Soul Provider

Last updated
Soul Provider
Soul-provider-michael-bolton-album-cover.jpg
Studio album by
Michael Bolton
ReleasedJune 19, 1989 (1989-06-19)
Recorded1987-89
Studio
Length47:04
Label Columbia
Producer
Michael Bolton chronology
The Hunger
(1987)		Soul Provider
(1989)		 Time, Love & Tenderness
(1991)
Singles from Soul Provider
  1. "Soul Provider"
    Released: June 1989
  2. "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You"
    Released: October 1989
  3. "How Can We Be Lovers?"
    Released: January 1990
  4. "When I'm Back on My Feet Again"
    Released: April 1990
  5. "Georgia on My Mind"
    Released: July 1990

Soul Provider is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Michael Bolton. The album was released on June 19, 1989, by Columbia Records/CBS. The album has sold 12.5 million copies worldwide. [1]

Contents

Containing five US top 40 hits (including three that reached the top 10), Soul Provider achieved longevity on the charts. The album spent almost four years on the Billboard 200 and peaked at number 3. [2] It was certified 6× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). [3]

For the single version of "Georgia on My Mind", CBS edited out Michael Brecker's saxophone solo and replaced it with one by Kenny G. [4]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [5]
Robert Christgau C− [6]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [7]

Soul Provider has received generally mixed reviews from critics. AllMusic retrospectively described it as "more of the same", but noted that due to this album, Bolton "was now stoking the romantic fires in bedrooms across America". [5] Robert Christgau gave the album a negative review, declaring Bolton to be "indistinguishable from pop metal except in the wattage of his guitar parts and the shamelessness of his song doctors." [6] The Rolling Stone Album Guide described the album as the beginning of Bolton's descent into overdone and disrespectful covers, though they added that some of the self-penned performances on the album showed potential. [7]

Track listing

Soul Provider track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Soul Provider" Michael Bolton, Andrew Goldmark Peter Bunetta and Rick Chudacoff 4:28
2."Georgia on My Mind" Hoagy Carmichael, Stuart Gorrell Bolton and Susan Hamilton4:58
3."It's Only My Heart"Bolton, Diane Warren Michael Omartian 4:33
4."How Am I Supposed to Live Without You"Bolton, Doug JamesOmartian4:48
5."How Can We Be Lovers?"Bolton, Warren, Desmond Child Bolton and Desmond Child3:55
6."You Wouldn't Know Love"Bolton, WarrenBolton3:54
7."When I'm Back on My Feet Again"WarrenBolton, Guy Roche, Walter Afanasieff 3:47
8."From Now On" (featuring Suzie Benson)Bolton, Dean Pitchford, Eric Kaz Bolton4:07
9."Love Cuts Deep"Bolton, Warren, ChildBunetta and Chudacoff3:49
10."Stand Up for Love"Bolton, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil Bolton, Barry Mann, Omartian4:44
11."Forever Eyes" (bonus track)Bolton, Bob Halligan Jr.  4:23
Total length:47:04

