Love or Physical
Love or Physical is an album by the American musical duo Ashford & Simpson, released in 1989.[2][3] The first single was "I'll Be There for You".[4] The duo would not record another album until 1996's collaboration with Maya Angelou, Been Found.[5]
Love or Physical | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | 1989 | |||
Studio | Above Asia; Science Lab Studio; Axis Recording | |||
Label | Capitol[1] | |||
Producer | Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson | |||
Ashford & Simpson chronology | ||||
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The album peaked at No. 135 on the Billboard 200.[6]
Production
The title track was originally called "Honest to Goodness Love"; it in part alludes to AIDS and infidelity.[7]
Critical reception
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Los Angeles Times | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Los Angeles Times wrote that "In Your Arms" "is the loveliest and most genuinely sensual ballad this husband-and-wife duo has recorded in a long time."[10] The St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted that "their sound is impeccably produced but actually quite sparse in spots."[11]
The Advocate stated that "the title track is a fresh urban-contemporary approach to male-female relationships."[12] USA Today concluded that the album "goes beyond carnal concerns and explores deeper matters."[13] The Dallas Morning News concluded that "it's still a pleasure to listen when the vocal interplay between these two veterans turns dexterous, as it does on the romantic ballad 'I'll Be There for You'."[14]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson; except where noted.
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
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1. | "Love or Physical" | 4:24 | |
2. | "I'll Be There for You" | 4:38 | |
3. | "Comes with the Package" | 4:15 | |
4. | "Til We Get It Right" | 5:07 | |
5. | "Something to You" | 4:59 | |
6. | "In Your Arms" | Bruce Roberts, Edgar Bronfman, Jr. | 4:39 |
7. | "Cookies and Cake" | 4:43 | |
8. | "Timing" | 4:52 |
References
- "Jet's Top 20 Albums". Jet. 76 (6): 62. May 15, 1989.
- Hiltbrand, David (Apr 10, 1989). "Picks & Pans—Song: Love or Physical". People. 31 (14): 23.
- Kirk, Kris (Apr 15, 1989). "Two of a Kind". Melody Maker. 65 (15): 11.
- Moon, Tom (30 June 1989). "ASHFORD AND SIMPSON WILL BE THERE FOR YOU". FEATURES WEEKEND. The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 36.
- Bessman, Jim (Sep 28, 1996). "Ashford & Simpson launch label". Billboard. 108 (39): 9.
- "Ashford & Simpson". Billboard.
- Eichenberger, Bill (May 18, 1989). "SONGWRITERS CHANGE WITH TIME". Weekender. The Columbus Dispatch. p. 2.
- "Ashford & Simpson - Love or Physical Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
- Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 1. MUZE. p. 271.
- Johnson, Connie (19 Mar 1989). "ASHFORD & SIMPSON 'Love or Physical'". Calendar. Los Angeles Times. p. 75.
- Burnes, John (24 Mar 1989). "CRITIC'S CHOICE". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. F4.
- Gilbert, Calvin (March 10, 1989). "Ashford and Simpson sticking to classic themes". Fun. The Advocate. p. 2.
- Radel, Cliff (March 17, 1989). "Ashford & Simpson, 'Love or Physical'". USA Today.
- Samuels, Lennox (May 7, 1989). "Ashford and Simpson, Love Or Physical". The Dallas Morning News. p. 12C.