Written by Lionel Richie

“Lady” was a 1980 hit by the late country/pop superstar Kenny Rogers (1938-2020). Written and produced by Lionel Richie, “Lady” was the ballad that completed Rogers’ transition from country icon to international pop superstar. The song was originally written by Richie for his former group, The Commodores, but, after they turned it down, he offered “Lady” to Rogers who recorded it with terrific results.

“Lady” became a #1 smash on the Adult Contemporary chart, the Country chart and Billboard’s Hot 100. “Lady” was also ranked at #60 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Of All Time chart. “Lady” was Richie’s first work outside of The Commodores and the song’s huge success gave the gifted pop/R&B singer/songwriter the confidence to start his own triumphant solo career.

In the eighties, David Foster worked with Rogers and Richie co-writing and/or producing material for them including Rogers’ hits “We’ve Got Tonight” and “What About Me” or the beautiful ballad, “The Only One,” for Richie’s multi-platinum Can’t Slow Down album. Those collaborations with The Hitman kept going into the nineties. When Richie decided to record his own version of “Lady” for his 1998 Time album, Foster was the obvious choice to craft the song. This new recording of “Lady” sports an elegant, updated arrangement with every detail in the right place from Richie’s restrained yet effective performance, Foster’s tender piano and lush orchestra plus the all-star backing band featuring session giants John Robinson on drums, Michael Thompson on guitar and Nathan East on bass. Yet, that 1980 Rogers’ original take remains unsurpassed with the strength of its unique dramatic intensity and the trademark sounds of the early eighties.

On Time, Foster also produced a couple of wonderful ballads including “I Hear Your Voice,” co-written with Richie and Diane Warren plus Warren’s “The Closest Thing To Heaven.” Both ballads, plus the songs mentioned in the previous paragraph, have been reviewed here in the past.

Listen

• Lead Vocals: Lionel Richie
• Acoustic Piano & Keyboards: David Foster
• Bass: Nathan East
• Drums: John Robinson
• Guitar: Michael Thompson
• Synthesizer Programming: Felipe Elgueta

• Arranged by David Foster
• Produced by Lionel Richie

Lyrics

Lady
I’m your knight in shining armor and I love you
You have made me what I am, and
I am yours
My love
There’s so many ways I want to say I love you
Let me hold you in my arms forever more
You have gone and made me such a fool
And I’m so lost in your love
And oh, we belong together
Won’t you believe in my song?
Lady
For so many years
I thought I’d never find you
You have come into my life and
Made me whole
Forever
Let me wake to see you each and every morning
Let me hear you whisper softly
In my ear
And in my eyes (In my eyes)
I see no one else but you (I see no one else but you)
There’s no other love like our love
And, oh, girl I’ll always want you near me
I’ve waited for you for so long
Lady
Your love’s the only love I need
Oh, and beside me is where
I want you to be (I want you to be)
‘Cause, my love
There’s somethin’ I want you to know
You’re the love of my life
You’re my lady

Miki Howard was a talented soul/R&B singer who started her career in 1980 as lead vocalist for the popular R&B group, Side Effect. Together they released three good albums as a group before Howard went solo. Howard eventually delivered a string of R&B hits between the late eighties and early nineties including “Come Share My Love,” “Ain’t Nuthin’ In The World” and “Ain’t Nobody Like You.” Howard successfully ventured into the jazz repertoire portraying the late, great Billie Holiday (1915-1959) in Spike Lee’s 1992 Malcolm X  movie. 

That critically acclaimed performance lead to a cd titled Miki Sings Billie, released at the end of 1993 and partially produced by David Foster. On that cd, Ms. Howard covered the most treasured songs of the legendary singer with the Hitman’s brilliant guidance. Foster had already produced a couple of tracks for Ms. Howard on her previous Femme Fatale album . Out in September of 1992, Femme Fatale was a well-dosed collection of catchy R&B and pop songs that peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart. Foster added an effective adult contemporary twist to the cd with the trademark adult ballad “Shining Through,” co-written with ex-wife Linda Thompson and the late, great film composer, Michael Kamen (1948-2003). A previous review of “Shining Through” can be found in the archives.

Another Foster production and current Song of the Week was a feel-good mid-tempo called “New Fire From An Old Flame.” Written by Diane Warren, the mastermind behind dozens of top hits with many also produced by Foster, “New Fire From An Old Flame” was a delicious pop number with R&B overtones. As usual, the song was meticulously crafted by Foster and his team including famed engineer Dave Reitzas and session legends Robbie Buchanan and Michael Thompson. Howard delivered an ear-tantalizing vocal performance supported by the golden harmonies of Janey Clawer and the unforgettable, late Warren Wiebe (1953-1998). The programmed instrumental track, unlike many other productions of the nineties, flowed quite nicely. “New Fire From An Old Flame” could have easily been a hit since it sported a composition that was top-notch, had amazing songwriting, perfect production and show stopping performances. “New Fire From An Old Flame” would be covered a couple of years later by another R&B songstress, Stephanie Mills, who gave a convincing performance. However, the overall production by Guy Roche sounded weaker than the Foster version.

