written by David Foster, Greg Charley & John Winston

Regina Belle is a talented R&B singer who is mostly remembered for her 1992 hit, “A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme).” That #1 duet ballad with the great Peabo Bryson was, in terms of sales, the absolute pinnacle of her career also winning its co-writers, Alan Menken and Tim Rice, an academy award.

Belle, after that big success and the consequent gold certification of her 1993 album, “Passion,” released more singles and albums that kept showcasing her impressive talents as singer/songwriter but, unfortunately, never brought her to the top of the charts again. One of those releases, “Believe In Me,” recorded between 1997 and 1998, presents an interesting cover of “Never Should Have Let You Go,” originally co-written by David Foster for Jordan Hill’s 1996 debut album. Foster composed this sweet, pop ballad with up’n’comin’ music makers, Greg Charley and John Winston. Charley, who also worked with other R&B singers like the late Gerald Levert and Johnny Bristol, produced Belle’s cover of “Never Should Have Let You Go.” As with Hill’s original version, the song’s beautiful melody and catchy hook should have deserved a single release cause it had all the right elements to become a radio hit. Belle’s vocal performance is, like always, absolutely top notch. She is an incredible singer and her R&B/jazzy style is absolutely noteworthy. Finally, we take this opportunity to suggest Foster fans to rediscover Hill’s self-titled album cause it includes a few absolutely irresistible gems by The Hitman.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/never_should_have_let_you_go.mp3|titles=Never Should Have Let You Go|artists=Regina Belle]

Lead & Backing Vocals: Regina Belle

Produced by Greg Charley

Lyrics

It feels so good to have you near
It feels so good to have you here again
You’re quite a man
To give to me a second chance
I don’t know what came over me
I don’t know why did I believe
The things my so-called friends
Were telling me

I thought that I was missing out
On a good time
I thought I’d be better off
Living the single life

Now I know, that I never should have let you go
I know now that I was wrong, so wrong, was I
I’ve come to realize
That I never should have let you go

You are one of a rare breed
‘Cause I’ve never known of a man
So caring, so loving, so understanding
Yes you are baby
Excuse me if I, if I start crying
I can’t believe
That you’re still in love with me
I’m undeserving, I’m unworthy
Of such a good feeling

I was a fool not to know
With you is where I belong
I thought I’d be better off
On my own

Now I know, that I never should have let you go
I know now that I was wrong, so wrong, was I
To ever leave your side
Now I know, that I never should have let you go
I know now that I was wrong, so wrong, was I
I’ve come to realize
That I never should have let you go

I was wrong, to leave you alone
I was wrong to let you go
I was wrong, to say good-bye, and I apologize
But I was all mixed up in the mind
I couldn’t see what was right in front of me, but

Now I know, that I never should have let you go
I know now that I was wrong, so wrong, was I
To ever leave your side
Now I know, that I never should have let you go
I know now that I was wrong, so wrong, was I
I’ve come to realize
That I never should have let you go

Now I know, that I never should have let you go
I know now that I was wrong, so wrong, was I
I’ve come to realize
That I never should have let you go