"Reach" | ||||
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Single by Gloria Estefan | ||||
from the album Destiny | ||||
Released | April 1996 | |||
Recorded | 1995–1996 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:50 | |||
Label | Epic | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | ||||
Gloria Estefan singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Reach" on YouTube |
"Reach" is a song by Cuban-American singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan, released in April 1996 by Epic Records. It was co-written by Estefan with Diane Warren and served as the official theme song of the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. The single was included on the official Atlanta 1996 album, Rhythm of the Games, and later on Estefan's seventh studio album, Destiny (1996). [1] It became a European hit, peaking within the top 10 in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Norway, and Spain, where it reached number two. In the UK, it peaked at number 15, while on the Eurochart Hot 100, the song reached number 47 in June 1996. Outside Europe, it peaked at number 23 in Australia as well as number 42 on the US Billboard Hot 100. "Reach" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the ceremony in 1997, but lost out to Toni Braxton's "Un-Break My Heart", which was also written by Diane Warren. The accompanying music video for the song was directed by Marcus Nispel and made in two different edits.
Estefan recorded a Spanish version of the song, "Puedes Llegar" (in English: "You Can Arrive"), with Julio Iglesias, Plácido Domingo, Jon Secada, Alejandro Fernández, Roberto Carlos, Ricky Martin, José Luis Rodríguez, Patricia Sosa and Carlos Vives on vocals. This version can be found on the Spanish version of the Olympics compilation album, Voces Unidas .
"It's about starting over and getting up and moving, so yeah, I can identify very strongly with it. We really wanted the song to be something that everyone could identify with. It was done as a folk song and then, because of the grandness of the Olympics, we threw on the big drums. But it is a song for every culture."
—Gloria Estefan talking about the song. [2]
"Reach" was seen by many as the most progressive project of her career until then. The single became available for radio and club airplay on March 26, 1996. It can be described as an anthemic and inspirational ballad with an Olympic tie-in featuring both drums and a gospel choir. It was the official theme song of the 1996 Summer Olympics which began in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States on July 19. Estefan performed the song at the closing ceremony on August 4.
It was written by Estefan and famed tunesmith Diane Warren, and co-produced by Estefan's husband, Emilio Estefan Jr. and Lawrence Dermer. After Warren came up with its title, she and Estefan wrote the lyrics of the song in 20 minutes. [3] The lyrics are about overcoming troubled times and coming back stronger than ever. Radio reactions to the song were strong and the videoclip got active play on various music TV channels, like VH1. It also received remixes from David Morales, Pablo Flores and Love To Infinity.
The song appears on Estefan's compilation albums Greatest Hits Vol. II (2001), The Very Best of Gloria Estefan (2006) and The Essential Gloria Estefan (2006).
The song received favorable reviews from most music critics. Scottish Aberdeen Press and Journal complimented Estefan, who "still has an admirable voice". [4] Editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine for AllMusic stated in his review of Destiny , that 'Reach' "rank with her finest work", with the other album tracks 'I'm Not Giving You Up' and 'Higher'. [5] Another AllMusic editor, Jon O'Brien, felt that the song perhaps is "her finest moment, a motivational power ballad complete with gospel choir and tribal drums." [6] Larry Flick from Billboard described it as a "stately power ballad" and an "outstanding recording". He remarked that Estefan "has rarely sounded so vocally flexible and confident, broadening her range to wonderfully appealing heights within a softly building pool of percussion and gospel-spiked choir chants." He also felt that "by the dramatic close, the song has risen to inspirational anthemic proportions." [7] Billboard editor Paul Verna declared it as "uplifting". [8] The Daily Vault's Mark Millan named it the best track on the album and added that 'musically it's very "international" and lyrically it's very uplifting.' [9] Chris Hicks from The Deseret News praised it as "gorgeous." [10] Josef Woodard from Entertainment Weekly called it a "feel-goody" song. [11]
Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report felt that "the remarkable performer really shines when she has new material that showcases her signature style", adding that the collaboration with pop songwriting genius Diane Warren "results in a production which is quintessential Gloria Estefan." [12] Roger Catlin from Hartford Courant said that the singer 'is savvy enough to save her trump card for last—her Olympic anthem "Reach".' [13] Jeremy Griffin from The Ithacan deemed the song as a "triumphant anthem." [14] Richard Smith from Melody Maker felt if featured the singer in "a wistful, adult-orientated kinda way". [15] Pan-European magazine Music & Media called it a "sweeping ballad dominated by slow, impressive drums which swell to a climax towards the end." Estefan's voice was complimented as "warm and strong, amplified by a gospel choir, but she wisely eschews any vocal acrobatics." [16] A reviewer from Music Week gave it a top score of five out of five and named it Single of the Week, adding, "It's a top-notch curtain-raiser to her first English-language album in five years, and it's a smash." [17] Ian Fortnam from NME stated in his review of the album, that "it is 'Reach' that is truly destined to break the global bank this summer as the official anthem of the Olympic Games." [18] David W. Bothner from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette declared it as a "surprisingly folksy tune." [19] Bob Waliszewski of Plugged In remarked that it expresses a "willingness to 'go the distance' to fulfill a promise." [20]
"To have a song forever tied to a ceremony like that, especially to play it at the closing ceremony, when everyone has won their medals, is a really great experience."
