sweden (GLF) [68] Platinum50,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [69] Silver200,000^
United States (RIAA) [70] Gold500,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Other versions

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wicked Game</span> 1989 single by Chris Isaak

"Wicked Game" is a song by American rock musician Chris Isaak, released from his third album, Heart Shaped World (1989). Released as a single in July 1989, it became a sleeper hit after being featured in the 1990 David Lynch film Wild at Heart, starring Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern. Lee Chesnut, an Atlanta radio station music director who loved David Lynch films, began playing the song, and it quickly became an American top-10 hit in March 1991, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100. Internationally, the single became a number-one hit in Belgium and reached the top 10 in several other nations.

"Always on My Mind" is a ballad written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James, first recorded by Brenda Lee and first released by Gwen McCrae in March 1972. Lee's version was released three months later in June 1972. The song has been a crossover hit, charting in both the country and western and pop categories. Elvis Presley's recording was the first commercially successful version of the song.

"It Takes Two" is a hit single recorded in late 1965 by American singer-songwriter Marvin Gaye and American soul singer Kim Weston, released in 1966 on Motown's Tamla label.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sadeness (Part I)</span> 1990 single by Enigma

"Sadeness (Part I)" is a song by German musical project Enigma, released in October 1990 by Virgin Records as the lead single from their first album, MCMXC a.D. (1990). It was written by Michael Cretu, Fabrice Cuitad and Frank Peterson, and produced by the latter. The song features French lyrics whispered by Cretu's then-wife, Sandra and became an international hit, reaching number one in 14 countries. In the United States, it peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on both the Dance Club Play and 12-inch Singles Sales charts. Its music video was directed by Michel Guimbard, featuring a scribe dreaming of wandering into The Gates of Hell. A sequel to the song, "Sadeness (Part II)" featuring Anggun, was released on Enigma's eighth studio album, The Fall of a Rebel Angel (2016).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U Can't Touch This</span> 1990 song by MC Hammer

"U Can't Touch This" is a song co-written, produced, and performed by American rapper MC Hammer. It was released as the third single from his third album, Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em (1990), and has been considered his signature song. Along with Hammer, Rick James shares songwriting credits with Alonzo Miller, as the song samples the prominent opening riff of James' 1981 single "Super Freak". The song has been used and referred to in many television shows, films, commercials, and other forms of media. It has also received multiple awards and recognition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Londonbeat</span> British dance-pop band

Londonbeat are a British dance-pop band who scored a number of pop and dance hits in the early 1990s. They currently consist of vocalists Jimmy Helms, Jimmy Chambers, and Charles Pierre. Former members include multi-instrumentalist William Henshall, George Chandler, Marc Goldschmitz, and Myles Kayne. As of 2024, the band has released six studio albums and numerous compilations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nothing Compares 2 U</span> 1990 single by Sinéad OConnor

"Nothing Compares 2 U" is a song written by the American musician Prince for his band the Family. It first appeared on their only album, The Family (1985). Its lyrics express the feelings of longing expressed by an abandoned lover.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crazy (Seal song)</span> 1990 single by Seal

"Crazy" is a song written by English singer-songwriter Seal and English songwriter Guy Sigsworth. Produced by Trevor Horn, it was released by ZTT Records on 26 November 1990 as the lead single from Seal's debut studio album, Seal (1991). The song became his first commercial hit, reaching No. 2 in the United Kingdom, while becoming his first top ten single in the United States. It has since been covered by several artists, including Alanis Morissette, whose version was released as a single from her 2005 compilation album, The Collection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)</span> 1990 single by C+C Music Factory

"Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" is a song by American dance music group C+C Music Factory, released by Columbia Records on November 18, 1990 as the lead single from their debut album, Gonna Make You Sweat (1990). The song is sung by Martha Wash and rapped by Freedom Williams; it was written by Robert Clivillés, Williams, and David Cole, and produced by Clivillés and Cole. The song charted internationally and achieved great success in Austria, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and the United States, where it reached number one on the dance charts. The accompanying music video was directed by Marcus Nispel, and features singer/dancer Zelma Davis lip-syncing to Wash's vocal parts. Billboard magazine ranked "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" No.402 among the "500 Best Pop Songs of All Time" in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How Am I Supposed to Live Without You</span> 1982 song written by Doug James and Michael Bolton

"How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" is a song co-written in 1982 by Doug James and Michael Bolton. The track was originally recorded by Laura Branigan in 1983, charting at number one in both the US and Canadian Adult Contemporary charts. Bolton later recorded his own version of the song that topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and became a worldwide hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rush Rush (Paula Abdul song)</span> 1991 single by Paula Abdul

