"One by One" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Cher | ||||
from the album It's a Man's World | ||||
B-side | "I Wouldn't Treat a Dog (The Way You Treated Me)" | |||
Released | January 6, 1996 | |||
Studio | Elephant (London) | |||
Genre | ||||
Length |
| |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) |
| |||
Producer(s) |
| |||
Cher singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Audio | ||||
"One by One" on YouTube |
"One by One" is a song by American singer Cher from her twenty-first studio album, It's a Man's World (1995). Co-written by Cher and Anthony Griffiths, two versions of the song were recorded for the album: the original, included on British pressings, is a soul song with elements of rock and was produced by Stephen Lipson. The American mix was produced by Sam Ward and has an feel with slight alterations; additional remixes were created by DJ Junior Vasquez. In the United Kingdom, WEA released the song as the second single from the album on January 6, 1996; in the United States it was issued through Reprise Records as the lead single on May 21.
Upon release, the song received positive reviews from critics, who deemed it a highlight in It's a Man's World. In the UK, the song reached the chart's top 10. It was less successful in America, barely cracking the Billboard Hot 100's top 60. The Junior Vasquez remixes, however, reached the top 10 on the Maxi-Singles Sales and Dance Club Play charts. To promote the single, a music video was shot. Directed by Marcus Nispel, it depicts Cher singing the song from within a television set; she also delivered performances on a handful of occasions throughout 1996.
In the 1980s, Cher's career as an actress reached its peak: she starred in critically successful films such as Silkwood (1983), Mask (1985), The Witches of Eastwick (1987), and won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Moonstruck (1987). [1] By the early 1990s, however, her movie career came to a halt: having turned down films such as The War of the Roses (1989) and Thelma & Louise (1991), and suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome complicated by pneumonia, she was reduced to "infomercial queen", something that deeply embarrassed her. [1] [2] [3] "The infomercials were just devastating to my career", Cher recalled. [3] On top of that, Faithful (1996), her first major movie since 1990's Mermaids , was a commercial failure. [1] Cher came to the conclusion that something needed to be done if she wanted to revive her career. As part of her comeback, she starred and directed one of the segments of HBO's If These Walls Could Talk (1996), and began working on her twenty-first studio album, It's a Man's World . [3]
The record was Cher's first studio album since 1991's Love Hurts ; she saw it as a way of challenging herself, "it's [me] experimenting with me. I didn't want to sound like I've always sounded on records, because I'm kind of bored with it." She also chose to work with several producers, including Stephen Lipson, as opposed to just one. [4] Most of the songs on It's a Man's World were covers of male-written tracks, as Cher wanted to sing them from a woman's perspective; these included Marc Cohn's "Walking in Memphis" (1991), Don Henley's "Not Enough Love in the World" (1985), and James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" (1966). [4] One of the songs on the album, "One by One", was co-written by Cher and the Real People member Anthony Griffiths, and recorded at London's Elephant Studios. [4] [5]
Musically, "One by One" has been described as a mid-tempo soul song with rock influences. [4] [7] Cher sings in a "startlingly soulful" falsetto. In her own words, she tried to "make [my] voice sound different [...] I worked really hard to have more control and not use my vibrato". [4] According to Reprise Records executive Craig Kostich, the lyrics talk about "accepting and loving each other and overcoming problems one by one", and display Cher's "serious, politically conscious" side. [4] The song begins with the sound of "ghostly" guitars, as background vocals repeat the phrase dear daddy, dear daddy, which is blended with Cher's "soft" vocals. [6] [8] In the refrain, she sings We're gonna love one another till morning comes/Seek the sweet salvation for what we've done/Give up resisting one by one, as "chugging" rock guitars play in the background. [6] [8] Towards the middle, a saxophone solo plays. [6] According to the sheet music published by Alfred Publishing Inc., "One by One" is composed in the key of C minor, with Cher's voice spanning from B ♭3 to E ♭5. [9]
A version of "One by One" was created for American markets. Produced by Sam Ward, it was requested by Reprise Records, as they felt the version would that was "sweeping" the United States in the mid-1990s. [10] This version features "crisp jeep rhythms and cushiony synths" beneath the refrain, while Cher's falsetto vocals are "stretched" to give the song a more R&B feel. [10] It also omits the background vocals and saxophone solo. [6] An additional edited version, featuring verses by rapper Melle Mel, was created for American radios. [4] A remix of the single was commissioned by American DJ Junior Vasquez; created with the intention of "[taking] Cher to the dance floor", Vasquez' remix has been noted as bringing the song "into the tribal house realm". [4] It features a "barrage" of sound effects not present in the original, such as percussions and cowbells. [4]