—Gloria Estefan talking to Music Week about the song. [21]
A black-and-white music video was produced to promote the single. It was directed by German film director and producer Marcus Nispel and premiered in April 1996. [22] The video was shot at Key Biscayne Beach in Florida [23] and features Estefan standing on a high colossus by the sea, like a monumental goddess. She holds a long black transparent veil that blows in the wind. Birds fly in the air and the sun shining on the sea reflects back on Estefan as she sings.
There are at least two different edits of the video. The most common version shows Estefan performing mixed with different TV images of the olympic flag and various Olympic athletes performing in their genres. [24] The other version is called the Vogue version. [25]
Chart (1996) | Peak position |
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Australia (ARIA) [26] | 23 |
Canada Top Singles ( RPM ) [27] | 26 |
Canada Adult Contemporary ( RPM ) [28] | 6 |
Czech Republic (IFPI CR) [29] | 3 |
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) [30] | 47 |
Germany (Official German Charts) [31] | 58 |
Hungary (Mahasz) [32] | 8 |
Italy ( Musica e dischi ) [33] | 21 |
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade) [34] | 2 |
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [35] | 46 |
Norway (VG-lista) [36] | 10 |
Scotland (OCC) [37] | 18 |
Spain (Promusicae) [38] | 2 |
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) [39] | 19 |
UK Singles (OCC) [40] | 15 |
US Billboard Hot 100 [41] | 42 |
US Adult Contemporary ( Billboard ) [42] | 5 |
US Adult Pop Airplay ( Billboard ) [43] | 29 |
US Dance Club Songs ( Billboard ) [44] | 2 |
"Puedes Llegar" | |
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Single by Various artists | |
from the album Voces Unidas | |
Released | 1996 |
Recorded | 1996 |
Genre | Folk rock |
Length | 4:13 |
Label | EMI Latin |
Songwriter(s) | |
Producer(s) | Emilio Estefan |
Music video | |
"Puedes Llegar" on YouTube |
A Spanish version called "Puedes Llegar" was recorded in 1996 which featured vocals from Gloria Estefan, Jon Secada, Julio Iglesias, Plácido Domingo, Roberto Carlos, Jose Luis Rodríguez, Patricia Sosa, Alejandro Fernández, Ricky Martin and Carlos Vives. "Puedes Llegar" was included as the opening track for EMI Latin's Voces Unidas, the official Spanish-speaking album for 1996 Olympic Games. [45]
"Puedes Llegar" was released as a promotional single and reached the position 2 on Billboard Hot Latin Tracks and Latin Airplay charts in June 1996. [46] [47]
Chart (1996) | Peak position |
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US Hot Latin Tracks ( Billboard ) [46] | 2 |
US Latin Pop Airplay ( Billboard ) [48] | 3 |
US Regional Mexican Airplay ( Billboard ) [49] | 18 |
US Tropical Airplay ( Billboard ) [50] | 10 |
"Everlasting Love" is a song written by Buzz Cason and Mac Gayden, originally a 1967 hit for Robert Knight and since covered numerous times. The most successful version in the UK was performed by Love Affair and the highest-charting version in the U.S. was performed by Carl Carlton. Other cover versions were done by Town Criers, Rex Smith & Rachel Sweet, Sandra Cretu, U2 and Gloria Estefan.