"Rush Rush" is a song by American recording artist Paula Abdul, taken from her second studio album, Spellbound (1991). It was released on April 24, 1991, by Virgin Records as the lead single from the album. Written by Peter Lord and produced by Peter Lord and V. Jeffrey Smith, the song achieved success in the United States, where it topped the Billboard Hot 100, and became a worldwide hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Because I Love You (The Postman Song)</span> 1990 song by Stevie B

"Because I Love You (The Postman Song)" (or simply titled "Because I Love You") is a song written by Warren Allen Brooks and performed by American singer, songwriter, and record producer Stevie B. It was released in September 1990 by LMR and RCA from his third album, Love & Emotion (1990). The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1990 and remained there for four consecutive weeks. It also spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The song reached the top 10 in several countries worldwide, including Belgium and the Netherlands, where it peaked at number two. It received a gold certification in Australia and the United States. In August 2018, Billboard ranked the song the 71st-biggest hit in the history of the Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Have You Seen Her</span> 1971 single by the Chi-Lites

"Have You Seen Her" is a song by American soul vocal group the Chi-Lites, released on Brunswick Records in 1971. Composed by the lead singer Eugene Record and Barbara Acklin, the song was included on the group's 1971 album (For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Where Does My Heart Beat Now</span> 1990 single by Celine Dion

"Where Does My Heart Beat Now" is a song performed by Canadian recording artist Celine Dion for her ninth studio album and debut English-language album, Unison (1990). It was released by Columbia Records as the third single from Unison in Canada on 1 October 1990. It was also issued as the lead single in the United States in late 1990, and in other parts of the world in early 1991. "Where Does My Heart Beat Now" was written by Robert White Johnson and Taylor Rhodes in 1988, and recorded by Dion one year later. The song was produced by Christopher Neil. Dion premiered the song at the Eurovision Song Contest 1989 in Switzerland, where she performed it along with her 1988 winning song, "Ne partez pas sans moi".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It Ain't Over 'til It's Over</span> 1991 single by Lenny Kravitz

"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 by Virgin, 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."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All This Time (Sting song)</span> 1990 single by Sting

"All This Time" is a song by English musician Sting. It was released as the first single from his third studio album, The Soul Cages (1991), on 31 December 1990 by A&M Records. The song was a chart success, especially in North America, reaching No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100, topping the Billboard Album Rock Tracks and Modern Rock Tracks charts, and peaking at number one on Canada's RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart.

<i>In the Blood</i> (album) 1990 studio album by Londonbeat

In the Blood is the second album by British-American dance band Londonbeat, released in September 1990. It includes the single "I've Been Thinking About You", which reached number 2 in the UK Singles Chart in 1990 and number one on a number of world charts, including the US Billboard Hot 100 the following year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Gotta Love Someone</span> 1990 single by Elton John

"You Gotta Love Someone" is a song by English musician Elton John, written by John along with Bernie Taupin and released as a single from the Days of Thunder soundtrack in October 1990. The single was also used to promote the Rocket Records 2-CD retrospective The Very Best of Elton John, issued largely in overseas markets excluding the United States, where the more expansive box set To Be Continued... was issued.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Here I Am (Come and Take Me)</span> 1973 song by Al Green

"Here I Am (Come and Take Me)" is a 1973 song by Al Green, the second single released from his album Call Me. The song reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Hot Soul Singles chart. It was certified as a gold record by the Recording Industry Association of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Better Love</span> 1990 single by Londonbeat

"A Better Love" is a song by British-American dance-pop band Londonbeat, released on 12 November 1990 by Anxious and RCA as the second single from the group's second studio album, In the Blood (1990). It was the follow-up to their international hit "I've Been Thinking About You". "A Better Love" was less successful but still reached the top 20 in several countries, including becoming a top-ten hit in Austria and Canada; it was the 41st-most-successful song of 1991 in the latter country. On the US Billboard Hot 100, the single reached number 18, while on the UK Singles Chart, it peaked at number 24.