In the United Kingdom, WEA issued "One by One" as the second single from It's a Man's World on January 6, 1996. [11] [12] Released in CD, cassette, and twelve-inch formats, the single included the Junior Vasquez remix, Cher's version of "It's a Man's Man's Man's World", and her own "If I Could Turn Back Time" (1989). [12] In the United States, it was released on May 21, 1996, as the album's lead single through Reprise Records. [13] Prior to its release, Billboard reported that the Junior Vazquez remix was receiving "major play" at nightclubs, and had been picked by WKTU radio station. [4] "One by One" was included on three Cher compilation albums: The Greatest Hits (1999), The Very Best of Cher (2003), and Gold (2005). [14] [15] [16] A rare remix, known as the JR's pride mix, was released in June 2023 to accompany the deluxe reissue of It's a Man's World. [17]
The music video for "One by One" was directed by Marcus Nispel. [18] Shot in sepia, the visual shows a couple's relationship issues, whilst Cher is seen singing the song on the television. [11] Billboard had previously reported that the singer's son Chaz Bono would star in the video. [4] In the US, an altered version of the clip was released, featuring more shots of Cher. [11] "One by One" can be found on 2004's The Very Best of Cher: The Video Hits Collection . [18] On January 9, 1996, Cher sang "One by One" on The National Lottery Live ; one month later, she presented it on Sanremo's Teatro Ariston. [6] [11] Finally, on June 27, "One by One" was performed on Late Night with David Letterman . [19] In 2005, the Junior Vasquez Club Vocal Mix of "One by One" was included on the final Los Angeles concert of Cher's Living Proof: The Farewell Tour. [20]
Critical reception towards "One by One" was positive. AllMusic's Jose F. Promis deemed it "irresistible", and although he praised the American remixes, he concluded that the original version is "decidedly superior". [7] Dotmusic columnist James Masterton called it, "quite possibly one of the most pure pop tracks [Cher] has ever recorded". [21] Writing for Billboard, Larry Flick opined the song is a "summery jeep pop ditty", as well as a "terrific single". He added: "By the time the chorus breaks in, you're hooked by the brain-embed-melody and lyric[s] that [are] as sweet as can be." [22] Also from Billboard, Michael Paloetta said the track is one of It's a Man's World's "treasures", while Paul Verna referred to it as a "charming" first single. [23] [24] PopMatters ' Peter Piatkowski highlighted the "insanely catchy chorus", further comparing the original version of song to the work of Tina Turner; he also praised the "slinky" American R&B mix. [25] The staff of music website Pop Rescue described "One by One" as "almost dreamlike [...] truly a lovely song". [8]
"One by One" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 81 the week of June 15, 1996, [26] ultimately peaking at number 52 almost one month later, on July 13; the song was present on the chart for 14 weeks in total. [27] It found more success on the US Maxi-Singles Sales and Dance Club Play charts, peaking at numbers six and seven, respectively. [28] [29] On the Adult Contemporary chart, "One by One" came in at number nine. [30] By the end of 1996, it ranked 39th on the Maxi-Singles Sales chart. [31] In Canada, the single debuted at the 97th position of RPM 's 100 Hit Tracks chart on the week of June 19, 1996; [32] a month later, it peaked at number 22. [33] More successful was on RPM's Adult Contemporary chart, where the song reached the second position. [34]
In the UK, "One by One" debuted and peaked at the seventh position of the UK Singles Chart on January 20, 1996, and was named the second-highest debut of the week. [35] It became the singer's first single to debut within the top 10 of the chart, as well as her first top 10 hit since "Love and Understanding" five years prior. [11] "One by One" spent a total of 9 weeks on the chart. [35] "One by One" was the 83rd best-selling single from 1996 in the UK. [36] In Hungary, the single reached the sixth position; [37] on the European Hot 100 Singles chart, it came in at number 34. [38]
|
|
Credits are adapted from the liner notes of the British and American editions of It's a Man's World. [5] [49]
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
"Only Time" is a song by Irish musician Enya. It was released on 6 November 2000 as the lead single from her fifth studio album, A Day Without Rain (2000). The song reached number one in Canada, Germany, Poland and Switzerland, number two in Austria, and became Enya's only top-10 single as a solo artist in the United States, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became an anthem for the victims of the 11 September attacks, with Enya donating to a fund for the victims' families.
