It Ain't Over 'til It's Over

Last updated
"It Ain't Over 'til It's Over"
Lenny Kravitz - IAOTIO single.jpg
Single by Lenny Kravitz
from the album Mama Said
B-side "I'll Be Around"
ReleasedJune 3, 1991
Genre
Length3:55
Label Virgin
Songwriter(s) Lenny Kravitz
Producer(s) Lenny Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz singles chronology
"Always on the Run"
(1991)		"It Ain't Over 'til It's Over"
(1991)		"Fields of Joy"
(1992)
Music video
"It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" on YouTube

"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 (particularly "That's the Way of the World"). 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. [1] The line is based on a Yogiism, or quotation from Yogi Berra: "It ain't over 'til it's over." [2]

Contents

"It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" was Kravitz's first top-10 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 2 to become his highest-peaking song on the chart. Worldwide, the single reached No. 2 in Canada and peaked within the top 10 in Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. In the United Kingdom, it reached No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart. Jesse Dylan directed its music video. British singer Mutya Buena's 2007 song "Real Girl" contains a sample from "It Ain't Over 'til It's Over"; [3] this recording peaked at No. 2 on the UK chart. [4]

Background

The song was written by Kravitz while dealing with a struggling marriage to his then wife, Lisa Bonet, and was an attempt to rekindle the relationship. Kravitz has described his thinking at that time as "not just a depression, but a fog. I didn’t know which way was up". [5]

Initially Kravitz, realizing the hit potential of the song, did not want to release the song himself, wishing to remain an underground artist, thinking instead of giving the song to Smokey Robinson. His label however eventually persuaded him to include it on the album. [5]

Chart performance

"It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" is Kravitz's most successful single on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart to date, peaking at No. 2. It also reached No. 6 on the Cash Box Top 100, as well as No. 2 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart. The song was also popular in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart.

Critical reception

Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic noted the song's "swirling Philly soul", describing it as "instantly addictive". [6] Larry Flick from Billboard complimented it as a "delicious slice of Philly soul/pop, flavored with lush strings, understated funk bass and guitar riffs, and Kravitz's engaging falsetto vocal. Could be a sleeper smash." [7] Alex Henderson from Cashbox named the song one of the "goodies" from the album, describing it as "uptown soul"-flavoured. [8] Adam Sweeting from The Guardian declared it as "nimble soul with chart potential". [9] Pan-European magazine Music & Media felt the singer "sings in smooth tones, reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield and the Style Council. Soultime on EHR." [10] Parry Gettelman from Orlando Sentinel complimented "a nice guitar solo that sounds a bit like Hall & Oates circa "She's Gone"." [11] Sunday Tribune's reviewer also noted the echoes of Paul Weller and Mayfield in the song. [12]

Retrospective response

In a 2016 retrospective review, Christopher A. Daniel from Albumism remarked that the song "marries his Curtis Mayfield-inspired falsetto with chunky Stax Records guitars and a lush MFSB-flavored (possibly Love Unlimited Orchestra) string arrangement." [13] In 2020, Carla Hay of AXS ranked it number four in her list of "The Top 10 Best Lenny Kravitz Songs". She wrote, "Kravitz has said he wrote this song about the breakdown of his marriage to actress Lisa Bonet (they eventually divorced), and the heartbreak is oozing all over this song." She added, "With a Motown-ish 1960s vibe, this ballad (from 1991’s Mama Said album) is one of Kravitz’s best ballads. It remains his highest-charting hit of his career in the US, where it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart." [14]

Music video

The accompanying music video for "It Ain't Over 'til It's Over", directed by American film director and production executive Jesse Dylan, features Kravitz and his band performing the song. Different kinds of background lighting colors were featured in the video.

Track listings and formats

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "It Ain't Over 'til It's Over"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Italy (FIMI) [49] Gold50,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [50] Gold30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [51] Silver200,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United KingdomJune 3, 1991
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
 Virgin [22]
United StatesJune 1991Cassette [52]
JapanJune 21, 1991CD [53]
United KingdomJuly 1, 199112-inch picture disc [54]

Related Research Articles

<i>Mama Said</i> (album) 1991 studio album by Lenny Kravitz

Mama Said is the second studio album by American rock musician Lenny Kravitz, released in April 1991 by Virgin Records. Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash co-wrote and played on the song "Always on the Run". He also played on the song "Fields of Joy". The song "All I Ever Wanted" was co-written by Sean Lennon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Woman</span> 1970 single by the Guess Who

