Photograph of Mary

Last updated

"Photograph of Mary"
Trey Lorenz - Photograph of Mary single cover.jpg
Single by Trey Lorenz
from the album Trey Lorenz
ReleasedDecember 1992 (1992-12)
Studio
Genre
Length4:26
Label Epic
Songwriter(s) Seth Swirsky
Producer(s)
Trey Lorenz singles chronology
"Someone to Hold"
(1992)		"Photograph of Mary"
(1992)		"Just to Be Close to You"
(1993)
Music video
"Photograph of Mary" on YouTube

"Photograph of Mary" is a dance, R&B, and pop song recorded by American singer Trey Lorenz for his eponymous debut studio album, Trey Lorenz (1992). Epic Records released it as the album's second single in December 1992. Written by Seth Swirsky, the lyrics concern a man regretting the end of a relationship with a woman while looking at her picture. A "na na na" hook functions as the chorus. Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey produced "Photograph of Mary" and others produced remixes.

Contents

Music critics gave the song positive reviews, several describing it as catchy. To promote the release, Lorenz performed on the British television program GMTV and starred in a music video. "Photograph of Mary" peaked within the top forty on record charts in the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand. It reached number forty-six on Billboard 's Hot R&B Singles in the United States and gained success on dance music charts in other regions.

Background and release

As a college student, Trey Lorenz befriended singer Mariah Carey in 1990 and became one of her background vocalists. [1] With her assistance, he auditioned for Epic Records executives and signed a contract with the label. [2] In March 1992, the pair performed a cover version of the Jackson 5 song "I'll Be There" on the television program MTV Unplugged . [1] After it reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, [3] Epic moved the release of Lorenz's eponymous debut record Trey Lorenz forward by several months to October 1992. [2] The label released the album's second track, "Photograph of Mary", [4] as its second single. [5] It marked his foray into dance material after the lead single, [6] [7] pop/R&B ballad "Someone to Hold". [2]

In the United States, Epic issued "Photograph of Mary" on 7-inch vinyl, 12-inch vinyl, and cassette formats. [8] The label released it to urban contemporary radio stations in December 1992, [9] and later released it in the United Kingdom on January 18, 1993, on 7-inch vinyl, 12-inch vinyl, and CD. [10] To support the single, Lorenz performed live on British television network ITV's morning program GMTV . [11] A Japanese mini CD single followed on February 21, 1993, [12] and a music video starring Lorenz was also released. [13]

Music and lyrics

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"Photograph of Mary"
"Photograph of Mary" features a "na na na" chorus in a composition characterized by keyboards, guitars, and digital programming.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Photograph of Mary" is a dance, [5] R&B, [14] and pop [7] song with gospel influences. [15] The track features a fast tempo [5] and lasts for four minutes and twenty-six seconds. [16] The chorus contains a "na na na" hook, [4] which Dave Sholin of the Gavin Report thought resembled that in Elton John's 1970 single "Take Me to the Pilot". [17] The lyrics concern a man looking at a picture of a woman named Mary and lamenting the loss of their relationship through his actions. [9]

Seth Swirsky wrote the lyrics and composed the music for "Photograph of Mary". Walter Afanasieff produced and arranged the song with Carey. It features keyboards played by Afanasieff and Dan Shea, guitars strummed by Michael Landau, and digital programming by Afanasieff, Shea, Ren Klyce, and Gary Cirimelli. Lorenz, Carey, Mark C. Rooney, Patrique McMillan, and Karen Anderson provided background vocals. [4] According to Music Week 's Alan Jones, the beat is similar to songs by the group Soul II Soul. [15] John Martinucci of the Gavin Report considered the track's production "punchy" [9] and Johnny Dee of Smash Hits said it "bumps along in a meaty big and bouncy funky way". [18]

Dana Jon Chappelle recorded "Photograph of Mary" at the Record Plant in California and Right Track Recording in New York City with assistance from David Gleeson and Jim Caruana. He mixed it at Right Track and Bob Ludwig conducted mastering at Masterdisk in Manhattan. [4] Rooney and Mark Morales, Speech, Michael Brauer, Masters at Work, and the Characters produced R&B, hip hop, and house music remixes of the single. [16] [19]

Critical reception

"Photograph of Mary" received positive reviews from American and British critics. [lower-alpha 1] Music Week writer Bob Jones gauged it as "great" [21] and Dave Sholin called it a "winner" in the Gavin Report. [17] Music & Media 's Steve Morton and Billboard considered it an effective vocal showcase for Lorenz. [5] [22] The latter magazine and Peter Kinghorn of the Evening Chronicle described the hook and beat as catchy, respectively. [5] [23]

