I Don't Want to Talk About It

Last updated

"I Don't Want to Talk About It"
Song by Crazy Horse
from the album Crazy Horse
ReleasedFebruary 1971
Genre Country rock
Length5:18
Label Reprise
Songwriter(s) Danny Whitten
Producer(s) Jack Nitzsche, Russ Titelman, Bruce Botnick

"I Don't Want to Talk About It" is a song written by American guitarist Danny Whitten. It was first recorded by American rock band Crazy Horse and issued as the final track on side one of their 1971 eponymous album. It was Whitten's signature tune, but gained more fame via its numerous cover versions, especially that by Rod Stewart. Cash Box magazine has described it as "a magnificent ballad outing." [1]

Contents

Original recording personnel

Rod Stewart version

"I Don't Want to Talk About It"
I Don't Want to Talk About It rod.jpg
Single by Rod Stewart
from the album Atlantic Crossing
A-side
ReleasedMarch 1977 (1977-03) [2]
Genre Soft rock
Length4:13 (single version)
Label Riva
Songwriter(s) Danny Whitten
Producer(s) Tom Dowd
Rod Stewart singles chronology
"Get Back"
(1976)
"I Don't Want to Talk About It"
(1977)
"The First Cut Is the Deepest"
(1977)
Music video
"I Don't Want to Talk About It" on YouTube

British singer Rod Stewart recorded the song at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama for his 1975 album Atlantic Crossing . When it was released as a single in 1977, it topped the singles chart in the United Kingdom as a double A-side with "The First Cut Is the Deepest". [3] The song is widely believed to have benefitted from being deliberately released as a budget single in order to keep the Sex Pistols' "God Save the Queen" off the top of the UK singles chart. [4] [5] [6] In February 2021, the song received a silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry for sales and streams of over 200,000. [7]

In the United States, it was released as a single in December 1979 to promote Stewart's Greatest Hits album. [8] It peaked at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 [9] and number 44 Adult Contemporary. [10]

In 1989, Stewart cut a new rendition of the song for Storyteller – The Complete Anthology: 1964–1990 . It was later included on Downtown Train – Selections from the Storyteller Anthology . The song received extensive airplay on adult contemporary radio stations in the United States as an album cut, reaching number two on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. Stewart also sang this song as a duet with Amy Belle during his 2004 tour [11] and it is included in his concert DVD. The official Rod Stewart video of the performance has received over 912 million Youtube views (as of January 30, 2024). [12]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1977–1980)Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) [13] 11
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) [14] 36
Canada Top Singles ( RPM ) [15] 51
Ireland (IRMA) [16] 4
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [2] 3
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [17] 2
UK Singles (OCC) [18] 1
US Billboard Hot 100 [19] 46
US Adult Contemporary ( Billboard ) [20] 44
West Germany (Official German Charts) [21] 44
Chart (1990)Peak
position
Canada Top Singles ( RPM ) [22] 19
Canada Adult Contemporary ( RPM ) [23] 3
US Adult Contemporary ( Billboard ) [20] 2

Year-end charts

Chart (1977)Position
Australia (Kent Music Report) [24] 70

Everything but the Girl version

"I Don't Want to Talk About It"
IDWtTAI Everything but the Girl cover.jpg
Single by Everything but the Girl
from the album Idlewild
B-side "Oxford Street" [25]
Released20 June 1988 [26]
Length4:17
Label Blanco y Negro
Songwriter(s) Danny Whitten
Producer(s) Ben Watt
Everything but the Girl singles chronology
"I Always Was Your Girl"
(1988)
"I Don't Want to Talk About It"
(1988)
"Love Is Here Where I Live"
(1989)

In 1988, English musical duo Everything but the Girl released their version of the song as a stand-alone single; it was later included on the reissue of their fourth studio album, Idlewild (1988). Tracey Thorn has said that Stewart had been regarded as "a heroic figure" in her home when she was growing up, and that her brother Keith owned the "albums with grimy-sounding titles like An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down , and Gasoline Alley ". She herself had "always liked Atlantic Crossing." [27]

This version was also met with success in the UK, peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart. It was the duo's first British top-10 hit and would remain their only one until 1995, when the Todd Terry remix of "Missing" also peaked at number three. Outside the UK, the song reached number three in Ireland and number 19 in New Zealand.

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1988)Peak
position
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) [28] 9
Ireland (IRMA) [16] 3
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [29] 85
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [30] 19
UK Singles (OCC) [31] 3

Year-end charts

Chart (1988)Position
UK Singles (OCC) [32] 75

Other cover versions

Related Research Articles

<i>Atlantic Crossing</i> 1975 studio album by Rod Stewart

Atlantic Crossing is the sixth solo album by Rod Stewart. Released on 15 August 1975, and recorded in five American studios including Muscle Shoals, Alabama, between April and June 1975, it was produced by Tom Dowd, and peaked at number one in the UK, and number nine on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. During 1975 Stewart moved to Los Angeles, switched record labels to Warner Brothers, and ended his association with Ronnie Wood, Ian McLagan and the stable of musicians who had been his core collaborators on his albums for Mercury Records.