Personnel

Musicians

  • Michael Bolton – lead vocals, backing vocals (5, 6, 10)
  • Robbie Buchanan – keyboards (1, 8, 9)
  • Brad Cole – keyboards (1, 9)
  • Richard Tee – keyboards (2)
  • Eric Rehl – additional synthesizer (2), synthesizers (5)
  • Michael Omartian – keyboards (3, 4), drums (3), synthesizers (10), backing vocals (10)
  • Walter Afanasieff – additional keyboards (5, 7), percussion (5), synthesizers (7), drums (7)
  • Gregg Mangiafico – keyboards (5)
  • Phillip Ashley – keyboards (6), additional keyboards (8)
  • Guy Roche – additional keyboards (6), arrangements (7)
  • Diane Warren – keyboards (7)
  • Louis Biancaniello – additional keyboard programming (7)
  • Ren Klyce – additional synthesizer programming (7)
  • Dan Shea – additional synthesizer programming (7)
  • Barry Mann – keyboards (10)
  • Dann Huff – guitar (1, 9)
  • Steve Lukather – guitar (3)
  • Michael Landau – guitar (4, 6, 8, 10), additional guitar (7)
  • John McCurry – electric guitar (5), acoustic guitar (5), additional guitar (6)
  • Chris Camozzi – guitar (7)
  • Schuyler Deale – bass (2)
  • Neil Stubenhaus – bass (4, 6, 8-10), additional intro bass (7)
  • Hugh McDonald – bass (5)
  • Peter Bunetta – drum programming (1)
  • Chris Parker – drums (2)
  • John Keane – drums (4, 6, 8, 10)
  • Bobby Chouinard – drums (5)
  • John Robinson – drums (9)
  • Paulinho da Costa – percussion (9)
  • Kenny G – tenor saxophone solo (1)
  • Michael Brecker – tenor saxophone (2)
  • Jerry Peterson – saxophone solo (9)
  • Jeff Pescetto – backing vocals (1)
  • Sharon Robinson – backing vocals (1)
  • Leslie Smith – backing vocals (1)
  • Terry Brock – backing vocals (2)
  • Jocelyn Brown – backing vocals (2)
  • Robin Clark – backing vocals (2)
  • Milt Grayson – backing vocals (2)
  • Vicki Sue Robinson – backing vocals (2)
  • Fonzi Thornton – backing vocals (2)
  • Richard Marx – backing vocals (3)
  • Joe Turano – backing vocals (3, 6)
  • Kyf Brewer – backing vocals (5)
  • Joe Cerisano – backing vocals (5)
  • Desmond Child – backing vocals (5)
  • Patricia Darcy – backing vocals (5)
  • John Fiore – backing vocals (5, 6)
  • Kate McGunnigle – backing vocals (5)
  • Lou Merlino – backing vocals (5)
  • Bernie Shanahan – backing vocals (5)
  • Myriam Naomi Valle – backing vocals (5, 6)
  • Suzie Benson – lead vocals (8)
  • Jeanette Hawes - backing vocals (9)
  • Wanda Vaughn – backing vocals (9)
  • Syreeta Wright – backing vocals (9)

Production

Charts

Singles

Chart performance for singles from Soul Provider
Release dateTitle US Hot 100 US AC
June 1989"Soul Provider"173
October 1989"How Am I Supposed to Live Without You"11
March 1990"How Can We Be Lovers"33
May 1990"When I'm Back on My Feet Again"71
August 1990"Georgia on My Mind"366

Certifications

Certifications for Soul Provider
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [27] 2× Platinum140,000^
Canada (Music Canada) [28] 5× Platinum500,000^
Netherlands (NVPI) [29] Gold50,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ) [30] Gold7,500^
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [31] Gold50,000^
Sweden (GLF) [32] Platinum100,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [33] 4× Platinum1,200,000^
United States (RIAA) [34] 6× Platinum6,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>August</i> (album) 1986 studio album by Eric Clapton

August is the tenth solo studio album by Eric Clapton, released in 1986 by Duck Records/Warner Bros. Records. Described as a "hard R&B" album, it was primarily produced by Phil Collins, in association with longtime Clapton associate Tom Dowd.

<i>Knee Deep in the Hoopla</i> 1985 studio album by Starship

Knee Deep in the Hoopla is the debut studio album by American AOR band Starship, the succeeding musical project to Jefferson Starship. It was released on September 10, 1985, through record label Grunt.

<i>Heart of Stone</i> (Cher album) 1989 album by Cher

Heart of Stone is the nineteenth studio album by American singer-actress Cher, released on July 10, 1989 by Geffen Records. As of January 1991, the album has sold more than 4 million copies worldwide. The album was supported by Cher's 1989–1990 Heart of Stone Tour.

<i>I Feel for You</i> (album) 1984 studio album by Chaka Khan

I Feel for You is the fifth solo studio album by American R&B/funk singer Chaka Khan, released on the Warner Bros. Records label in 1984.

<i>Time, Love & Tenderness</i> 1991 studio album by Michael Bolton

Time, Love & Tenderness is the seventh studio album by American recording artist Michael Bolton. The album was released on April 23, 1991, by Columbia Records; it was produced by Walter Afanasieff and Michael Bolton. To date, the record has sold more than 16 million copies worldwide, becoming the best-selling album of his career.

