Take Me Higher (song)

Last updated

"Take Me Higher"
Take Me Higher (song).jpg
Single by Diana Ross
from the album Take Me Higher
B-side
  • "Let Somebody Know"
  • "Too Many Nights"
ReleasedAugust 5, 1995
Genre Dance-pop
Length4:13
Label Motown
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Narada Michael Walden
Diana Rosssingles chronology
"Chain Reaction '93"
(1993)
"Take Me Higher"
(1995)
"Gone"
(1995)
Music video
"Take Me Higher" on YouTube

"Take Me Higher" is a song by American singer Diana Ross, released on August 5, 1995, by Motown Records as the first single from her 21st album of the same name (1995). Co-written and produced by Narada Michael Walden featuring additional credits from Mike Mani, it became Ross' fifth number-one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in the US. [1] In Europe, it entered the top forty in Scotland and the UK, but was an even bigger hit on the UK Dance Chart, peaking at number four.

Contents

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard described the song as a "swirling retro disco ditty that inspires a wonderfully loose and playful performance", and complimented its chorus as "instantly infectious and brimming with warm optimism." [2] Gil L. Robertson from Cash Box stated that "Lady Ross is in fine form with a confident vocal delivery, while her music backdrop is a throwback to the glory days of disco." [3] The Daily Vault's Mark Millan called it "a fine dance number that Ross revels in". [4] Quincy McCoy from the Gavin Report noted that it "kicks up a happy feeling of nostalgia along with keeping a contemporary feel that brings a smile to your feet." [5]

Pan-European magazine Music & Media said that here, "La Ross shifts to a higher gear, the pop dance speed." [6] A reviewer from Music Week rated it three out of five, describing is as "a slight affair". [7] Alan Jones deemed it "a fairly innocuous affair – pleasant, undemanding and vaguely anthemic in its regular mix". [8] In an retrospective review, Pop Rescue felt that the singer's vocals "are strong and confident in the verses, but a little weaker in the chorus", adding that "she's joined by backing singers to help lift her higher." [9] James Hamilton from the RM Dance Update declared it as a "soaring anxious wailer". [10]

Music video

The single's accompanying music video featured scenes of Ross in a cocktail dress on stage, while dancers execute a choreography and the band plays the song, intercut with footage of Ross on the beach. [11]

Track listings

  1. "Take Me Higher" – 4:21
  2. "Let Somebody Know" – 4:57
  3. "Too Many Nights" – 4:36
  1. "Take Me Higher" (12-inch mix) – 7:25
  2. "Take Me Higher" (dub mix) – 9:34
  3. "Take Me Higher" (a capella) – 3:44
  4. "Take Me Higher" (LP version) – 4:13
  5. "Take Me Higher" (radio edit) – 4:02
  6. "Take Me Higher" (instrumental) – 4:11

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Take Me Higher. [12]

Charts

Chart (1995)Peak
position
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) [13] 61
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade) [14] 13
Netherlands (Single Top 100 Tipparade) [15] 7
Scotland (OCC) [16] 35
UK Singles (OCC) [17] 32
UK Dance (OCC) [18] 4
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [19] 14
US Dance Club Songs ( Billboard ) [20] 1
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [21] 77

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesAugust 5, 1995
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
Motown [ citation needed ]
United KingdomAugust 21, 1995
  • CD
  • cassette
EMI United Kingdom [22]
JapanOctober 18, 1995CDEMI [23]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Someday We'll Be Together</span> 1969 single by Diana Ross and the Supremes

"Someday We'll Be Together" is a song written by Johnny Bristol, Jackey Beavers, and Harvey Fuqua. It was the last of twelve American number-one pop singles for Diana Ross & the Supremes on the Motown label. Although it was released as the final Supremes song featuring Diana Ross, who left the group for a solo career in January 1970, it was recorded as Ross' first solo single and Supremes members Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong do not sing on the recording. Both appear on the B-side, "He's My Sunny Boy".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Keep Me Hangin' On</span> 1966 single by the Supremes

"You Keep Me Hangin' On" is a song written and composed by Holland–Dozier–Holland. It was first recorded in 1966 by American Motown group the Supremes, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. American rock band Vanilla Fudge released a cover version in June the following year, which reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100. English singer Kim Wilde covered "You Keep Me Hangin' On" in 1986, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1987. In the first 32 years of the Billboard Hot 100 rock era, "You Keep Me Hangin' On" became one of the six songs to reach number one by two different musical acts. In 1996, American country singer Reba McEntire's version reached number two on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. The BBC ranked the Supremes' original song at number 78 on The Top 100 Digital Motown Chart, which ranks Motown releases by their all-time UK downloads and streams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Will Survive</span> 1978 single by Gloria Gaynor