"Blue Moon" is a popular song written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934 that has become a standard ballad. Early recordings included those by Connee Boswell and by Al Bowlly in 1935. The song was a hit twice in 1949, with successful recordings in the U.S. by Billy Eckstine and Mel Tormé.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)</span> 1966 single by the Isley Brothers

"This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)" is a Holland–Dozier–Holland song that was a hit for American musical group the Isley Brothers in January 1966 during their brief tenure on Motown's Tamla label. Featuring Ronald Isley on lead vocal, "This Old Heart of Mine" peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100, and at number six on the Billboard R&B Singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The First Cut Is the Deepest</span> 1965 song written by Cat Stevens

"The First Cut Is the Deepest" is a 1967 song written by British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, originally released by P. P. Arnold in April 1967. Stevens's own version originally appeared on his album New Masters in December 1967.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right</span> Song

"(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right" is a song written by Stax Records songwriters Homer Banks, Carl Hampton, and Raymond Jackson. Originally written for The Emotions, it has been performed by many singers, most notably by Luther Ingram, whose original recording topped the R&B chart for four weeks and rose to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972. Billboard ranked it as the No. 16 song for 1972.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can't Smile Without You</span> 1975 single by David Martin

"Can't Smile Without You" is a song written by Christian Arnold, David Martin and Geoff Morrow, and recorded by various artists including Barry Manilow and the Carpenters. It was first recorded and released by David Martin as a solo single in 1975. The version recorded by Manilow in 1977 and released in 1978 is the most well-known.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Since I Don't Have You</span> 1958 song by the Skyliners

"Since I Don't Have You" is a song written and composed by Jackie Taylor, James Beaumont, Janet Vogel, Joseph Rock, Joe Verscharen, Lennie Martin, and Wally Lester. It was first a 1958 hit single for the doo-wop group the Skyliners on the Billboard Hot 100. Country music singer Ronnie Milsap had a hit with the song in 1991. American hard rock band Guns N' Roses also had some success in 1994 with their version of the song which reached the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Wanna Lose You</span> 1989 single by Gloria Estefan

"Don't Wanna Lose You" is a song by Cuban-American singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan, released on June 21, 1989 as the first single by Epic Records from her debut solo album, Cuts Both Ways (1989). The song is written by Estefan and produced by her husband, Emilio Estefan, Jr. It reached #1 in the US on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Cash Box Top 100 and was also certified Gold.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)</span> 1976 single by Rod Stewart

"Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)" is a song written by Rod Stewart, and recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama for his 1976 album A Night on the Town. The song, controversial at the time of release, proved to be a massive commercial success and became his second US chart topper on the Billboard Hot 100. It made its debut at number 81 on 2 October 1976 and rose quickly, climbing from number eight to the top of the chart on 13 November 1976, and remained on top for eight consecutive weeks until 8 January 1977. It was the longest stay of any song during 1976, the longest run at the top for a single in the US in over eight years (since the Beatles’ "Hey Jude" in November 1968), and the longest stay at number one for Rod Stewart in his entire recording career, and the final number one of the US Bicentennial year. The song also peaked at No. 5 in the UK, No. 1 for six weeks in Canada, No. 3 in Australia and charted well in other parts of the world. It was the number 1 song on both Billboard's 1977 year-end chart and the year-end Canadian singles chart. It became the best-selling single of 1977 in the United States. As of 2018, it is the 19th-most popular song in the history of the chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You're in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)</span> 1977 single by Rod Stewart

"You're in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)" is a song written and recorded by Rod Stewart for his 1977 album Foot Loose & Fancy Free. The song became a hit, reaching the top ten of many countries, including the United States (number 4), Canada (number 2), and Australia, peaking at number 1 for one week.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Was Only Joking</span> 1978 single by Rod Stewart

"I Was Only Joking" is a song written by Gary Grainger and Rod Stewart released by Stewart in 1978 as the third single on his 1977 album, Foot Loose & Fancy Free. The song performed well, reaching the Top 40 in various countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. In the UK, "I Was Only Joking" charted as part of a double A-side with "Hot Legs".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Downtown Train</span> 1985 single by Tom Waits

"Downtown Train" is a song by Tom Waits released on his album Rain Dogs in 1985. The promo video for the song was directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino and features boxer Jake LaMotta.

"Reason to Believe" is a song written, composed, and first recorded by American folk singer Tim Hardin in 1965. It has since been recorded by many artists, most notably by the Carpenters in 1970, and Rod Stewart in 1971 and 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Have I Told You Lately</span> 1989 single by Van Morrison

"Have I Told You Lately" is a song written and recorded by Northern Irish singer and songwriter Van Morrison for his nineteenth studio album, Avalon Sunset (1989). It is a romantic ballad that is often played at weddings, although it was originally written as a prayer. The opening line is from the song "I Forgot to Be Your Lover" by William Bell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Way I Want to Touch You</span> 1975 single by Captain & Tennille

"The Way I Want to Touch You" is a song written by Toni Tennille, which started the professional recording careers for Captain & Tennille. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of one million units. Captain & Tennille recorded a Spanish version, entitled "Como Yo Quiero Sentirte" which was released as a single in 1975. It was taken from the Spanish version of their debut album Por Amor Viviremos. The duo also re-recorded "The Way I Want to Touch You" in 1995 for their album, 20 Years of Romance.