References

  1. 1 2 "Martyn Phillips". Martyn Phillips. Retrieved 30 January 2019.
  2. 1 2 "Londonbeat" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 9, no. 44. 31 October 1992. p. 4. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  3. Smith, Jim. "Londonbeat - In the Blood". AllMusic . Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  4. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Londonbeat – Very Best of Londonbeat". AllMusic . Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  5. Taylor-Wilson, David (4 April 1991). "The Sounds Around". Bay Area Reporter . p. 42. Retrieved 23 April 2020.
  6. "Album Reviews: New And Noteworthy" (PDF). Billboard . 16 February 1991. p. 70. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  7. Morse, Steve (28 March 1991). "Record Review" Boston Globe .
  8. Fox, Marisa (22 March 1991). "In the Blood". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  9. Sholin, Dave (25 January 1991). "Gavin Picks > Singles" (PDF). Gavin Report . No. 1840. p. 56. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  10. "Previews: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 7, no. 32. 11 August 1990. p. 12. Retrieved 22 February 2018.
  11. Giles, David (11 August 1990). "Singles" (PDF). Music Week . p. 19. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  12. Holden, Stephen (10 April 1991). "The Pop Life" New York Times .
  13. Gettelman, Parry (31 May 1991). "Londonbeat" Orlando Sentinel .
  14. Cranna, Ian (3 October 1990). "Review: LPs". Smash Hits . No. 309. p. 62. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  15. Mack, Bob (May 1991). "London Calling". Spin . p. 20. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  16. 1 2 "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  17. "BMI Congratulates" (PDF). Music Week . 20 November 1993. p. 2. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  18. "The Top 1,000 Greatest Songs Of All Time – 2013". Max. 2013. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  19. "Greatest of All Time: Billboard's Top Songs of the '90s". Billboard . 2019. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  20. "Londonbeat – I've Been Thinking About You". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  21. "Londonbeat – I've Been Thinking About You" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  22. "Londonbeat – I've Been Thinking About You" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  23. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 1498." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  24. "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 1517." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  25. "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 1495." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  26. "Top 3 Singles in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 7, no. 46. 17 November 1990. p. 11. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  27. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 7, no. 40. 6 October 1990. p. 11. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  28. Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN   951-31-2503-3.
  29. "Londonbeat – I've Been Thinking About You" (in French). Les classement single.
  30. "Londonbeat – I've Been Thinking About You" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  31. "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 8, no. 8. 23 February 1991. p. 30. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
  32. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – I've Been Thinking About You". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  33. "Top 3 Singles in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 7, no. 49. 8 December 1990. p. 13. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  34. "Nederlandse Top 40 – Londonbeat" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  35. "Londonbeat – I've Been Thinking About You" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  36. "Londonbeat – I've Been Thinking About You". Top 40 Singles.
  37. "Londonbeat – I've Been Thinking About You". VG-lista.
  38. Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN   84-8048-639-2.
  39. "Londonbeat – I've Been Thinking About You". Singles Top 100.
  40. "Londonbeat – I've Been Thinking About You". Swiss Singles Chart.
  41. "Londonbeat Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  42. "Londonbeat Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  43. "Londonbeat Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  44. "Londonbeat Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
  45. "Londonbeat Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  46. Zimbabwe. Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: singles chart book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000
  47. "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  48. "Jaaroverzichten 1990" (in Dutch). Ultratop . Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  49. "Eurochart Hot 100 of 1990" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 7, no. 51. 22 December 1990. p. 60. OCLC   29800226 . Retrieved 15 January 2020 via World Radio History.
  50. "Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 1990" (in German). GfK Entertainment . Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  51. "Single Top 100 Over 1990" (PDF) (in Dutch). Retrieved 1 August 2009.
  52. "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1990" (in Dutch). MegaCharts . Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  53. "1990 Top 100 Singles". Music Week . London, England: Spotlight Publications. 2 March 1991. p. 41.
  54. "1991 ARIA Singles Chart". ARIA . Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  55. "RPM 100 Hit Tracks of 1991". RPM . Retrieved 23 November 2017 via Library and Archives Canada.
  56. "RPM 100 Adult Contemporary Tracks of 1991". RPM . Retrieved 29 October 2019 via Library and Archives Canada.
  57. "RPM Dance Tracks of 1991". RPM . Retrieved 29 October 2019 via Library and Archives Canada.
  58. "Eurochart Hot 100 1991" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 8, no. 51–52. 21 December 1991. p. 21. Retrieved 17 January 2020 via American Radio History.
  59. "Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 1991" (in German). GfK Entertainment . Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  60. "End of Year Charts 1991". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  61. "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1991" (in German). Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  62. "Billboard Top 100 – 1991". Archived from the original on 7 July 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
  63. Lwin, Nanda. "Top 100 singles of the 1990s". Jam!. Archived from the original on 29 August 2000. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  64. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1991 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  65. "Austrian single certifications – London Beat – I've Been Thinking About You" (in German). IFPI Austria.
  66. "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Londonbeat; 'I've Been Thinking About You')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie.
  67. "Dutch single certifications – London Beat – I've Been Thinking About You" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers.Enter I've Been Thinking About You in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 1990 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
  68. "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 May 2011.
  69. "British single certifications – Londonbeat – I've Been Thinking About You". British Phonographic Industry.
  70. "American single certifications – London Beat – I've Been Thinking About You". Recording Industry Association of America.
  71. Miller, Dan (22 May 2019). "Klaas & Londonbeat – I've Been Thinking About You". DJ Times.