The Accrington Observer 's Guy Rayner deemed the track "wimpish-sounding rubbish". [24]

Commercial performance

"Photograph of Mary" appeared on music charts in Europe, North America, and Oceania. In Canada, the song peaked at number nineteen on The Record 's Retail Singles list. [25] It reached the top forty on the primary New Zealand and United Kingdom singles charts (numbers thirty-one and thirty-eight, respectively). [26] [27] It did not match this performance in the United States and instead topped out at number eighteen on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles, [28] which lists the top twenty-five songs not yet qualified to appear on the main Hot 100. [29] The song fared better on the country's R&B charts; it reached number forty-six on Billboard Hot R&B Singles and number thirty-seven on Cash Box R&B Singles. [30] [31] On the urban contemporary radio chart published by Radio & Records , the single peaked at number twenty. [32]

"Photograph of Mary" experienced success on dance music charts. In the United States, the song achieved top-ten positions on Billboard's Maxi-Singles Sales (number six) and Cash Box's Dance Singles (number seven). [33] [34] It peaked at number eleven on the European Dance Radio list produced by Music & Media and the American Club Play chart published by Billboard. [35] [36] In the United Kingdom, "Photograph of Mary" reached number seventeen on the Chart Information Network's dance singles list and the remixes peaked at number twenty-five on the Record Mirror Club Chart compiled by Music Week. [37] [38]

Track listings

Credits and personnel

Recording [4]

Personnel [4]

Charts

1993 weekly chart performance
Chart (Publisher)Peak
position
Canada Retail Singles ( The Record ) [25] 19
Europe Dance Radio ( Music & Media ) [35] 11
New Zealand Singles (RIANZ) [26] 31
UK Singles (CIN) [27] 38
UK Dance Singles (CIN) [37] 17
UK Airplay (ERA) [41] 43
UK Club ( Music Week ) [38]
Remixes		25
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [28] 18
US Club Play ( Billboard ) [36] 11
US Hot R&B Singles ( Billboard ) [30] 46
US Maxi-Singles Sales ( Billboard ) [33] 6
US Top 30 Dance Singles ( Cash Box ) [34] 7
US Top 100 R&B Singles ( Cash Box ) [31] 37
US Top 40/Urban Crossover ( Gavin Report ) [42] 16
US Urban Contemporary ( Gavin Report ) [43] 21
US Urban Contemporary ( Radio & Records ) [32] 20

Notes

  1. ↑ Such as Johnny Dee of Smash Hits , [18] Alan Jones of Music Week , [15] Andy Jones of Newsday , [20] John Marrs of the Northants Herald & Post , [14] and Timothy White of Billboard [1]

Related Research Articles

"Without You" is a song written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans of British rock group Badfinger, and first released on their 1970 album No Dice. The power ballad has been recorded by over 180 artists, and versions released as singles by Harry Nilsson (1971), T. G. Sheppard (1983) and Mariah Carey (1994) became international best-sellers. The Nilsson version was included in 2021's Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Paul McCartney once described it as "the killer song of all time".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'll Be There (Jackson 5 song)</span> 1970 single by The Jackson 5

"I'll Be There" is the first single released from Third Album by The Jackson 5. It was written by Berry Gordy, Hal Davis, Bob West, and Willie Hutch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anytime You Need a Friend</span> 1994 single by Mariah Carey

"Anytime You Need a Friend" is a song by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey. The song was written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, for her third studio album, Music Box (1993). It was released on May 24, 1994, through Columbia Records, as the fifth and final single from the album. The song is influenced by pop, R&B and gospel genres. While the album focused heavily on pop oriented and radio friendly material, "Anytime You Need a Friend" deviated from the formula, finishing as the only gospel-infused song on Music Box. Lyrically, the song's protagonist tells her love interest that anytime he may need a friend, she will be there unconditionally for him. Throughout the song's bridge and climax, critics noted the lyrics altering from those of a friend, to those of a lover.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can't Let Go (Mariah Carey song)</span> 1991 single by Mariah Carey

"Can't Let Go" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey from her second studio album, Emotions (1991). It was released as the album's second single on October 23, 1991, by Columbia Records in the United States and the first quarter of 1992 elsewhere. It was written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff. The protagonist of this synthesizer-heavy ballad laments an ex-lover who has moved on, and though she tries she "can't let go."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Make It Happen (Mariah Carey song)</span> 1992 single by Mariah Carey