Listen

• Lead Vocals: Miki Howard
• Keyboards & Synth Bass: David Foster
• Guitar: Michael Thompson
• Synthesizer & Drum Programming: Robbie Buchanan
• Synthesizer Programming: Simon Franglen
• Backing Vocals: Janey Clewer & Warren Wiebe
• Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

No Lyrics

All-4-One, the popular American R&B vocal quartet, released its self-titled debut cd in April of 1994. All-4-One, thanks to the David Foster-produced #1 smash ballad, “I Swear,” a previous Song of the Week on this website, went on to sell over four million copies in the US alone.

“I Swear,” with its delicious vocal harmonies and perfectly crafted production, earned the group a Grammy Award as Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The song was certified platinum by selling over 1.5 million copies, and was ranked #88 on Billboard’s All Time Top 100 songs list. The magnitude of success of “I Swear” and the other gold-certified single, “So Much In Love,” overshadowed the rest of All-4-One that featured more catchy tunes including the second Foster production, an elegant, smooth jam titled “Oh Girl.”

The ballad “Oh Girl” was co-written by the group’s tenor singer, Jamie Jones with Gary St. Clair, an up ’n’ coming music-maker who produced the bulk of All-4-One. “Oh Girl” was an ear-candy song about lost love. The group’s vocal harmonies were a knock-out with Jones’ lead vocal in the spotlight. Foster’s production was the usual top-notch affair. Although mostly programmed, the instrumental arrangement was tastefully done with some classy electric guitar licks courtesy of session great Michael Thompson. “Oh Girl” leaned more towards classic R&B compared to the pop-influenced “I Swear,” but both songs are effective evidence of Foster’s chart-topping style of the nineties. The album reaffirm All-4-One as one of the most gifted vocal ensembles of those days.

Listen

• Lead Vocals: Jamie Jones
• Harmony Vocals: Delious, Alfred Nevarez, Tony Borowiak
• Keyboards: David Foster
• Guitar: Michael Thompson
• Produced by David Foster

Lyrics

Girl, I know that there are times
When I don’t listen to you
And maybe know it seems that I am untrue
But give me one more chance
And I’ll prove my love to you
And oh girl I’ll do anything 
To be back with you

I’ll show affection and anything you choose
And I’ll do all this to prove that I love you
I do love you
And girl you know I’ll love you and I care
And if you ever need me I will always be there
I’m missin’ all the love (all the love)
That you and I shared
And oh girl (oh girl)

You and I should never be apart
So can we try it again 
And make a brand new start
You know I love with all my heart 
Cause baby I love you
I do love you
Now I lay me down to sleep
Your not by my side
My pillow soakin’ wet
From all the tears that I cried

When I look in your eyes
I don’t see me any more
So can we try it one more time
Before you walk out that door
And oh, oh girl (oh girl)
I’m sorry I didn’t understand
That all you wanted
Was a sensitive man
So I’ll do all that I can
To show you I love you

Baby I do love you
You know girl
I love you so much
I just can’t understand how come
Why, things can work out for us
If I could only tell you right how I feel
I know everything between you and me
Would be all right
Know I love you baby
You know girl 
I love you so much

I just can’t understand how come
Things can work out for us 
It’s gonna be alright now baby
I love you so much
I just can’t understand how come
Things can work out for us
You know girl

I love you so much
I just can’t understand how come
Things can work out for us
I need you with me, I want you with me
I just can’t understand how come
Things can work out for us

written by David Foster & Brian McKnight

Jordan Hill’s 1996 ballad, “Until The End Of Time,” is the only writing collaboration between David Foster and r&b star Brian McKnight to make it on record. These two gifted music-makers have crossed paths in concert and the recording studio. McKnight claims fame for big hits like “Back At One,” “Love Is” (with Vanessa Williams) and “One Last Cry.” McKnight has always mentioned Foster as a mentor and inspiration as well as being a fixture on the Hitman’s famous Foster & Friends touring franchise.

Ms. Hill was signed by Foster for her impressive voice, style and looks that fit in the Mariah Carey pop/r&b/ac “diva” cliche of the era. “Until The End Of Time” found its way onto Ms. Hill’s self-titled debut cd for Foster’s 143 Records. Given the golden touch of its top-notch co-writers, “Until The End Of Time” was a great showcase of adult contemporary bravura with perfect melodic pleasure, catchiness and dramatic power in its musical development. On “Until The End Of Time,” the young singer delivered the goods and was joined by the warm baritone voice of Delious Kennedy, founding member of the r&b vocal quartet All-4-One. The vocal interplay between the two young performers was really impressive. They blended the harmonies with powerful crescendos and “money notes” on the song’s commanding climax. Foster’s elegant arrangement was based on various keyboards and programmed percussions which served Ms. Hill and Delious perfectly. The final result was a tender love ballad that was total nirvana for adult contemporary lovers.

