Willing to Forgive

"Willing to Forgive" is a song by American singer-songwriter Aretha Franklin from her seventh compilation album, Greatest Hits: 1980–1994 (1994). It was released as the album's second single in May 1994 by Arista Records. Written and produced by Babyface and Daryl Simmons, it became a hit in the, reaching number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also charted in the UK, reaching number 17. On the Eurochart Hot 100, "Willing to Forgive" peaked at number 49 in July 1994.

"Willing to Forgive"
Single by Aretha Franklin
from the album Greatest Hits: 1980–1994
B-side"Honey"
ReleasedMay 1994
GenreR&B
Length4:14
LabelArista
Songwriter(s)Babyface, Daryl Simmons
Producer(s)Babyface, Simmons
Aretha Franklin singles chronology
"A Deeper Love"
(1994)		 "Willing to Forgive"
(1994)		 "A Rose Is Still a Rose"
(1998)
Music video
"Willing to Forgive" on YouTube

Critical reception

Jose F. Promis from AllMusic deemed the song an "assembly-line ballad".[1] A reviewer from Billboard declared it as "superb" and "infectious".[2] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report commented, "Close to beginning her fourth decade as the reigning Queen Of Soul, it's a special song like this one, penned by Babyface and Daryl Simmons, that really allows Aretha to utilize her amazing vocal range. Her finest effort in many a moon should put her back on Top 40 in a big way."[3] Another reviewers, Bill Speed and John Martinucci concluded with that the singer "presents "Willing To Forgive" tenderly but with the in-your-face honesty that has become her soulful trademark."[4]

Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote, "Whereas most contemporary dance singers give everything at the wrong time, Aretha wonderfully restrains herself on this entrancing ballad. It's all about dosing your vocal power."[5] Alan Jones from Music Week stated, "A powerful R&B ballad draws a scorching performance from Aretha, whose commitment and attack do her credit."[6] James Hamilton from the RM Dance Update described it as a "pleasant enough 76bpm radio ballad".[7]

Charts

Release history
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States May 1994
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
 Arista
United Kingdom June 13, 1994 [19]

References
  1. Promis, Jose F. "Aretha Franklin – Greatest Hits: 1980-1994". AllMusic. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  2. "Album Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. March 26, 1994. p. N54. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  3. Sholin, Dave (May 27, 1994). "Gavin Picks: Singles" (PDF). Gavin Report. p. 54. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  4. Speed, Bill; Martinucci, John (April 15, 1994). "Gavin Urban — New Releases" (PDF). Gavin Report. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  5. "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. June 11, 1994. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  6. Jones, Alan (June 4, 1994). "Market Preview: Mainstream - Singles" (PDF). Music Week. p. 12. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  7. Hamilton, James (June 18, 1994). "Dj directory" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). p. 7. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  8. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. July 9, 1994. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  9. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  10. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  11. "Aretha Franklin Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  12. "Aretha Franklin Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  13. "Aretha Franklin Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  14. "Aretha Franklin Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  15. "Cash Box Top 100 Singles". August 6, 1994.
  16. "The Year in Music: Hot 100 Single Sales". Billboard. December 24, 1994. p. YE-30. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  17. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1994". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  18. "Cash Box Year-End Awards — Top 50 Urban Singles" (PDF). Cash Box. December 31, 1994. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  19. "Single Releases". Music Week. June 11, 1994. p. 25.
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