"Wish I Didn't Miss You" was written by Andrea Martin and Ivan Matias.[2] It contains elements of American R&B group The O'Jays's 1972 record "Back Stabbers" as written by Leon Huff, Gene McFadden, and John Whitehead.[2] Due to the sample, Huff, McFadden and Whitehead are also credited as songwriters on "Wish I Didn't Miss You."[2] When Martin's demo of the song was sent to Stone, she expressed dislike for it.[3] With much of the recording sessions for her second album Mahogany Soul already finished, Stone did not feel the need to cut any additional songs.[3] Though it would delay the album's release,[3]J Records executive Clive Davis eventually perusaded her to record it.[3] Stone, along with Swizz Beatz, later received co-producer credits on the record.[2] Upon its breakthrough success, the singer grew to like "Wish I Didn't Miss You": "I have to close my every show with that record [and] I love the song now," she said in 2023.[3]
Critical reception
"Wish I Didn't Miss You" earned universal acclaim from music critics. In a review of parent album Mahogany Soul, Jose F. Promis from AllMusic noted that the album's "true gem is the smoldering, gorgeous, aching "Wish I Didn't Miss You," which pulls forward with an unstoppable beat and features a stellar, yearning performance from Miss Stone."[4] Similarly, Barry Walters from Rolling Stone declared it the album's "knockout track."[5]Los Angeles Times critic Robert Hilburn commented on the song: "Built around a killer sample, [...] this tale of struggling to break free from the spell of an old relationship is as stylish and seductive as the best of '60s and '70s soul music that inspired it."[6]The Washington Post wrote: "After hearing a tune as feverish as "Wish I Didn't Miss You," one could bet that Angie Stone knows a thing or two about sweltering summers [...] Sampling the sweaty rim shots and hazy guitar licks of the O'Jays classic "Back Stabbers" to marvelous effect, Stone's exquisite voice hits the track like cool rain on hot pavement as she dives into the lovelorn chorus."[7]Spin magazine ranked the song among the 20 best singles of 2002 and wrote: "If Angie were skinny, Whitney would be unnecessary and Mary J. would be worried. Sad but true."[8]
Year-end lists
Appearances on year-end lists for "Wish I Didn't Miss You"
↑ Wish I Didn't Miss You (US 12-inch remix single vinyl disc). Angie Stone. J Records. 2002. 80813-21162-1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
↑ Wish I Didn't Miss You (UK CD single liner notes). Angie Stone. J Records. 2002. 74321 93918 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
↑ Wish I Didn't Miss You (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Angie Stone. J Records. 2002. 74321 93918 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
↑ Wish I Didn't Miss You (European CD single liner notes). Angie Stone. J Records. 2002. 74321 93884 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
↑ Wish I Didn't Miss You (European maxi-CD single liner notes). Angie Stone. J Records. 2002. 74321 95758 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
↑ Wish I Didn't Miss You (Australian CD single liner notes). Angie Stone. J Records. 2002. 74321941222.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
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