"You Learn" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette from her third studio album, Jagged Little Pill (1995). It was written by Morissette and Glen Ballard, the album's producer. Maverick and Warner Bros. Records released the song as the album's fourth single. The lyrics state that valuable lessons are learned from poor decisions. The album title is taken from this song's line "Swallow it down ".
"Suicide Blonde" is the lead single from Australian rock band INXS's seventh studio album, X (1990). It was released on 22 August 1990 in the United States and on 3 September 1990 in the United Kingdom. The song reached number two in Australia, number nine in the United States, and number 11 in the United Kingdom. In Canada and New Zealand, the single peaked at number one for two and three weeks, respectively. At the APRA Music Awards of 1991, "Suicide Blonde" won the award Most Performed Australian Work Overseas.
"Policy of Truth" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 7 May 1990 as the third single from their seventh studio album Violator (1990). It is the only Depeche Mode single to chart higher on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart than on the UK Singles Chart, and it became the band's second chart-topper on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
"It's No Good" a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 31 March 1997 as the second single from their ninth studio album, Ultra (1997). It was commercially successful, reaching number one in Denmark, Spain, Sweden and on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. It entered the top 10 in Finland, Germany, Iceland, Italy, and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number five.
"Only When I Lose Myself" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode. It was made exclusively for their 1998 compilation The Singles 86>98 and released as a single on 7 September 1998. It is the first non-album studio single since "It's Called a Heart" in 1985 and is also one of the rare singles to have two limited editions.
"Hand in My Pocket" is a song by Canadian recording artist and songwriter Alanis Morissette from her third studio album, Jagged Little Pill (1995). The song was written by Morissette and Glen Ballard and was released as the second single from the album on October 16, 1995 by Maverick and Reprise, five months after the album release. The song received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who applauded Morissette's songwriting.
"Take a Picture" is a song by American rock band Filter, released to radio in September 1999 as the second single from their second studio album, Title of Record (1999). The song became a hit at the start of 2000 following its January 18 retail release, peaking at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three in Canada. It also became a top-10 hit in New Zealand, peaking at number eight on the RIANZ Singles Chart.
"All or Nothing" is a song by American singer and actress Cher from her 22nd studio album, Believe (1998). It was released as the third international single from Believe on June 7, 1999, by WEA and Warner Bros. Records. "All or Nothing" reached the top 40 of the US Billboard Hot 100 Singles Sales chart at number 38 and peaked at number one on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart. In Europe, the single was a top-10 hit in the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, and Scotland.
"Believe" is a song by American singer Cher from her 22nd studio album, Believe (1998). It was released as the album's lead single on October 19, 1998, by Warner Bros. Records. After circulating for months, a demo written by Brian Higgins, Matthew Gray, Stuart McLennen and Timothy Powell, was submitted to Warner's chairman Rob Dickins, while he was scouting for songs to include on Cher's new album. Aside from the chorus, Dickins was not impressed by the track so he enlisted two more writers, Steve Torch and Paul Barry in order to complete it. Cher also later did some adjustments herself to the lyrics but did not get a songwriting credit. Recording took place at Dreamhouse Studio in West London, while production was handled by Mark Taylor and Brian Rawling.
"Dov'è l'amore" is a song recorded by American singer Cher for her twenty-second studio album, Believe (1998). It was written by Mark Taylor and Paul Barry, and produced by Taylor and Brian Rawling, and released as the fourth single from the album on October 25, 1999, by Warner Bros. Records, and WEA. The song is a Latin-influenced track with Spanish guitar over dance beats. In the song, Cher mixes English with Italian lyrics as she sings: "Dov'è l'amore /dov'è l'amore /I cannot tell you of my love/ here is my story".
