I'm the Only One

Last updated
"I'm the Only One"
Etheridge Only.jpg
Single by Melissa Etheridge
from the album Yes I Am
B-side "I'm the Only One" (live)
ReleasedSeptember 7, 1993 (1993-09-07)
Studio A&M (Hollywood)
Length4:54
Label Island
Songwriter(s) Melissa Etheridge
Producer(s)
Melissa Etheridge singles chronology
"2001"
(1992)
"I'm the Only One"
(1993)
"Come to My Window"
(1993)

"I'm the Only One" is a song by American singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge from her fourth studio album, Yes I Am (1993). It was released as the first single in September 1993, reaching number 12 in Canada and number 26 in the Netherlands. In the United States, it was slow to gain momentum, but after the success of "Come to My Window", it was re-released, peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in January 1995. It remains Etheridge's biggest hit on either chart.

Contents

Content

Like many songs on her first album, Melissa Etheridge , "I'm the Only One" deals with non-monogamous relationships. In the verses, the singer tells how much she suffers because her partner desires someone else. In the chorus, the singer reminds her partner that even if her partner is in a new relationship, that the singer will always be the only one who really loves them with passion.

Music video

The music video for "I'm the Only One" was directed by David Hogan, marking their first collaboration on a video. [1] [2] Hogan, who became friends with Etheridge, later helmed several other of her videos, including "Your Little Secret" in 1995 and "I Want to Be in Love" in 2001. [1] The video for "I'm the Only One" largely shows Etheridge performing at a club (including several close-up shots of her face) as well as same-sex couples making out to her sensual music.

Track listings

All songs were written by Melissa Etheridge.

Credits and personnel

Charts

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesSeptember 7, 1993 Island [25]
United KingdomNovember 1, 1993
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
[26]

Covers

The song has been covered many times on American Idol . In the Top 4 of season one, it was covered by Nikki McKibbin on 80's/90's week. In the Top 10 of season four, the song was covered by Nadia Turner on 90's week. In the Top 16 of season five, Kellie Pickler covered it, before advancing to the Top 12. In season ten, Lauren Alaina covered the song on Top 12 week, when the contestants were to choose one song from the year they were born. On the first season of The Voice , Beverly McClellan covered the song on the 7th episode, the first week of live rounds. In November 2011, Mark Salling covered the song in Glee's episode "I Kissed a Girl".

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Melissa Etheridge</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1961)

Melissa Lou Etheridge is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and guitarist. Her eponymous debut album was released in 1988 and became an underground success. It peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard 200 and its lead single, "Bring Me Some Water", garnered Etheridge her first Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female in 1989. Her second album, Brave and Crazy, appeared that same year and earned Etheridge two more Grammy nominations. In 1992, Etheridge released her third album, Never Enough, and its lead single, "Ain't It Heavy", won Etheridge her first Grammy Award.

<i>Yes I Am</i> (Melissa Etheridge album) Album by Melissa Etheridge

Yes I Am is the fourth studio album by the American singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge, released by Island Records on September 21, 1993. The title is generally thought to refer to Etheridge's recent coming out as a lesbian, confirming long-standing rumors about her personal life. However, in 2018, Etheridge clarified that in fact the title for the track and album were not statements regarding her sexual identity. Yes I Am is the pivotal album that gave Etheridge national and international recognition. The rock ballad "Come to My Window" was the first single released from the album, which peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its video featured the actress Juliette Lewis having a nervous breakdown. This single was quickly followed by "I'm the Only One", which became a major hit in the US and reached No. 8 on the Hot 100, and "If I Wanted To", which reached No. 16.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Come to My Window</span> 1993 single by Melissa Etheridge

"Come to My Window" is a song by American singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge, released in 1993 as the second single from her fourth studio album, Yes I Am (1993). This was the first song to become a hit after Etheridge publicly announced that she was a lesbian. With the driving force of gay rights, the song gained substantial airplay on radio stations, mostly through call-in requests. The song debuted on the Billboard charts after the first week of its release, reaching number 25 on the chart. The song also charted in Canada, reaching number 13 on the RPM Top Singles chart. It was the second song from Etheridge that earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. In 2019, Billboard included "Come to My Window" in its list of the "30 Lesbian Love Songs".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What's Up? (4 Non Blondes song)</span> 1993 single by 4 Non Blondes

