From LOVE & LIFE
Written by David Foster, Linda Thompson & Carole Bayer Sager
LaToya London gained immediate popularity in 2004 on American Idol’s Season 3 together with other talented alumni like Fantasia Barrino, Jennifer Hudson and Diana DeGarmo. Her powerful voice made great a sensation. In 2005 she released her debut album “Love & Life.” That record offered a more sensual image of the singer and tried to affirm her as a new R&B diva. There are hip-hop, dance moments like the opener “Scandalous” and the lead single “Appreciate” that include effective rap lines over some catchy beats. However, the bulk of the album belongs more to the R&B/Soul/Jazz world. Produced by veteran music makers Barry J. Eastmond, Narada Michael Walden and Rex Rideout, in its finest moments the vibe of “Love & Life” echoes the elegant sound of classic albums by Anita Baker and Whitney Houston.
The ballads are the best songs on “Love & Life,” especially the gorgeous “State Of My Heart” co-written by David Foster with Linda Thompson and Carole Bayer Sager. Produced by Narada, “State Of My Heart” is a poignant slow jam with a delicious smooth arrangement, rich strings and horns that underline London’s superb performance. It was released as a single and became a minor hit on the Adult Contemporary charts.
Another highlight of the album is a dramatic cover of Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself.” Produced by Eastmond, the song ends the record in a grand way.
London is currently working on her second album as well as appearing in a new version of the Broadway musical “The Color Purple.”
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/state_of_my_heart.mp3|titles=State of my heart|artists=LaToya London]
Lead Vocals: LaToya London
All Keyboards: Frank Martin
Guitars: Cedricke Dennis
Percussion: Marquinho Brazil
Bass: Troy “Boodah” Lampkins
Drums: Narada Michael Walden
Synth Strings: Victor Vanacore
Saxophone: Dan Higgins
Background Vocals: Nikita Germaine Houston & Tony Lindsay
Horn Arrangement by Jerry Hey
String Arrangement by Victor Vanacore
Produced by Narada Michael Walden & John Burk
Lyrics
hooo, hooo (yeah)
(First Verse)
Hey
Since you’ve been gone, I remember just the good
But I guess that is wrong cause I’d foget you if I could
I still recall the heartbreak, the false cry before the final fall
And at the end of every day before I sleep I still pray
(Chorus)
It’s just the way that you love me that wakes me and takes me to you again
It’s just the way that u left me that grabs me and shakes some times it breaks me apart
That’s just the state of my heart (boy)
(Second Verse)
Hey
I think I’m doing fine
Some days I don’t even think of you
Way back when you were mine
Before u said that we were through
But thats in the past and some things are not meant to last
But one thing’s sure it was pure love
How the others faded fast
(Chorus)
It’s just the way that you love me that wakes and takes me to you again
It’s just the way that you left me that grabs me and shakes me sometimes it breaks me apart
oohhh ohhh oooh
(Bridge)
Seems like you’ve been gone so very long
My heart needs to just move on
Yet it’s alright I tell myself at least I had your love
But it was over before I had enough
(Chorus)
It’s just the way you love me baby that wakes me and takes me to you again
It’s just the way that you left me baby
Grabs me, shakes me, some times it breaks me apart
That’s just the state of my heart
Just the state of my heart
(aaaahhhh)
The way you love me
It’s just the way you love me