The Force Behind the Power
The Force Behind the Power | ||||
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Studio album by Diana Ross | ||||
Released | September 10, 1991 | |||
Genre |
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Length |
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Label | Motown | |||
Producer |
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Diana Ross chronology | ||||
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Singles from The Force Behind the Power | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [1] |
Chicago Tribune | [2] |
Robert Christgau | [3] |
Entertainment Weekly | C[4] |
Los Angeles Times | [5] |
NME | 5/10[6] |
The Force Behind the Power is the nineteenth studio album by American singer Diana Ross, released on September 10, 1991, by Motown Records.[7] The album reached No. 11 on the UK Albums chart and became the biggest selling studio album of her career there, selling over half a million copies in the UK alone.[8]
Singles
The album spun off five hit singles in the UK - most successfully "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" which reached No. 2 on the UK Singles chart (and No. 26 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart), earning a BPI Silver disc for UK sales of over 200,000 copies. "One Shining Moment" and the album's Stevie Wonder-produced title track reached Numbers 10 and 27 on the UK Singles chart respectively.[9][8]
If We Hold on Together reached No. 11 on the UK Singles chart and No. 23 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart, while a cover of Barbra Streisand's "Heart (Don't Change My Mind)" reached No. 31 on the UK Singles chart.[10][8][11]
"No Matter What You Do" - her duet with Al B. Sure! - was a major US R&B hit where it peaked at number 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart, while "You're Gonna Love It" written by Cydney Davis and Lloyd Tolbert was also released as a US single, where it rose to No. 24 on the US Dance Club Songs chart. [12][13]
"If We Hold on Together" was originally recorded for Don Bluth's 1988 animated adventure film The Land Before Time. It rose to prominence after it was released as a single worldwide in the latter part of 1988 (most prominently in Japan in 1990, after it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama Omoide ni Kawaru Made).[14] It reached #1 on the Japanese International single charts for 12 contiguous weeks making it the biggest selling record by a foreign artist; and in total, sold over 465,000 copies.[15][16]
Commercial reception
In the UK the album certified platinum for sales exceeding 300,000 copies.[17]
Track listings
US edition
- "Change of Heart" (Terry Britten, Graham Lyle) – 4:02
- "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" (John Bettis, Albert Hammond) – 4:13
- "Battlefield" (Paul Carrack, Nick Lowe) – 3:35
- "Blame It on the Sun" (Stevie Wonder, Syreeta Wright) – 3:55
- "Heavy Weather" (Michael Sembello) – 4:59
- "The Force Behind the Power" (Stevie Wonder) – 4:45
- "Heart (Don't Change My Mind)" (Robbie Buchanan, Diane Warren) – 4:19
- "Waiting in the Wings" (Andy Hill, Pete Sinfield) – 4:52
- "One Shining Moment" (Vaneese Thomas) – 4:48
- "You're Gonna Love It" (Cydney Davis, Lloyd Tolbert) – 5:11
- "If We Hold on Together" (James Horner, Barry Mann, Will Jennings) – 4:09
International edition
- "Change of Heart" (Britten, Lyle) – 4:03
- "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" (Bettis, Hammond) – 4:13
- "Battlefield" (Carrack, Lowe) – 3:35
- "Blame It on the Sun" (Wonder, Wright) – 3:55
- "You're Gonna Love It" (Davis, Tolbert) – 5:11
- "Heavy Weather" (Sembello) – 4:59
- "The Force Behind the Power" (Wonder) – 4:42
- "Heart (Don't Change My Mind)" (Buchanan, Warren) – 4:19
- "Waiting in the Wings" (Hill, Sinfield) – 4:52
- "You and I" (Dormer, Goldo, Vigil) – 4:09
- "One Shining Moment" (Thomas) – 4:48
- "If We Hold on Together" (James Horner, Barry Mann, Will Jennings) – 4:13
- "No Matter What You Do" (duet with Al B. Sure!) (Brown, West) – 5:09
Personnel
- Diana Ross – lead vocals
- John Barnes – keyboards (1, 5, 9), synthesizers (1, 5, 6, 9), synthesizer programming (1, 5, 6, 9), Synclavier (1, 5, 6, 9), Synclavier programming and arrangements (1, 5, 6, 9)
- Llyod Tolbert – keyboards (1, 5, 9), synthesizer programming (1, 5, 6, 9), arrangements (1, 5, 9)
- Kevin Perry – additional programming (1, 5, 6, 9)
- Andrew Scheps – additional programming (1, 5, 6, 9)
- Robbie Buchanan – keyboards (2-4, 8, 9)