"Strong Enough" is a song by American recording artist Cher from her 22nd studio album, Believe (1998). The song was released as the second single from the album on February 22, 1999, by Warner Music. The song's composition and musical style is strongly reminiscent of 1970s disco music. The song received positive reviews from music critics, many calling it a highlight to Believe and comparing it to Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive". "Strong Enough" peaked at number 57 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard Dance Club Play chart. Worldwide, it reached number one in Hungary and entered the top 10 in 14 other countries.
"Song for the Lonely" is a song by American singer Cher from her twenty-fourth studio album, Living Proof (2001). It was written by Mark Taylor, Paul Barry and Steve Torch, and produced by Taylor. It released on March 19, 2002, as the second international single from the album, while in North America it was released as the lead single, by Warner Bros. Records and WEA. "Song for the Lonely" is a dance-pop song which was initially written as a love song, but after the September 11 attacks, Cher eventually saw it in a different way.
"Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit" is a song recorded by Australian singer and songwriter Gina G, with music composed by Steve Rodway and lyrics written by Simon Tauber. It was her debut solo single, and it was released on 25 March 1996 by Eternal and Warner Bros. as the first single from her debut album, Fresh! (1997). It represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 1996, held in Oslo, where it finished in eighth place. The single topped the UK Singles Chart in May 1996, peaked at No. 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and was nominated for Best Dance Recording at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards in 1998. "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit" is also the fourth-highest charting Eurovision entry in the US, behind "Nel blu dipinto du blu (Volare)" (1958), "Waterloo" (1974) and "Eres tú" (1974); it remained the last Eurovision entry to chart in the US until "Arcade", the 2019 winning entry in 2021.
"I Will Love Again" is a song by Canadian-Belgian singer Lara Fabian. It was released as the second single of her self-titled album in 2000 and was her first English single. The song was written by Mark Taylor and Paul Barry and was produced by Taylor and Brian Rawling.
"Angel" is a soul ballad recorded by American singer Aretha Franklin. The song was co-written by Aretha's sister, Carolyn, and Sonny Sanders. Aretha co-produced the song with Quincy Jones and it originally appeared on Aretha's nineteenth album, Hey Now Hey (1973). It was released as a single by Atlantic in June 1973 and went on to top the US R&B Singles chart for two weeks while reaching number twenty on the Pop chart. The single sold over 900,000 copies.
"Sunchyme" is the debut single of British electronic music trio Dario G. It was released on 15 September 1997 as the lead single from their debut studio album, Sunmachine (1998), although early editions were stated to be from an album named Super Dario Land. The song heavily samples the track "Life in a Northern Town" by dream pop band the Dream Academy.
"That's When I Think of You" is the debut single of Australian pop rock band 1927. The song was released on 4 July 1988 and peaked at number six on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart. In May 1989, the song reached number 46 on the UK Singles Chart. The single also charted at number 100 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 55 on the Canadian RPM 100 Singles chart in August 1989.
"That Girl" is a song by English reggae singer Maxi Priest featuring Jamaican reggae musician Shaggy. It was released on 10 June 1996 as the first single from Priest's sixth album, Man with the Fun (1996). The song samples the 1962 instrumental "Green Onions" by Booker T. & the M.G.'s. "That Girl" reached the top 20 in at least eight countries, including the United Kingdom, where it peaked at No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart. It also peaked at No. 3 on the Finnish Singles Chart, No. 4 on the Canadian RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, No. 7 on the Australian Singles Chart and No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
"Jojo Action" is a song by German Eurodance group Mr. President, released on 9 June 1997 as the first single from their third album, Night Club (1997). The song was a hit in Europe, peaking at number-one in Hungary, number three in Austria, number four in Germany, number five in Switzerland and number eight in Finland. In the UK, it reached number 73. Outside Europe, the song peaked at number 78 in Australia. It was certified gold in Germany, with a sale of 250,000 units. A music video was also produced to promote the single, featuring the group performing in a night club.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link){{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)