<i>Back on the Block</i> 1989 studio album by Quincy Jones

Back on the Block is a 1989 studio album by Quincy Jones. The album features musicians and singers from across three generations, including Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Joe Zawinul, Ice-T, Big Daddy Kane, Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Barry White, Chaka Khan, Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, Al B. Sure!, James Ingram, El DeBarge, Ray Charles and a 12-year-old Tevin Campbell.

<i>Timeless: The Classics</i> 1992 studio album by Michael Bolton

Timeless: The Classics is a 1992 album of cover versions by Michael Bolton. It was #1 on the Billboard charts when it was released. After a rather long chart run, the album has been certified 4× Platinum in the US and has sold over 7 million copies worldwide.

<i>The One Thing</i> (album) 1993 studio album by Michael Bolton

The One Thing is the ninth album by Michael Bolton, released on November 16, 1993. Although it produced the hit single "Said I Loved You...But I Lied", which reached number 6 in the US, it did not match the sales of his previous three albums. Nevertheless, the album was still a respectable hit on its own, reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200 and being certified triple platinum in the US. It was also certified Platinum in the United Kingdom.

<i>Undiscovered Soul</i> 1998 studio album by Richie Sambora

Undiscovered Soul is the second solo studio album from Richie Sambora the guitarist from New Jersey band Bon Jovi. The album was released on February 23, 1998, and is more experimental than his earlier release Stranger in This Town. The album was produced by Don Was.

<i>Songs</i> (Luther Vandross album) 1994 studio album by Luther Vandross

Songs is the ninth studio album by American R&B/soul singer-songwriter Luther Vandross. It was released by Epic Records on September 20, 1994. The album, a collection of cover versions, produced the singles "Endless Love", "Always and Forever", and "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now". According to an interview both Vandross and Mariah Carey gave in Japan following the release of their duet "Endless Love", there was mention that Carey had given advice as to what songs Vandross would cover on this album.

<i>Winner in You</i> 1986 studio album by Patti LaBelle

Winner in You is the eighth studio album by American R&B singer Patti LaBelle. It was released by MCA Records on April 28, 1986, in the United States. Recording sessions took place during 1985–1986. Production was handled by several record producers, including Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Nickolas Ashford, among others.

<i>Other Roads</i> 1988 studio album by Boz Scaggs

Other Roads is the tenth studio album by Boz Scaggs released in 1988. After an eight-year hiatus from recording, Scaggs returned in 1988 with this album, a record aimed primarily at the adult contemporary market.

<i>Silk Electric</i> 1982 studio album by Diana Ross

Silk Electric is the thirteenth studio album by American R&B singer Diana Ross, released on September 10, 1982, by RCA Records. It was Ross' second of six albums released by the label during the decade. It reached No. 27 on the US Billboard 200, No. 33 in the UK Albums Chart and the Top 20 in Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands. The album cover was designed by Andy Warhol.

<i>Soul Kiss</i> 1985 studio album by Olivia Newton-John

Soul Kiss is the twelfth studio album by English-Australian singer Olivia Newton-John, released on 25 October 1985 by Mercury Records in Europe, by Festival Records in Australia, and by MCA Records in the United States. It reached No. 11 on the Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart and No. 29 on the United States Billboard 200. The album was produced by long-time associate John Farrar, who also co-wrote four tracks; the cover art features photography of Newton-John by Helmut Newton and Herb Ritts.

<i>Soul Dancing</i> 1993 studio album by Taylor Dayne

Soul Dancing is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Taylor Dayne. It was released on July 13, 1993 by Arista Records and peaked at No. 51 on the US Billboard 200. The album includes the singles "Send Me a Lover", "I'll Wait", "Say a Prayer", and her rendition of Barry White's "Can't Get Enough of Your Love". The song "I'll Wait" was featured in the 1994 Disney comedy Blank Check.

<i>Aretha</i> (1986 album) 1986 studio album by Aretha Franklin

Aretha is the thirty-first studio album by American singer Aretha Franklin, originally released on October 27, 1986, by Arista Records. It is the third album with the Aretha title to be released by Franklin, following her 1961 album and 1980 album.