- Andrew Gold – organ (3), acoustic guitar (3)
- James Anthony Carmichael – arrangements (1, 5, 6, 9), keyboards (6), synthesizers (6)
- Stevie Wonder – all instruments (6), arrangements (6), choir arrangement (6)
- Rob Arbittier – programming (7)
- Atle Bakken – programming (7)
- Malcolm Cecil – programming (7)
- Randy Kerber – keyboards (12)
- Guy Moon – keyboards (12)
- Carlos Rios – guitars (1, 5, 6, 9)
- Michael Landau – guitars (2-4, 8, 11)
- Waddy Wachtel – guitars (12)
- Freddie Washington – bass (2-4, 8)
- Larry Klein – bass (11)
- Leland Sklar – bass (12)
- Carlos Vega – drums (2-4, 8, 9)
- Russ Kunkel – drums (12)
- Michael Fisher – percussion (2-4, 8, 9, 11), vibraphone (3)
- Nathaniel Kunkel – percussion (9)
- Warren Ham – harmonica (3, 6)
- John Helliwell – saxophone (8)
- David Campbell – BGV arrangements, orchestra arrangements and conductor (2-4, 8, 11, 12)
- Gavyn Wright – orchestra leader (2-4, 8, 11, 12)
- Isobel Griffiths – orchestra contractor (2-4, 8, 11, 12)
- Marva King – backing vocals (1, 5, 6, 9)
- Arnold McCuller – backing vocals (1, 5, 6, 9)
- Deborah Thomas – backing vocals (1, 5, 6, 9)
- Fred White – backing vocals (1, 5, 6, 9)
- Peter Asher – backing vocals (2), tambourine (3), drum and percussion programming (11)
- Valerie Carter – backing vocals (2-4, 8, 11, 12)
- Kate Markowitz – backing vocals (2-4, 8, 11, 12)
- Cydney Davis – backing vocals (5)
- The Andraé Crouch Singers – choir (7)
Production
- Executive producer – Diana Ross
- Producers – James Anthony Carmichael (tracks 1, 5, 6 & 9); Peter Asher (tracks 2–4, 8 & 10–13); Stevie Wonder (track 6).
- Co-producer on track 7 – Nathan Watts
- Co-producer on track 5 – Lloyd Tolbert
- A&R direction – Debbie Sandridge
- Album coordinator – Marylata E. Jacob
- Engineers – Calvin Harris and Jack Rouben (tracks 1, 5, 6 & 9); Frank Wolf (tracks 2–4, 8, 10–12); Steve Van Arden (track 7).
- Assistant engineers – Mark Hagen and Andrew Scheps (tracks 1, 5, 6 & 9); Bryant Arnett, Darren Godwin, Mike Harlow, Nathaniel Kunkel Ken Lauber and Gil Morales (tracks 2–4, 8, 10–12); Jimmy Sandweiss (track 7).
- Recorded at Bill Schnee Studio, Studio F, Wonderland Studios, Westlake Audio, Off Meleose Recording Studio and The Complex (Los Angeles, CA); Cal Harris Studios (Woodland Hills, CA); The Sandbox (Easton, CT); Abbey Road Studios (London, England).
- Digital editing on track 7 – R.R. Harlan
- Mixing – Calvin Harris (tracks 1, 5, 6 & 9); Frank Wolf (tracks 2–4, 8, 10–12); Steve Van Arden (track 7).
- Mixed at Conway Studios (Hollywood, CA), The Complex, Cal Harris Studios and Wonderland Studios.
- Mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering (Hollywood, CA).
- Art direction – Dennis Woloch
- Design concept – Diana Ross
- Painting – Barry Kamen
- Photography – Herb Ritts
- Assistant to Diana Ross – Judith Service
Charts
Chart (1991–1992) | Peak position |
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Australian Albums (ARIA)[18] | 100 |
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[19] | 32 |
European Top 100 Albums (Music & Media)[20] | 30 |
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[21] | 43 |
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[22] | 37 |
UK Albums (OCC)[23] | 11 |
US Billboard 200[24] | 101 |
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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United Kingdom (BPI)[17] | Platinum | 300,000^ |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
References
- ^ AllMusic review
- ^ DeKnock, Jan (November 7, 1991). "Home Entertainment: Recordings". Chicago Tribune. p. 8.
- ^ Christgau, Robert. "Robert Christgau: CG: Diana Ross". robertchristgau.com. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
- ^ Berger, Arion (November 1, 1991). "Force Behind the Power". Entertainment Weekly.
- ^ Johnson, Connie (November 3, 1991). "In Brief". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
- ^ Quantick, David (August 10, 1991). "Long Play". NME. p. 30. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
- ^ "Diana Ross: The Force Behind the Power". 45worlds.com.
- ^ a b c "Diana Ross". officialcharts.com.
- ^ "Diana Ross: When You Tell Me That You Love Me (Adult Contemporary Songs)". billboard.com.
- ^ "Diana Ross: If We Hold on Together (Adult Contemporary Songs)". billboard.com.
- ^ "Diana Ross: Heart (Don't change my mind)". secondhandsongs.com.
- ^ "Diana Ross: No Matter What You Do (Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs)". billboard.com.