"I Will Survive" is a song by American singer Gloria Gaynor, released in October 1978 as the second single from her sixth album, Love Tracks (1978). It was written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris. The song's lyrics describe the narrator's discovery of personal strength following an initially devastating breakup. The song is also frequently recalled as a symbol of female empowerment, as well as a disco staple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ain't No Mountain High Enough</span> 1966 song by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" is a song written by Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson in 1966 for the Tamla label, a division of Motown. The composition was first successful as a 1967 hit single recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, and became a hit again in 1970 when recorded by former Supremes frontwoman Diana Ross. The song became Ross's first solo number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Hangover</span> 1976 single by Diana Ross

"Love Hangover" is a song by the Motown singer Diana Ross, recorded in 1975 and released as a single on March 16, 1976. It rose to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot-Selling Soul Singles. It also hit number one on the Record World disco charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Every Woman</span> 1978 single by Chaka Khan

"I'm Every Woman" is a song by American singer Chaka Khan, released as her debut solo single from her first album, Chaka (1978). It was Khan's first hit outside her recordings with the funk band Rufus. "I'm Every Woman" was produced by Arif Mardin and written by the successful songwriting team Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson. The single established Chaka's career outside the group Rufus, whom she would leave after their eighth studio album Masterjam was released in late 1979.

"You're a Special Part of Me" was a successful duet single for soul singers and Motown label mates Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye, released in 1973. The original duet was one of the few originals featured on their famed album, Diana & Marvin, and was among the most successful of the songs the Motown label mates made reaching #4 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart and #12 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turn the Beat Around</span> 1976 single by Vicki Sue Robinson

"Turn the Beat Around" is a disco song written by Gerald Jackson and Peter Jackson, and performed by American actress and singer Vicki Sue Robinson in 1976, originally appearing on her debut album, Never Gonna Let You Go (1976). Released as a single, the song went to #10 on the Billboard pop charts, and #73 on the Billboard soul chart. The song earned Robinson a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The track also went to number one on the Billboard disco chart for four weeks. "Turn the Beat Around" is considered a disco classic and is featured on many compilation albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chain Reaction (Diana Ross song)</span> 1985 single by Diana Ross

"Chain Reaction" is a song by American singer Diana Ross, released on November 12, 1985, as the second single from her sixteenth studio album, Eaten Alive (1985). The song was written by the Bee Gees and contains additional vocals from Barry Gibb. Sonically, "Chain Reaction" is an R&B and dance-pop song. According to the Gibbs' biography, the brothers had initial reservations about offering the song to Ross in case it was too Motown-like for her.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Most Girls (Pink song)</span> 2000 single by Pink

"Most Girls" is a song by American singer Pink, released as the second single from her debut album, Can't Take Me Home (2000). It was released on June 6, 2000, and, after spending 16 weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaked at number four on November 25. The song also reached number one in Australia, where it was certified platinum, number two in Canada and New Zealand, and number five in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diana Ross discography</span>

The discography of American rhythm and blues singer Diana Ross, the former lead singer of the Supremes, consists of 26 studio albums and 116 singles. Throughout her career, Ross has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Billboard ranked her as the 47th Greatest Artist of all time and the 11th Greatest Hot 100 Female Artist of all time. In 1993, Guinness World Records crowned Ross as the "most successful female artist in music history". Her 11th studio album "Diana" remains the best-selling album of her career, selling more than 10 million copies and album equivalent units around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ain't Nobody</span> 1983 single by Rufus and Chaka Khan

"Ain't Nobody" is a song by American funk band Rufus and American singer Chaka Khan. It was released on November 4, 1983, as one of four studio tracks included on their live album, Stompin' at the Savoy (1983). "Ain't Nobody" quickly gathered popularity, and reached number one on the US Billboard R&B chart and number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 1984 at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards, "Ain't Nobody" won for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It has become one of Khan's signature songs.

"Don't Leave Me This Way" is a song written by Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff and Cary Gilbert. It was originally released in 1975 by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass, an act signed to Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International label. "Don't Leave Me This Way" was subsequently covered by American singer Thelma Houston in 1976 and British duo the Communards in 1986, with both versions achieving commercial success.