"American Woman" is a song by Canadian rock band the Guess Who, released January 1970, from the album of the same name. It was later released in March 1970 as a single backed with "No Sugar Tonight", and it reached number one for three weeks commencing May 9 on both the United States' Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian RPM magazine singles chart. Billboard magazine placed the single at number three on the Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1970 list, and it was listed as number five for 1970 on the RPM Year-End Chart. On May 22, 1970, the single was certified as gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It also reached the top ten in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria, and the top twenty in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Son of Mine</span> 1991 single by Genesis

"No Son of Mine" is a song by British rock group Genesis, released in October 1991 by Atlantic and Virgin as the lead single from their 14th album, We Can't Dance (1991). The song, written by Phil Collins and composed by him with Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, reached No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was also a top-10 hit in several European countries and peaked atop Canada's RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart for five weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hold on My Heart</span> 1992 single by Genesis

"Hold on My Heart" is a song by English rock band Genesis from their 14th studio album, We Can't Dance (1991). The ballad was released as the album's third single on 6 April 1992. The song reached number one on the Canadian RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, the RPM Adult Contemporary chart, and the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, as well as number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the band's home country, the song peaked at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fly Away (Lenny Kravitz song)</span> 1998 single by Lenny Kravitz

"Fly Away" is a song by American singer Lenny Kravitz. It was released as the fourth single from his fifth studio album, 5 (1998). Released to the radio on May 11, 1998, "Fly Away" peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside of the United States, "Fly Away" topped the charts in Iceland and the United Kingdom, and peaked within the top ten of the charts in several countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Ireland. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Performance in 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Ain't a Love Song</span> 1995 single by Bon Jovi

"This Ain't a Love Song" is the lead single from American rock band Bon Jovi's sixth studio album, These Days (1995). The rock ballad is an example of the strong rhythm and blues influence that Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora wanted the album to have. Released in May 1995 by Mercury, it reached number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number two on the Canadian RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, number six on the UK Singles Chart, and number one on the Finnish Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Promise of a New Day</span> 1991 single by Paula Abdul

"The Promise of a New Day" is the opening track and second single from American artist Paula Abdul's second studio album, Spellbound (1991). The song was written by Paula Abdul, Peter Lord and V. Jeffrey Smith. It became Abdul's sixth and final number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 following its July 5, 1991, release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Are You Gonna Go My Way (song)</span> 1993 single by Lenny Kravitz

"Are You Gonna Go My Way" is a song by American musician Lenny Kravitz, released in February 1993 by Virgin Records as the first single from his third studio album, Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993). The song was written by Kravitz and Craig Ross, while Kravitz produced it. It peaked at number one in Australia and number four on the UK Singles Chart, as well as number one on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart and number two on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Its music video was directed by Mark Romanek.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Where Are We Runnin'?</span> 2004 single by Lenny Kravitz

"Where Are We Runnin'?" is a song performed by American rock musician Lenny Kravitz. It was released on April 5, 2004, as the lead single from his seventh studio album, Baptism (2004). Kravitz wrote the song with his long-time collaborator Craig Ross and produced it himself. Following its release, the song reached number 69 in the United States, number 13 in Italy, and number four in Spain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Again (Lenny Kravitz song)</span> 2000 song by Lenny Kravitz

"Again" is a song by American rock musician Lenny Kravitz, being the only new song from his first Greatest Hits album, released in 2000. Written, arranged and produced by himself, "Again" was initially set to be on his sixth studio album; however, Kravitz found that the song didn't fit the tone of the album, releasing it instead as the lead single from the compilation on September 22, 2000, through Virgin Records. The mid-tempo rock ballad finds Kravitz wondering if he will ever see his former lover again and if they will reunite once more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock and Roll Is Dead</span> 1995 single by Lenny Kravitz

"Rock and Roll Is Dead" is a song by American musician Lenny Kravitz, released in August 1995 by Virgin as the first single from his fourth album, Circus (1995). The song, both written and produced by Kravitz, reached the top 20 in Canada, Finland, New Zealand, and Spain, but it underperformed in the United States, peaking at number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video for "Rock and Roll Is Dead" was storyboarded by Andrew Trovaioli and directed by Ruven Afanador. It shows Kravitz performing the song with his band, as well as Kravitz with visual artistic related backgrounds. Kravitz was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for the song in 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dig In</span> 2001 single by Lenny Kravitz