"Ballerina Girl" is a song written and recorded by Lionel Richie, from his 1986 album Dancing on the Ceiling. The song was written for Lionel's daughter, Nicole. In the US and Canada, the song was released as a double A-side, with "Deep River Woman" entering the charts in January 1987.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Where's the Playground Susie</span> 1969 single by Glen Campbell

"Where's the Playground Susie" is a song written by Jimmy Webb and recorded by American country music singer Glen Campbell. It was released in April 1969 as the second single from the album Galveston. The song peaked at number 26 on the Hot 100, number 28 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, and number 8 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart.

<i>I Dont Remember Ever Growing Up</i> 2007 studio album by Andy Williams

I Don't Remember Ever Growing Up is the forty-third and final studio album by American pop singer Andy Williams, released in the UK by the Demon Music Group in 2007. In the liner notes of the album Williams writes, "Over the past few years I have come across songs that I really wanted to record. I picked 13 of my favorites and set out to make a new record." While the title track is the only new song, the other 12 selections were chart hits for other artists or, as is the case with "Desperado" by the Eagles, received critical acclaim without having been released as a single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Things We Do for Love (song)</span> British pop song released in 1976

"The Things We Do for Love" is a song by British band 10cc, released as a single in 1976. It later featured on the album Deceptive Bends released in 1977 and was the group's first release after the departure of band members Kevin Godley and Lol Creme.

"Leave Virginia Alone" is a song written by American musician Tom Petty and performed by British rock and pop singer and songwriter Rod Stewart on Stewart's seventeenth album, A Spanner in the Works (1995). The song reached number one on the Canadian RPM Top Singles and Adult Contemporary charts in 1995. It also reached number 52 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 53 in Australia. It was later included on Petty's album Wildflowers and All the Rest (2020).

References

  1. "CashBox Album Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. March 20, 1971. p. 26. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  2. 1 2 "Rod Stewart – I Don't Want to Talk About It" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  3. Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. pp. 339–40. ISBN   1-904994-10-5.
  4. Hall, James (May 27, 2017). "God Save the Queen at 40: how the Sex Pistols made the most controversial song in history". The Telegraph. ISSN   0307-1235 . Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  5. "God Save the Queen: The Sex Pistols take on charity track". ITV News. April 19, 2012. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  6. "Bragg attacks Pistols' royal views". BBC News. May 27, 2002. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  7. "British single certifications – Rod Stewart – I Don't Want to Talk About It". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  8. "Hits of the Week" (PDF). Record World. December 22, 1979. p. 1. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  9. Whitburn, Joel (2013). Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles, 14th Edition: 1955-2012. Record Research. p. 806.
  10. Whitburn, Joel (2002). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961-2001. Record Research. p. 233.
  11. "Rod Stewart & Amy Belle- I Dont Want To Talk About It". YouTube . Royal Albert Hall, London. 2004. Archived from the original on September 26, 2011. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
  12. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine : "Rod Stewart - I Don't Want To Talk About It (from One Night Only! Live at Royal Albert Hall)". YouTube .
  13. "Rod Stewart – I Don't Want to Talk About It" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  14. "Rod Stewart – I Don't Want to Talk About It" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  15. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 9499b." RPM . Library and Archives Canada.
  16. 1 2 "The Irish Charts – Search Results – I Don't Want to Talk About It". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
  17. "Rod Stewart – I Don't Want to Talk About It". Top 40 Singles.
  18. "Rod Stewart: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  19. "Rod Stewart Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  20. 1 2 "Rod Stewart Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard.
  21. "Offiziellecharts.de – Rod Stewart – I Don't Want to Talk About It" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  22. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 7749." RPM . Library and Archives Canada.
  23. "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 9165." RPM . Library and Archives Canada.
  24. "Kent Music Report No 183 – 26 December 1977 > National Top 100 Singles for 1977". Kent Music Report . Retrieved January 8, 2022 via Imgur.
  25. I Don't Want to Talk About It (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Everything but the Girl. 1988. NEG 34, 247880-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  26. "Music Week" (PDF). p. 9.
  27. Tracey Thorn, Bedsit Disco Queen , p.204
  28. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles". Music & Media . Vol. 5, no. 32. August 6, 1988. p. 18.
  29. "Everything but the Girl – I Don't Want to Talk About It" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
  30. "Everything but the Girl – I Don't Want to Talk About It". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
  31. "Everything but the Girl: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
  32. "Top 100 Singles: Year-End Chart 1988". Music Week . March 4, 1989. p. 12.