<i>Take Me Higher</i> 1995 studio album by Diana Ross

Take Me Higher is the twenty-first studio album by American singer Diana Ross, released on September 5, 1995, by Motown Records. Ross' first regular studio release in four years, following The Force Behind the Power (1991) and the holiday album A Very Special Season (1994), the album features work from urban producers such as G Syier Hawkins Brown, Narada Michael Walden, Mike Mani, Louis Biancaniello, Jon-John and the Babyface protégés, The Boom Brothers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Swept Away (Diana Ross song)</span> 1984 single by Diana Ross

"Swept Away" is a song by American R&B singer Diana Ross for her album of the same name. Ross released the song as the album's second single on August 14, 1984, by the RCA. It was written by Daryl Hall, Sara Allen and produced by Hall and Arthur Baker. Ross wrote the spoken lyrics at the beginning of the song and Hall also provided background vocals on it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shoot Me with Your Love</span> 1995 single by D:Ream

"Shoot Me with Your Love" is a song by Northern Irish music group D:Ream, released in June 1995 as the first single from their second album, World (1995). Co-written by frontman Peter Cunnah with Tim Hegarty, the song was the first of a three-single UK Top 40 run in 1995 for the band and also the highest peaking, reaching number seven on the UK Singles Chart and number three on the UK Dance Singles Chart. The follow-ups, "Party Up the World" and "The Power ", reached number 20 and 40, respectively. A music video was also produced to promote the single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forever Came Today</span> 1968 single by the Supremes

"Forever Came Today" is a 1968 song written and produced by the Motown collective of Holland–Dozier–Holland, and was first made into a hit as a single for Diana Ross & the Supremes in early 1968. A disco version of the song was released as a single seven years later by Motown group the Jackson 5.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dreamer (Livin' Joy song)</span> 1994 single by Livin Joy

"Dreamer" is a song by Italian house group Livin' Joy, written and recorded by Janice Robinson and produced by brothers Paolo and Gianni Visnadi. Originally released in August 1994, it was re-released in 1995 and topped the UK Singles Chart at the number one spot that May, ending 1995 as the UK's 40th-biggest-selling single of 1995. In the United States, it went to number-one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. It was a sleeper hit on pop radio, but finally managed to peak at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 75 on the Cash Box Top 100. MTV Dance ranked "Dreamer" number 15 in their list of "The 100 Biggest 90's Dance Anthems of All Time" in November 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Your Loving Arms</span> 1994 single by Billie Ray Martin

"Your Loving Arms" is a song by German singer Billie Ray Martin, the former lead singer of Electribe 101. It was released by Magnet and Sire in October 1994 as the first single from the singer's debut solo album, Deadline for My Memories (1995). Written by Martin and David Harrow, it received critical acclaim and is known to be one of her most notable singles. It was produced by English electronic dance group the Grid and was originally released on October 31. The track found greater chart success in 1995, when it peaked at number one in Italy and on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart, and number six on the UK Singles Chart. On the Eurochart Hot 100, it reached number 21. There were made two different music videos for the song. The success of "Your Loving Arms" earned Martin the prize for Best New Dance Solo Artist of 1995 at the International Dance Music Awards in Miami, and Mixmag featured it in the magazine's "100 Greatest Dance Singles of All Time" list.

"It Should Have Been Me" is a 1963 song written by William "Mickey" Stevenson and Norman Whitfield for Kim Weston. It has been performed by Yvonne Fair, Gladys Knight & the Pips and Adeva among others. Knight's version peaked at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968 and number 33 in Canada. Fair had her only hit single with her recording of the song in 1976, reaching number 5 in the UK, number 85 in the US and number 10 in Australia.

References

  1. Whitburn, Joel (2004). Hot Dance/Disco: 1974-2003. Record Research. p. 222.
  2. Flick, Larry (September 16, 1995). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard . p. 47. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  3. Robertson, Gil L. (September 23, 1995). "Pop Singles: Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box . p. 7. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  4. Millan, Mark (August 6, 2010). "Take Me Higher – Diana Ross". The Daily Vault. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  5. McCoy, Quincy (September 1, 1995). "Gavin Picks > Singles" (PDF). Gavin Report . No. 2070. p. 54. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  6. "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . September 9, 1995. p. 6. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  7. "Reviews: Singles". Music Week . August 12, 1995. p. 15.
  8. Jones, Alan (August 5, 1995). "Talking Music" (PDF). Music Week . p. 29. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  9. "Review: "Take Me Higher" by Diana Ross (CD, 1995)". Pop Rescue. October 23, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  10. Hamilton, James (September 2, 1995). "Dj directory" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). p. 11. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  11. DianaRossVEVO Take Me Higher
  12. Take Me Higher (Media notes). Diana Ross. Motown Records. 1995.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 12, no. 36. September 9, 1995. p. 9. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  14. "Diana Ross – Take Me Higher" (in Dutch). top40.nl. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  15. "Diana Ross – Take Me Higher" (in Dutch). dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  16. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  17. "Diana Ross: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  18. "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  19. "Diana Ross Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  20. "Diana Ross Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  21. "Diana Ross Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  22. "New Releases: Singles". Music Week . August 19, 1995. p. 31.
  23. "思い出にかわるまで | ダイアナ・ロス" [Until Memories | Diana Ross] (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved September 23, 2023.