"Dig In" is a song by American singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz, the lead single from his sixth studio album, Lenny (2001). It was released in September 2001. It was used in promos by the National Basketball Association for the 2002 NBA Playoffs, as well as the ending theme for the 2002 Japanese science fiction film Returner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lady (Lenny Kravitz song)</span> 2004 single by Lenny Kravitz

"Lady" is a song by American rock musician Lenny Kravitz, released as the final single from his seventh studio album, Baptism (2004), in August 2004. In an interview with Hello!, Kravitz revealed that it was inspired by his then-girlfriend, Nicole Kidman. The song reached number 27 in the United States and number 99 in the Netherlands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heaven Help</span> 1993 single by Lenny Kravitz

"Heaven Help" is a song by American rock musician Lenny Kravitz, released in August 1993 by Virgin America as the third single from his third studio album, Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993). The song was written by Gerry DeVeaux and Terry Britten, and produced by Kravitz. It made a brief appearance on the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 92. In the United Kingdom, it became his second top-twenty hit from Are You Gonna Go My Way, peaking at number 20, and in Canada and New Zealand, the song reached the top 30. It was later included on Kravitz' compilation album Greatest Hits. The accompanying music video was directed by Per Gustafsson.

<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, including Canada, where it peaked at No. 3 on the RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart for six consecutive weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stillness of Heart</span> 2002 single by Lenny Kravitz

"Stillness of Heart" is a song written by Lenny Kravitz and Craig Ross. The song was included on Kravitz's 2001 album, Lenny, and was released as a single on January 14, 2002. "Stillness of Heart" charted at number 38 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks charts, number 22 on the Canadian Singles Chart, and number 16 on the Italian Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lenny Kravitz discography</span>

American singer Lenny Kravitz has released 12 studio albums, one greatest hits compilation album, four box set compilation albums, two extended plays, 63 singles, and eight video albums, including three live albums. His debut album, Let Love Rule (1989), peaked at number 61 in the US, and while receiving generally positive reviews, it became a huge success in Europe but took a long time to reach success in the US. Its followers, Mama Said (1991) and Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993), sold better overall than his debut, achieving platinum and multi-platinum status respectively, establishing Kravitz in the music industry and expanding his success in Europe and South America. However, despite only two years between albums, personal issues such as substance abuse problems, the aftermath of divorce, and his mother Roxie Roker's illness led to a decline in commercial sales with Circus (1995).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Is There Any Love in Your Heart</span> 1993 single by Lenny Kravitz

"Is There Any Love in Your Heart" is a song by American musician Lenny Kravitz and released on November 22, 1993 by Virgin Records, as the fourth single from his third studio album, Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993). Following its release, the song reached the top 50 in Australia and New Zealand and peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. The song was later included on the Japanese edition of Kravitz' 2000 compilation album, Greatest Hits. The music video was directed by Mark Romanek and features Canadian model Ève Salvail playing a vampire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California (Lenny Kravitz song)</span> 2004 single by Lenny Kravitz

"California" is a song written, produced, and performed by American singer Lenny Kravitz, released as the second single from his seventh studio album, Baptism (2004), on July 12, 2004. Kravitz plays all the instruments on the song and uses his own handclaps. The song reached number 28 in Italy and charted moderately in several other European countries. It was released in the United States as a radio single and maxi-single but did not appear on any Billboard charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Believe (Lenny Kravitz song)</span> 1993 single by Lenny Kravitz

"Believe" is a song by American musician Lenny Kravitz, released by Virgin Records on May 10, 1993, as the second single from his third album, Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993). It is a rock ballad with string orchestration, and was co-written, arranged and produced by Kravitz, with Henry Hirsch also contributing to the orchestration and composition. Its lyrics concern one being able to achieve freedom and "eternal grace" if they believe in themselves and put their faith in God.