"Make It Happen" is a song by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey. Written and produced by Carey and C+C Music Factory's David Cole and Robert Clivillés. It was released on April 4, 1992, by Columbia Records as the third and final single from her second studio album, Emotions (1991). The pop-, R&B-, and dance-influenced track incorporates traces of gospel in its bridge and crescendo. Described by author Chris Nickson as Carey's most personal and inspirational song, it tells of her personal struggles prior to her rise to fame, and how her faith in God helped sustain her.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emotions (Mariah Carey song)</span> 1991 single by Mariah Carey

"Emotions" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey for her second studio album of the same name (1991). It was written and produced by Carey, Robert Clivillés, and David Cole of C+C Music Factory and released as the album's lead single on August 13, 1991 by Columbia Records. The song's lyrics has its protagonist going through a variety of emotions from high to low, up to the point where she declares, "You got me feeling emotions." Musically, it is a gospel and R&B song heavily influenced by 1970s disco music and showcases Carey's upper range and extensive use of the whistle register. Jeff Preiss directed the song's music video.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Someday (Mariah Carey song)</span> 1990 single by Mariah Carey

"Someday" is a song by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey from her self-titled debut studio album (1990). It is a dance-pop, new jack swing and R&B song. Prior to Carey signing a record contract, she and producer Ben Margulies had written and produced a four-track demo which included "Someday". After signing a contract with Columbia Records, Carey began work on her debut album and she reached out to Ric Wake to ask if he would produce the song, to which he agreed. The composition of the demo recording was changed during the recording process, most notably replacing the horns with a guitar, which Carey disapproved of.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Takes Time</span> 1990 single by Mariah Carey

"Love Takes Time" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey for her eponymous debut studio album (1990). Written by Carey and Ben Margulies, while produced by Walter Afanasieff, the song was released as the second single from the album on August 22, 1990, by Columbia Records. An adult contemporary-influenced ballad, the song follows its protagonist lamenting the loss of a lover and confesses that "love takes time" to heal and that her feelings for her ex-lover remain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dreamlover (song)</span> 1993 single by Mariah Carey

"Dreamlover" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter and record producer Mariah Carey, released on July 27, 1993 by Columbia, as the lead single from the singer's third studio album, Music Box (1993). Its lyrics were written by Carey, with music composed by Carey and Dave Hall, and was produced by Carey, Walter Afanasieff and Hall. The song incorporates a sample of the hook from "Blind Alley" by the Emotions—previously used in "Ain't No Half-Steppin'" (1988) by Big Daddy Kane—into its melody and instrumentation. "Dreamlover" marked a more pronounced attempt on Carey's part to incorporate hip hop into her music, as was seen in her decision to work with Hall, who had previously produced What's the 411? (1992) by Mary J. Blige. This was partly in light of the mixed reception to her previous studio effort Emotions (1991), which featured gospel and 1960s soul influences. Lyrically, the song pictures a protagonist calling for a perfect lover, her "dreamlover," to whisk her away into the night and not "disillusion" her like others in the past.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My All</span> 1998 single by Mariah Carey

"My All" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey from her sixth studio album, Butterfly (1997). It was released as the album's fifth single overall and second commercial single on April 21, 1998, by Columbia Records. The song was written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff. "My All" is built around Latin guitar chord melodies, and makes subtle use of Latin percussion throughout the first chorus, before taking on a more conventional R&B-style beat. Carey was inspired to write the song and use Latin inspired melodies after a trip to Puerto Rico, where she was influenced by the culture. The song's lyrics tell of a lonely woman declaring she would give "her all" to have just one more night with her estranged lover. It is the first song Carey wrote for the Butterfly album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hero (Mariah Carey song)</span> 1993 single by Mariah Carey

"Hero" is a song by American singer-songwriter, and record producer Mariah Carey released on October 19, 1993, via Columbia Records as the second single from her third studio album, Music Box (1993). The song was written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff. While writing the song, Carey did not connect to its style or sound, therefore forfeiting it to Gloria Estefan, who was intended to sing it for the soundtrack of the film of the same name (1992). However, after being convinced by Sony executive Tommy Mottola to keep it for herself, she changed some of the lyrics to more precisely fit her personality. Lyrically, the song is regarded as one of Carey's most inspirational and personal ballads, with its protagonist declaring that even though people may feel discouraged or down at times, in reality, they are "heroes" if they look inside themselves and see their own inner strength; in time, it will help them "find the way".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Sweet Day</span> 1995 single by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men