<i>Soulbook</i> 2009 studio album by Rod Stewart

Soulbook is the 25th studio album by Rod Stewart. Like his previous five albums, Soulbook features Stewart singing old material; for this album he sings classic material from Motown and the soul genre. It was released on 17 October 2009 and was produced by Steve Tyrell, Steven Jordan and Chuck Kentis.

<i>Reservations for Two</i> 1987 studio album by Dionne Warwick

Reservations for Two is a studio album by the American singer Dionne Warwick. It was recorded during the spring of 1987 and released on July 30 of that year. Her eighth album for Arista Records, it was again executive produced by label head Clive Davis. Warwick reteamed with Barry Manilow and the duo Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager to work on the album, while Kashif, Jerry Knight, Howard Hewett and Smokey Robinson also contributed to the tracks.

<i>20/20</i> (George Benson album) 1985 studio album by George Benson

20/20 is a studio album by George Benson, released on the Warner Bros. record label in 1985. The lead single by the same name reached #48 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA. "You Are the Love of My Life" is a duet with Roberta Flack. It was one of a number of songs used for Eden Capwell and Cruz Castillo on the American soap opera Santa Barbara. Also included on 20/20 is the original version of the song "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You" which would later become a smash hit for Hawaiian singer Glenn Medeiros.

<i>In Your Eyes</i> (George Benson album) 1983 studio album by George Benson

In Your Eyes is a 1983 album by George Benson. It is his only album produced by producer Arif Mardin. It includes the hit "Lady Love Me ".

References

  1. ↑ Bolton, Michael (2013-01-29). The Soul of It All: My Music, My Life. Center Street. ISBN   978-1-4555-2366-5.
  2. ↑ "Michael Bolton on the Billboard 200". Billboard . Retrieved 7 October 2014.
  3. ↑ "RIAA – Searchable Database: Michael Bolton". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  4. ↑ "The Case of the Disappearing Solo". Los Angeles Times . 5 October 1990. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  5. 1 2 AllMusic review
  6. 1 2 Robert Christgau Consumer Guide
  7. 1 2 Brackett, Nathan; Christian Hoard (2004). The Rolling Stone Album Guide . New York City, New York: Simon and Schuster. p.  90. ISBN   0-7432-0169-8. rolling stone michael bolton album guide.
  8. ↑ "Australiancharts.com – Michael Bolton – Soul Provider". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  9. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Michael Bolton – Soul Provider" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  10. ↑ "Top RPM Albums: Issue 1242". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  11. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Michael Bolton – Soul Provider" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  12. ↑ Pennanen, Timo (2006). Sisältää hitin - levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972 (1st ed.). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 105. ISBN   978-951-1-21053-5.
  13. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Michael Bolton – Soul Provider" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Charts.nz – Michael Bolton – Soul Provider". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – Michael Bolton – Soul Provider". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  16. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – Michael Bolton – Soul Provider". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  17. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Michael Bolton – Soul Provider". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  18. ↑ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  19. ↑ "Michael Bolton Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  20. ↑ "ARIA Top 100 Albums for 1990". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  21. ↑ "RPM Top 100 Albums of 1990". RPM . December 12, 1994. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 1990". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  23. ↑ "Top Selling Albums of 1990". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  24. ↑ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1990". Billboard. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1991". Billboard. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  26. ↑ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1992". Billboard. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  27. ↑ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  28. ↑ "Canadian album certifications – Michael Bolton – Soul Provider". Music Canada . Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  29. ↑ "Dutch album certifications – Michael Bolton – Soul Provider" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers . Retrieved July 12, 2019.Enter Soul Provider in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 1991 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
  30. ↑ "New Zealand album certifications – Michael Bolton – Soul Provider". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  31. ↑ Sólo Éxitos 1959–2002 Año A Año: Certificados 1979–1990 (in Spanish). Iberautor Promociones Culturales. ISBN   8480486392.
  32. ↑ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-17. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  33. ↑ "British album certifications – Michael Bolton – Soul Provider". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  34. ↑ "American album certifications – Michael Bolton – Soul Provider". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved July 12, 2019.
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.