- ^ "Diana Ross: You're Gonna Love It (Dance Club Songs)". billboard.com.
- ^ "想い出にかわるまで". TBS. Retrieved 2010-08-07.
- ^ "イフ・ウイ・ホールド・オン・トゥゲザー - ダイアナ・ロス". Oricon. Retrieved 2010-08-07.
- ^ "オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」". Oricon. Retrieved 2010-08-07. (subscription only)
- ^ a b "British album certifications – Diana Ross – The Force Behind the Power". British Phonographic Industry.
- ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 239.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Diana Ross – The Force Behind the Power" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
- ^ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. January 11, 1992. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Diana Ross – The Force Behind the Power". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Diana Ross – The Force Behind the Power". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
- ^ "Diana Ross | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
- ^ "Diana Ross Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
- v
- t
- e
- Diana Ross (1970)
- Everything Is Everything (1970)
- Surrender (1971)
- Touch Me in the Morning (1973)
- Diana & Marvin (1973)
- Last Time I Saw Him (1973)
- Diana Ross (1976)
- Baby It's Me (1977)
- Ross (1978)
- The Boss (1979)
- Diana (1980)
- Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1981)
- Silk Electric (1982)
- Ross (1983)
- Swept Away (1984)
- Eaten Alive (1985)
- Red Hot Rhythm & Blues (1987)
- Workin' Overtime (1989)
- The Force Behind the Power (1991)
- A Very Special Season (1994)
- Take Me Higher (1995)
- Every Day Is a New Day (1999)
- Blue (2006)
- I Love You (2006)
- Diana Ross Sings Songs from The Wiz (rec. 1978, rel. 2015)
- Thank You (2021)
- Greatest Hits (1972)
- Diana Ross' Greatest Hits (1976)
- 20 Golden Greats (1979)
- To Love Again (1981)
- All the Great Hits (1981)
- Forever Diana: Musical Memoirs (1993)
- One Woman: The Ultimate Collection (1993)
- Diana Extended: The Remixes (1994)
- Voice of Love (1996)
- Love & Life: The Very Best of Diana Ross (2001)
- The Definitive Collection (2006)
- The Greatest (2011)
- Upside Down: The Collection (2012)
- Supertonic: Mixes (2020)
- Live at Caesars Palace (1974)
- An Evening with Diana Ross (1977)
- Greatest Hits Live (1989)
- Stolen Moments: The Lady Sings... Jazz and Blues (1993)
- Christmas in Vienna (1993)
- Diana! (1971)
- Lady Sings the Blues (1972)
- Mahogany (1975)
- The Wiz (1978)
- Endless Love (1981)
- Live in Central Park (2012)
- Paris 1968: Broadcast Archives (2013)
- "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)"
- "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
- "Remember Me"
- "Reach Out (I'll Be There)"
- "Surrender"
- "I'm Still Waiting"
- "Good Morning Heartache"
- "Touch Me in the Morning"
- "You're a Special Part of Me"
- "Last Time I Saw Him"
- "My Mistake (Was to Love You)"
- "You Are Everything"
- "Don't Knock My Love"
- "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)"
- "Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)"
- "Love Hangover"
- "Gettin' Ready for Love"
- "Your Love Is So Good for Me"
- "You Got It"
- "Lovin', Livin' and Givin'"
- "Ease on Down the Road"
- "Pops, We Love You (A Tribute to Father)"
- "What You Gave Me"
- "The Boss"
- "It's My House"
- "Upside Down"
- "I'm Coming Out"
- "My Old Piano"
- "It's My Turn"
- "Endless Love"
- "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
- "Mirror, Mirror"
- "Work That Body"
- "Muscles"
- "So Close"
- "Pieces of Ice"
- "All of You"
- "Swept Away"
- "Touch by Touch"
- "Missing You"
- "Eaten Alive"
- "Chain Reaction"
- "Experience"
- "Dirty Looks"
- "If We Hold on Together"
- "Workin' Overtime"
- "When You Tell Me That You Love Me"
- "Someday We'll Be Together"
- "Take Me Higher"
- "I Will Survive"
- "Not Over You Yet"
- "Goin' Back"
- "I've Got a Crush on You"
- "Thank You"
- "If the World Just Danced"
- "Turn Up the Sunshine"
- "A Brand New Day"
- "We Are the World"
- Super Bowl XXX halftime show (1996)
- Return to Love Tour (2000)
- I Love You Tour (2006–2008)
- More Today Than Yesterday: The Greatest Hits Tour (2010–2012)
- In the Name of Love Tour (2013–2017)
- The Essential Diana Ross: Some Memories Never Fade (2015–2017)
- The Supremes
- Rhonda Ross Kendrick (daughter)
- Tracee Ellis Ross (daughter)
- Evan Ross (son)
- Arne Næss Jr. (second husband)
- Arthur "T-Boy" Ross (brother)
- Diana Ross Playground
- Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5
- Category