"One Sweet Day" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey and American vocal group Boyz II Men. The song was released on November 14, 1995, as the second single from the former's fifth studio album, Daydream (1995) by Columbia Records. The artists co-wrote the song with Walter Afanasieff, who co-produced it with Carey. Lyrically, the song speaks about the death of a loved one, how the protagonist took their presence for granted and misses them, and finally about seeing the person in heaven. The artists wrote the song about specific people in their lives, being inspired by sufferers of the AIDS epidemic, which was globally prevalent at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trey Lorenz</span> Musical artist

Trey Lorenz is an American R&B singer-songwriter and record producer. He was born in Florence, South Carolina and is a graduate of Wilson High School. Lorenz is best known for his duet with recording artist Mariah Carey on "I'll Be There", a cover of the 1970 number-one Jackson 5 recording of the same name. The record topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and R&B singles chart a second time in 1992 and earned Lorenz and Carey both a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. They would later perform the song again at the funeral of Michael Jackson on July 7, 2009. He is also known for his 1992 hit single "Someone to Hold".

<i>MTV Unplugged</i> (Mariah Carey EP) 1992 EP by Mariah Carey

MTV Unplugged is a live EP by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, released in the United States on June 2, 1992, by Columbia Records. Following the success of Carey's previous two albums and the growing critical commentary on her lack of concert tours and unsubstantial televised performances, Sony organized a live performance show at the Kaufman Astoria Studios, New York on March 16, 1992. The show, titled MTV Unplugged, originally aired on MTV to help promote Carey's second album Emotions, as well as help shun critics who deemed Carey a possible studio artist. However, after its success, the show was released to the public as an EP, with an accompanying VHS titled MTV Unplugged +3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Forget You (Mariah Carey song)</span> 1994 single by Mariah Carey

"Never Forget You" is a song recorded by American singer Mariah Carey for her third studio album Music Box (1993). Carey co-wrote the slow jam with Babyface and the pair produced it with Daryl Simmons. Columbia Records released the song on January 21, 1994, as the B-side to "Without You" and promoted it to American urban contemporary radio stations as the album's fourth single. The lyrics lament the end of a romance. Strings, synthesizers, and percussion characterize the composition; Jermaine Dupri altered them for remixes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Endless Love (song)</span> 1981 single by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross

"Endless Love" is a song written by Lionel Richie and originally recorded as a duet between Richie and singer/actress Diana Ross. It is Richie's first single after leaving Commodores. In this ballad, the singers declare their "endless love" for one another. It was covered by Luther Vandross with R&B-pop singer Mariah Carey, and also by country music singer Shania Twain. Richie's friend Kenny Rogers also recorded the song. Billboard has named the original version as the greatest song duet of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Too Funky</span> 1992 single by George Michael

"Too Funky" is a song written and performed by English singer and songwriter George Michael and released by Columbia Records in the United States and Epic Records elsewhere in 1992. The song was Michael's final single for his recording contract with Sony Music before he started legal action to extricate himself from it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If You Go Away (New Kids on the Block song)</span> 1991 single by NKOTB

"If You Go Away" is a song by American pop group New Kids on the Block Released as a stand-alone single on 1992, the only new song on the compilation H.I.T.S., it was later included on their 1994 album Face the Music. Written by John Bettis, Trey Lorenz and Walter Afanasieff, the latter of whom also served as the songs producer. Lead vocals are shared by Jordan Knight and Joey McIntyre, with a spoken word by Danny Wood. It was, at that point, the first song the group put out after having split with longtime manager and producer Maurice Starr.

<i>Trey Lorenz</i> (album) 1992 studio album by Trey Lorenz

Trey Lorenz is the debut solo album by R&B singer-songwriter Trey Lorenz. It was released on Epic Records in 1992, and features 11 tracks, 8 of which Lorenz co-wrote.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Someone to Hold</span> 1992 single by Trey Lorenz

"Someone to Hold" is a song co-written and performed by American contemporary R&B singer Trey Lorenz. It was also written and produced by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff. It is the opening track from his eponymous debut album and also was issued as the album's first single on September 1, 1992 by Epic Records. The song was his only hit on the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo artist, peaking at #19 in 1992.