"Here We Are" is a song by Cuban-American singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan. It was released in 1989 in the United States and in 1990 to the rest of the world as the third single of her debut solo album, Cuts Both Ways (1989). It was released with the B-side song "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me", that was included on the European version, later to appear on the Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me album. A Portuguese version of the song, "Toda Pra Você," is included on the compilation Exitos De Gloria Estefan as well as the Brazilian edition of the Cuts Both Ways album. As a duet for her special television concert All The Way Concert, Celine Dion performed this song, while Estefan sang Dion's song, "Because You Loved Me". A new Spanish version called "Tu y yo" was released in July 2019 on Estefan's official YouTube channel, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the song. This version was also included on her 2020 album Brazil305. The intro sequence mirrors the song "Under Wraps #2" by Jethro Tull.
"Oye Mi Canto (Hear My Voice)" is a song by Cuban-American singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan, released as a single from her debut solo album, Cuts Both Ways (1989). In the US, it was the fourth single from the album and was released in April 1990. It was the second single in the UK, released on September 4, 1989, and throughout Europe in September and October 1989.
"Coming Out of the Dark" is a song by Cuban-American singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan. It was released on January 10, 1991, worldwide by Epic Records as the leading and first single from her second album, Into the Light (1991). It was written by Estefan with her husband Emilio Estefan, Jr. and Jon Secada, and produced by Estefan Jr., Jorge Casas and Clay Ostwald. It became the singer's third number one in the United States and second number one in Canada. The song is a soul ballad which includes the use of a choir. Among the voices in the choir are Estefan's colleague, the Cuban singer Jon Secada, and the R&B singer Betty Wright. The song's accompanying music video received heavy rotation on MTV Europe.
Destiny is the seventh studio solo album released by Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan, but is the nineteenth of her career overall. It shipped 1.6 million copies worldwide in its first month of release.
"Wrapped" is a song written by the Peruvian singer and songwriter Gian Marco and sung by Gloria Estefan, released as the first single from her tenth studio album Unwrapped. The single returned commercial success to Gloria, having charted in various countries.
90 Millas is the eleventh solo studio album by the Cuban-American singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan, and her fourth Spanish language album, coming after Mi Tierra, Abriendo Puertas and Alma Caribeña. It was released on September 17, 2007 by SonyBMG. All original material, the album contains a selection of various Cuban rhythms mixed with Latin-American contemporary pop.
"No Llores" is a song recorded by Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan for her fourth Spanish-language and eleventh studio album, 90 Millas. It features additional work with popular Latin music performers such as guitarists Carlos Santana and José Feliciano, Sheila E. playing the timbales, and Arturo Sandoval on trumpet (uncredited). The song was written by Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio Estefan Jr. and Gaitanes, while production was credited to Estefan Jr. and Gaitanes. The single was released by SonyBMG on June 18, 2007 digitally worldwide as the lead single from 90 Millas.
"Cómo Me Duele Perderte" is a song by Cuban American singer Gloria Estefan from her ninth studio album, Alma Caribeña (2000). The song was written by Marco Flores with her husband Emilio Estefan and Roberto Blades handling its production. It was released as the album's second single by Epic Records on July 10, 2000. "Cómo Me Duele Perderte" is a salsa and bachata track that narrates the singer in pain of losing someone. The song was met with unfavorable reactions from music critics who criticized its arrangements and the singer's efforts. Commercially, the song topped the Billboard Hot Latin Songs and Tropical Airplay charts in the United States, while also peaking at number 12 on the Dance Club Songs chart in the same country and number eight in Spain. The accompanying music video was directed by Emilio, filmed in Miami, Florida, and features dramatic scenes of Estefan in front of a mirror remembering her former lover.
"Heaven's What I Feel" is a 1998 song by Cuban American singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan, released as the lead single from her eighth studio album, gloria! on May 5, 1998 by Epic Records. The song was written by Kike Santander originally for Celine Dion. It was produced by Emilio Estefan, Jr. and Santander. The song is an up-tempo dance-pop, house and dance song.