"What's Up?" is a song by American rock group 4 Non Blondes, released in March 1993 as the second single from their debut album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More! (1992). It has gained popularity in the United States and in several European countries, peaking at number one in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland. The accompanying music video was directed by American film director Morgan Lawley and was also nominated in the category for Best Alternative Rock Video at the MTV Video Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Rain</span> 1993 single by Blind Melon

"No Rain" is a song by American rock band Blind Melon. It was released in 1993 as the second single from the band's debut album Blind Melon. The song is well known for its accompanying music video, which features the "Bee Girl" character. The music video, directed by Samuel Bayer, received heavy airplay on MTV at the time of its release. It subsequently helped propel Blind Melon to a multi-platinum level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Head over Feet</span> 1996 single by Alanis Morissette

"Head over Feet" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, taken from her third studio album Jagged Little Pill (1995). Written by Alanis and Glen Ballard, and produced by Ballard, it was released as the album's fifth single in July 1996 and presented a softer sound than the previous singles from the album. "Head over Feet" talks about being best friends and lovers with someone at the same time, with Alanis thanking them for their manners, love and devotion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Have Nothing</span> 1993 single by Whitney Houston

"I Have Nothing" is a song by American singer and actress Whitney Houston, released on February 20, 1993 as the third single from The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album (1992) by Arista Records. The song was written by David Foster and Linda Thompson, and produced by Foster.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">(If You're Not in It for Love) I'm Outta Here!</span> 1995 single by Shania Twain

"(If You're Not in It for Love) I'm Outta Here!" is a song co-written and recorded by Canadian country music singer Shania Twain. It was released on November 15, 1995, as the fourth single from her second studio album, The Woman in Me. Written by Twain and then husband and producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange, the song lyrically speaks about Twain wanting real love and that if her partner is not in it for love, she's "outta here".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Power of Love (Jennifer Rush song)</span> 1984 single by Jennifer Rush

"The Power of Love" is a song co-written and originally recorded by American singer-songwriter Jennifer Rush in 1984. It was released as the fifth single from her debut album, Jennifer Rush (1984), and has since been covered by Air Supply, Laura Branigan, and Celine Dion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sleeping Satellite</span> 1992 single by Tasmin Archer

"Sleeping Satellite" is a song by British singer-songwriter Tasmin Archer, released in September 1992 as the first single from her debut album, Great Expectations (1992). Co-written by Archer, the song received favorable reviews from music critics and became an international hit. It peaked at number one in the United Kingdom, Greece, Ireland, and Israel and reached the top 20 in 13 other countries as well as number 32 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in June 1993. There were produced two different music videos to promote the single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dreams (Gabrielle song)</span> 1993 single by Gabrielle

"Dreams" is a song by British singer and songwriter Gabrielle. It was written by Gabrielle and Tim Laws and produced by Richie Fermie for her debut studio album, Find Your Way (1993). Released by Go! Beat and London Records as Gabrielle's debut single, "Dreams" entered the UK Singles Chart at number two, which was the highest chart entry a debut act had obtained in the United Kingdom at that time before reaching number one for three weeks in June 1993. In the United States, the song peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Gabrielle's highest-charting song there. The song's music video was directed by Kate Garner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Constant Craving</span> 1992 single by k.d. lang

"Constant Craving" is a song written by Canadian singer-songwriter k.d. lang and Ben Mink, performed by lang and included on her second solo album, Ingénue (1992). The song was released in the United Kingdom in April 1992 and won lang a Grammy Award in the category for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1993, as well as an MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video.