References

  1. 1 2 3 White, Timothy (September 12, 1992). "That Voice Again: Meet Trey Lorenz". Billboard . p. 5. Gale   A13411983. ProQuest   1505911464.
  2. 1 2 3 Hunt, Dennis (January 3, 1993). "Trey Lorenz: He Stayed Awake—and Got His Break". Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on July 9, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Mariah Carey Chart History (Billboard Hot 100)". Billboard . Archived from the original on November 22, 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Trey Lorenz (CD liner notes). Epic Records. 1992. p. 2. EK 47840.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Flick, Larry, ed. (January 9, 1993). "Single Reviews". Billboard . p. 72. ProQuest   1505981557.
  6. ↑ Flick, Larry (December 5, 1992). "Dance Trax". Billboard . p. 35. ProQuest   1505943476.
  7. 1 2 Verna, Paul; Morris, Chris; Morris, Edward, eds. (October 10, 1992). "Album Reviews". Billboard . p. 55. ProQuest   226997114.
  8. ↑ "Hot R&B Singles". Billboard . January 23, 1993. p. 24. ProQuest   1505979130.
  9. 1 2 3 Martinucci, John (December 4, 1992). "New Releases". Gavin Report . p. 16.
  10. ↑ "New Releases – Singles". Music Week . January 23, 1993. p. 21.
  11. ↑ "Exposure". Music Week . January 23, 1993. p. 23.
  12. ↑ "フォトグラフ・オブ・メアリー" ["Photograph of Mary"] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on July 11, 2023.
  13. ↑ "Trey Lorenz – 'Photograph of Mary'". Epic Records. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023 – via YouTube.
  14. 1 2 Marrs, John (February 11, 1993). "Music: Trey Lorenz – Trey Lorenz (Epic)". Reviews. Northants Herald & Post . p. 23. Archived from the original on July 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. 1 2 3 Jones, Alan (January 23, 1993). "Mainstream – Singles". Music Week . p. 24.
  16. 1 2 3 "Photograph of Mary" (CD single). Epic Records. 1992. 658954 2.
  17. 1 2 Sholin, Dave (January 8, 1993). "Singles". Gavin Report . p. 52.
  18. 1 2 Dee, Johnny (January 20, 1993). "New Singles". Smash Hits . p. 49.
  19. 1 2 "Photograph of Mary" (CD single). Epic Records. 1992. 658799 2.
  20. ↑ Jones, Andy (December 23, 1992). "New Releases". FanFare. Newsday . p. 17. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ↑ Jones, Bob (January 16, 1993). "Buzzing Hot Vinyl". Record Mirror Dance Update. Music Week . p. 6.
  22. ↑ Morton, Steve (February 13, 1993). "New Grooves". Music & Media . p. 8.
  23. ↑ Kinghorn, Peter (November 29, 1992). "Albums/Singles". Choices. Evening Chronicle . p. 5. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ↑ Rayner, Guy (January 29, 1993). "Singles ... Singles ... Singles". Accrington Observer . p. 35. Archived from the original on July 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. 1 2 Lwin, Nanda (2000). Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide. Music Data Canada. p. 168. ISBN   1-896594-13-1.
  26. 1 2 "Trey Lorenz - 'Photograph of Mary'". Hung Medien. Archived from the original on May 21, 2017.
  27. 1 2 "'Photograph of Mary' by Trey Lorenz". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on July 17, 2023.
  28. 1 2 "Trey Lorenz Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard . Archived from the original on July 11, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Billboard Charts Legend". Billboard . Archived from the original on October 27, 2023.
  30. 1 2 "Trey Lorenz Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard . Archived from the original on July 11, 2023.
  31. 1 2 "Top 100 R&B Singles". Cash Box . April 3, 1993. p. 10 – via Internet Archive.
  32. 1 2 "National Airplay Overview". Radio & Records . March 12, 1993. p. 80. ProQuest   1017255248.
  33. 1 2 "Trey Lorenz Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard . Archived from the original on July 11, 2023.
  34. 1 2 "Top 30 Dance Singles". Cash Box . March 20, 1993. p. 11 – via Internet Archive.
  35. 1 2 "European Dance Radio Top 25". Music & Media . February 13, 1993. p. 8.
  36. 1 2 "Trey Lorenz Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard . Archived from the original on July 11, 2023.
  37. 1 2 "Top 60 Dance Singles". Music Week . January 30, 1993. p. 24.
  38. 1 2 "The Record Mirror Club Chart". Record Mirror Dance Update. Music Week . February 20, 1993. p. 4.
  39. ↑
    • "Photograph of Mary" (7-inch vinyl single). Epic Records. 1992. 49 658954 7.
    • "Photograph of Mary" (cassette single). Epic Records. 1992.
    • "Photograph of Mary" (mini CD single). Epic Records Japan. 1992. ESDA-7127.
  40. ↑ "Photograph of Mary" (Limited edition 12-inch vinyl single). Epic Records. 1992. 49 74782.
  41. ↑ "Top 50 Airplay Chart". Music Week . February 6, 1993. p. 22.
  42. ↑ "Crossover Chart". Gavin Report . February 26, 1993. p. 27.
  43. ↑ "Urban Contemporary". Gavin Report . March 5, 1993. p. 20.
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.