Willing to Forgive
"Willing to Forgive" is a song by Aretha Franklin from her album, Greatest Hits: 1980–1994. The song was released as the compilation's second single in May 1994 by Arista Records. It was written and produced by Babyface and Daryl Simmons, it became a hit in the U.S. in 1994. The single reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the R&B chart. It also charted in the United Kingdom, reaching number 17.[1] On the Eurochart Hot 100, "Willing to Forgive" peaked at number 49.
| "Willing to Forgive" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Aretha Franklin | ||||
| from the album Greatest Hits: 1980–1994 | ||||
| B-side | "Honey" | |||
| Released | May 1994 | |||
| Genre | R&B | |||
| Length | 4:14 | |||
| Label | Arista | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Babyface, Daryl Simmons | |||
| Producer(s) | Babyface, Simmons | |||
| Aretha Franklin singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Willing to Forgive" on YouTube | ||||
Critical reception
Jose F. Promis from AllMusic described the song as a "assembly-line ballad".[2] Dave Sholin from 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] 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."[4]
Charts
| Chart (1994) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[5] | 49 |
| Scotland (Official Charts Company)[6] | 27 |
| UK (Official Charts Company)[7] | 17 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[8] | 26 |
| US Billboard R&B | 5 |
| US Billboard Adult Contemporary | 22 |
| US Cash Box Top 100 [9] | 41 |
References
- "Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. June 25, 1994. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
- Promis, Jose F. "Aretha Franklin – Greatest Hits: 1980-1994". AllMusic. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
- Sholin, Dave (May 27, 1994). "Gavin Picks: Singles" (PDF). Gavin Report. p. 54. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
- "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. June 11, 1994. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
- "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. July 9, 1994. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
- "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 29 May 1994 - 02 July 1994". Official Charts Company. June 25, 1994. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
- "Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. June 25, 1994. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
- Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-1990 - ISBN 0-89820-089-X
- "Cash Box Top 100 Singles". August 6, 1994.