 Jordan Hill was chocked-full of classy, adult contemporary material as well as pop ditties and r&b goodies. Check out past reviews of the hit ballad “Remember Me This Way” that can be heard onJordan Hill and on the soundtrack of Casper. Also read and hear the danceable hit single “For The Love Of You” for more insight on the Jordan Hill cd.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Jordan-Hill-Delious-Kennedy-all-4-one-Untill-the-End-of-Time.mp3|titles=Until The End Of Time|artists=Jordan Hill]

Lead Vocals: Jordan Hill
Feat. on Lead Vocals: Delious (of All-4-One)
Keyboards: David Foster
Guitars: Michael Thompson

Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

Looking at you, I can’t believe that it’s true
I’ve got someone who’s crazy over me
Here and now, I am sure that I’ve found
What true love is and what love should to be

When you hold me then I know
That’s where I belong and I don’t want
To let you go
Nowhere in this world I’d rather be

You and I, can’t deny, we can’t deny
Heaven’s here between your lips and mine
I promise I, I will never say good-bye
It’s you and me ’til the end of time

It’s just enough, all I’ve ever dreamed of
The love I pray for before I go to sleep
Just in time I never thought that I would find
Another reason to give all of me

When you hold me then I know
That’s where I belong and I don’t want
To let you go
Nowhere in this world I’d rather be

You and I, can’t deny, we can’t deny
Heaven’s here between your lips and mine
I promise I, I will never say good-bye
It’s you and me ’til the end of time

You are the air that I breathe
I’ve seen all that I need to see
Finally I know
Love is what used to be when
I don’t and I won’t have to spend
Another night alone
You don’t have to be alone

You and I, can’t deny, we can’t deny
Heaven’s here between your lips and mine
I promise I, I will never say good-bye
It’s you and me ’til the end of time
It’s you and me ’til the end of time
It’s you and me ’til the end of time

Written by Diane Warren

Celine Dion built her superstar status in the nineties and the peak of her worldwide success was towards the end of that decade. After an impressive string of four multi-platinum releases for the international market, the Quebecois songbird recorded a Christmas cd in 1998 called These Are  Special Times. Once again, David Foster helmed a good portion of the music. The album became another out-of-the-box success for Dion with sales over five million copies in the US and over twelve million worldwide.

Wisely,These Are Special Times presented a number of beautifully crafted traditional Christmas songs alongside some interesting new material that musically symbolized the holiday feel. So is the case of “These Are The Special Times,” an intense ballad written by noted hit-maker Diane Warren that showcased a gorgeous melody, ear-candy hook and inspirational lyrics. Foster produced the song with the characteristic flavor of those years and embellished it through the trademark work on keyboards, synthesizers and programming. Jeremy Lubbock added his own genius in the strings department while Michael Thompson supplied the charming guitar licks. On top of this lush instrumental track stood Dion’s fantastic voice. The Canadian singer gave one of her memorable performances with an irresistible latch between notes that demonstrated both delicate and powerful lines. Dion’s legendary voice was supported by an effectual chorus and backing vocalists that gave the song a deep gospel feel that was perfect for that kind of festive project.
These Are Special Times offers other Foster-produced gems including “Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful),” “Ave Maria,” “Blue Christmas” and “O Holy Night.” These songs stand as some of the best-ever renditions of those Christmas staples thanks to Ms. Dion’s amazing vocals and Foster’s always creative musical landscapes. Along with impressive numbers,These Are Special Times belongs beside the elite of “Bestselling Christmas Albums Of All Time” with other Foster classics like Josh Groban’s Noel, Michael Bublè’s Christmas and Andrea Bocelli’s My Christmas.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/these_are_the_special_times.mp3|titles=These Are The Special Times|artists=Celine Dion]

Lead Vocals: Celine Dion

Keyboards: David Foster
Guitar: Michael Thompson
Synthesizer Programming: Felipe Elgueta
Backing Vocals – Khris Kellow, Sue Ann Carwell, Tanya Kelly
Choir: Alex Brown, Bobbi Page,Bridgette Bryant,Carmen Carter,Carmen Twillie,Darlan Holley,Gary Falcone,Jeff Ramsey,Louis Price,Randy Phillips, Susie Stevens-Logan,Tommy Funderburk
Strings Arranged by Jeremy Lubbock

Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

In these moments, moments of our lives
All the world is ours
And this world is so right
You and I sharing this time together
Sharing the same dream
As the time goes by we will find

These are the special times
Times we’ll remember
These are the precious times
The tender times we’ll hold in our hearts forever
These are the sweetest times
These times together
And through it all, one thing will always be true
The special times are the times I share with you

With each moment, moment passing by
We’ll make memories that will last all our lives
As you and I travel through time together
Living this sweet dream
And every day we can say

These are the special times
Times we’ll remember
These are the precious times
The tender times we’ll hold in our hearts forever
These are the sweetest times
These times together
And through it all, one thing will always be true
The special times are the times I share with you

These tender moments
When heaven is so close
These are the moments that I know

These are the special times
Times we’ll remember
These are the precious times
The tender times we’ll hold in our hearts forever
These are the sweetest times
These times together
And through it all, one thing will always be true
The special times are the times I share
Are the times we share, are the times I share… with you
Special times I share with you