References

  1. ↑ "Lenny Kravitz Grammy Awards!". Lenny-Kravitz.com. Retrieved March 12, 2007.
  2. ↑ See Examples of Yogiisms.
  3. ↑ Masterton, James (May 20, 2007). "Week Ending May 26th 2007". Chart Watch UK. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  4. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. June 3, 2007. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  5. 1 2 Barlow, Eve (May 24, 2018). "Lenny Kravitz on 30 years in music: 'I did whatever I had to do to survive'". The Guardian . Retrieved July 13, 2019.
  6. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Lenny Kravitz – Mama Said". AllMusic . Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  7. ↑ Flick, Larry (June 15, 1991). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard . p. 65. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  8. ↑ Henderson, Alex (June 1, 1991). "Pop Reviews: Albums" (PDF). Cashbox . p. 5. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  9. ↑ Sweeting, Adam (April 4, 1991). "Music: Tom's Torch Song Travesty". The Guardian .
  10. ↑ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . June 8, 1991. p. 12. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
  11. ↑ Gettelman, Parry (May 3, 1991). "Lenny Kravitz". Orlando Sentinel .
  12. ↑ Sunday Tribune . April 21, 1991. p. 22.
  13. ↑ Daniel, Christopher A. (April 1, 2016). "Lenny Kravitz's 'Mama Said' Turns 25: Anniversary Retrospective". Albumism. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
  14. ↑ Hay, Carla (March 2, 2016). "The Top 10 Best Lenny Kravitz songs". AXS . Archived from the original on July 15, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  15. ↑ It Ain't Over 'til It's Over (US cassette single sleeve). Lenny Kravitz. Virgin Records. 1991. 4-98795.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  16. ↑ It Ain't Over 'til It's Over (UK 7-inch single vinyl disc). Lenny Kravitz. Virgin Records. 1991. VUS 43.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. ↑ It Ain't Over 'til It's Over (UK cassette single sleeve). Lenny Kravitz. Virgin America. 1991. VUSC 43, 411 759.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. ↑ It Ain't Over 'til It's Over (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Lenny Kravitz. Virgin America. 1991. VUST 43, 614 397.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ↑ It Ain't Over 'til It's Over (UK CD single disc notes). Lenny Kravitz. Virgin America. 1991. VUSCD 43, 664 397.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ↑ It Ain't Over 'til It's Over (UK 12-inch picture disc sleeve). Lenny Kravitz. Virgin America. 1991. VUSTY 43, 614 398.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ↑ It Ain't Over 'til It's Over (Japanese CD single liner notes). Lenny Kravitz. Virgin America. 1991. VJCP-14026.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. 1 2 "Lenny Kravitz – It Ain't Over 'til It's Over". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Lenny Kravitz – It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  24. ↑ "Lenny Kravitz – It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 1606." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  26. ↑ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 1625." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 8, no. 27. July 9, 1991. p. 45. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  28. ↑ "Lenny Kravitz – It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  29. ↑ "Lenny Kravitz – It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  30. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – It Ain't Over 'til It's Over". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  31. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 25, 1991" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  32. ↑ "Lenny Kravitz – It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  33. ↑ "Lenny Kravitz – It Ain't Over 'til It's Over". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  34. ↑ "Lenny Kravitz – It Ain't Over 'til It's Over". Singles Top 100. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  35. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  36. ↑ "Lenny Kravitz Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  37. ↑ "Lenny Kravitz Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  38. ↑ "Lenny Kravitz Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  39. ↑ "Cash Box Top 100 Singles: August 17, 1991". Cash Box . August 17, 1991. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  40. ↑ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  41. ↑ "RPM 100 Hit Tracks of 1991". RPM . Library and Archives Canada . Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  42. ↑ "RPM 100 Adult Contemporary Tracks of 1991". RPM . Library and Archives Canada . Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  43. ↑ "EHR Year-End Top 100" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 8, no. 51–52. December 21, 1991. p. 20. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  44. ↑ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 1991". Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  45. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1991" (in Dutch). MegaCharts . Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  46. ↑ "End of Year Charts 1991". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  47. ↑ "Billboard Top 100 – 1991". Archived from the original on July 7, 2009. Retrieved September 15, 2009.
  48. ↑ "1991 The Year in Music" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 103, no. 51. December 21, 1991. p. YE-36. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  49. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Lenny Kravitz – It Ain't Over 'Til It' s Over" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  50. ↑ "Spanish single certifications – Lenny Kravitz – It Ain't Over 'Til It' s Over". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España . Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  51. ↑ "British single certifications – Lenny Kravitz – It Ain't Over 'Til It' s Over". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  52. ↑ Ellis, Michael (June 1, 1991). "Hot 100 Singles Spotlight". Billboard . Vol. 103, no. 22. p. 79. ...'It Ain't Over Til It's Over' by Lenny Kravitz garners 47 adds but will also debut next week when it hits the stores.
  53. ↑ "イット・エイント・オーヴァー・ティル・イッツ・オーヴァー | レニー・クラヴィッツ" [It Ain't Over 'til It's Over | Lenny Kravitz] (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  54. ↑ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week . June 29, 1991. p. 21.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.