"Higher" is a song by Cuban-American singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan, released in 1996. It served as the fourth single from her seventh studio album, Destiny (1996). In the United States and Canada, it was released as a double-sided single along with "I'm Not Giving You Up". However, in other countries, it was released solely as a single.
"I'm Not Giving You Up" is a 1996 song by Cuban American singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan, released as the third single from her seventh studio album, Destiny (1996). It was popular more by its single remix by Tony Moran, which later was included on Estefan's 2001 Greatest Hits Vol. II compilation instead of its original version. In the US, the song was released as a double single along with "Higher". In Europe, it was released to coincide with the European leg of Estefan's Evolution World Tour. "I'm Not Giving You Up" peaked at number 11 in Spain, number 28 in the UK and number 33 in Scotland. In the US, the song reached number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"You'll Be Mine " is a 1996 song by Cuban American singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan. It was released as the follow-up to "Reach", as the second single from her seventh studio album, Destiny (1996). The song is a dance track with strong African rhythms and became one of Estefan's most popular songs. Since its appearance, the song has been present on all the tours of Gloria Estefan as it remains a favorite among fans. In the UK the Classic Paradise radio mix by Love To Infinity was the preferred version played by radio stations including Radio 1. The single peaked within the top 20 in Finland, France, Scotland, Spain and the United Kingdom. In France it was released twice; at its first release, it peaked at number 15, but at the second release the song peaked at number 17.
"Abriendo Puertas" is a song from Cuban American singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan's sixth studio album, of the same name (1995). The song was written by Kike Santander, who handled production alongside Gloria's husband Emilio Estefan. It was released as the lead single from the album on September 19, 1995. The song is a vallenato and son cubano tune that metaphorically deals with opening doors and closing wounds. Its music video features Estefan performing the song while also showing scenes of farmers planting crops. The song received positive reactions from music critics, who mostly praised the instruments. Commercially, it topped both Billboard's Hot Latin Songs and Tropical Airplay charts in the United States and peaked at number three on the Dance Club Songs chart as well.
"Más Allá" is a song from Cuban-American singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan's sixth studio album, Abriendo Puertas (1995). The song was written by Kike Santander, who handled production alongside Gloria's husband Emilio Estefan. It was released as the second single from the album in December 1995. A Christmas bolero ballad, the song utilizes church bells and lyrically deals with selfless love. The song received positive reactions from music critics, who mostly praised the instruments. Commercially, it topped both the Billboard Hot Latin Songs and Latin Pop Airplay charts in the United States. Gloria Estefan performed the song live for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican and for then-US President Bill Clinton during a televised holiday special. Estefan re-recorded the song in 2020 for her fourteenth studio album Brazil305 and incorporated Brazilian music.
"Tradición" ("Tradition") is a song by Cuban American singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan. It was released in 1993 as the third single from her first all Spanish-language album, Mi Tierra (1993). The song is heavily influenced by African and Cuban rhythms, and became the first song by Estefan to top the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, even though it was a Spanish language song. The single was released as a CD single and CD maxi, but some promotional singles were sent to clubs, the main reason why the song went to number-one on that chart for two weeks.
"Píntame De Colores" is a song recorded by Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan for her fourth Spanish-language and eleventh studio album, 90 Millas. The song was written by Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio Estefan Jr. and Gaitanes and production was credited to Estefan Jr. and Gaitanes. The single was released by SonyBMG in November 2007 digitally as first promotional-only single from 90 Millas to Europe and third overall single to the United States.
"Mi Tierra" is a song by Cuban American singer Gloria Estefan, from her third studio album of the same name (1993). It was written by Estefano and the artist, with her husband Emilio Estefan, Jorge Casas, and Clay Ostwald handling the production. The song was released as the lead single from the album in 1993 by Epic Records. It is a son montuno track in which the singer narrates longing for her homeland. The song received positive reactions from music critics, who praised its arrangement.
"Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" is a song written by Enrique "Kiki" Garcia and Gloria Estefan, and released by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine in 1987 as the lead single from their tenth studio album, Let It Loose (1987). The song was their fourth top 10 single on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number five.
Voces Unidas is a studio album recorded by several famous Latin artists for the Olympic Games "Atlanta 1996", released on May 14, 1996 through EMI Latin. The album was a success, reaching the fifth place in the Billboard Latin 50 chart.
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