<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, but was a successful follow-up to "Love Is Strong" in Canada, peaking at No. 3 on the RPM Top Singles chart for six consecutive weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Souvenirs</span> 1989 single by Melissa Etheridge

"No Souvenirs" is a song by American singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge, release as the second single from her second album, Brave and Crazy, in August 1989. Despite peaking at number 95 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the song experienced more success internationally, reaching number 30 in Australia and number four in Canada, where it became Etheridge's highest-charting single until "I Want to Come Over" reached number one in 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bring Me Some Water</span> 1988 single by Melissa Etheridge

"Bring Me Some Water" is the debut single of American singer Melissa Etheridge. It was released in 1988 and became a hit in several countries, reaching the top 20 in Australia, New Zealand, and on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angels Would Fall</span> 1999 single by Melissa Etheridge

"Angels Would Fall" is a song by American musician Melissa Etheridge, released as the first single from her sixth album, Breakdown (1999), in August 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Ever Lose My Faith in You</span> 1993 single by Sting

"If I Ever Lose My Faith in You" is a song by English singer-songwriter Sting, released on 1 February 1993 as the lead single from his fourth studio album, Ten Summoner's Tales (1993). The song reached number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the top 40 in several European countries. In Canada, the song reached number one, spending three weeks atop the RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart and finishing 1993 as Canada's fourth-most-successful single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Wanted To</span> 1994 single by Melissa Etheridge

"If I Wanted To" is a song by American singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge, released in 1994 as the final single from her fourth studio album, Yes I Am (1993). The song entered the top 50 in Australia, Canada, Iceland, and the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Your Little Secret (song)</span> 1994 single by Melissa Etheridge

"Your Little Secret" is the first single and title track from American singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge's fifth studio album of the same name (1995). The song was released to US radio stations on October 9, 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Want to Come Over</span> 1996 single by Melissa Etheridge

"I Want to Come Over" is a song by American singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge. It was released in late January 1996 as the second single from her fifth studio album, Your Little Secret (1995). The song was a commercial success, reaching number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 29 in both Australia and New Zealand. It also reached number one on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart in March 1996. At the end of the year, the song appeared on the American and Canadian year-end charts at numbers 79 and 11, respectively.

References

  1. 1 2 Lindsay, Bethany (July 27, 2015). "Interview: Music Video Director David Hogan". Songfacts.com. Retrieved April 16, 2016.
  2. Luck, Joyce (1997). "Melissa Etheridge: Our Little Secret (page 194)". ECW Press (Google Books). ISBN   9781550222982 . Retrieved April 16, 2016.
  3. I'm the Only One (US cassette single sleeve). Melissa Etheridge. Island Records. 1994. 422-854 068-4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  4. I'm the Only One (US maxi-CD single liner notes). Melissa Etheridge. Island Records. 1994. 422-854 069-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  5. I'm the Only One (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Melissa Etheridge. Island Records. 1993. IS579, 862 762-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. I'm the Only One (UK CD single liner notes). Melissa Etheridge. Island Records. 1993. CID 579, 862 941-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. I'm the Only One (Dutch CD single liner notes). Melissa Etheridge. Island Records. 1993. 74321 16252 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. "The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 13 Feb 1994". ARIA . Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  9. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 2305." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  10. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 2694." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  11. "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (17.–23.11 '94)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). November 17, 1994. p. 16. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  12. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 43, 1993" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  13. "Melissa Etheridge – I'm the Only One" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  14. "Melissa Etheridge Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  15. "Melissa Etheridge Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  16. "Melissa Etheridge Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  17. "Melissa Etheridge Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  18. "Melissa Etheridge Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  19. "U.S. Cash Box Chart Entries – 1990 – 1996" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-07-22. Retrieved 2018-05-30.
  20. "The RPM Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1993". RPM . Library and Archives Canada . Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  21. "Billboard Top 100 – 1994". Archived from the original on March 1, 2009. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
  22. "Billboard Top 100 – 1995". Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
  23. "The Year in Music: Hot Adult Contemporary Singles & Tracks" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 107, no. 51. December 23, 1995. p. YE-80. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
  24. "The Year in Music 1995: Top 40/Mainstream Top Titles". Airplay Monitor . Vol. 3, no. 51. December 15, 1995. p. 8.
  25. Flick, Larry (September 4, 1993). "Nirvana, Meilencamp Ready Sept. Sets". Billboard . Vol. 105, no. 36. p. 12. 'I'm The Only One' goes to album-rock and alternative radio Sept. 7.
  26. "Single Releases". Music Week . October 30, 1993. p. 27.