Something to Remember
Encyclopedia
Something to Remember is a compilation album by American singer-songwriter Madonna
, released on November 7, 1995 by Maverick Records
. It came after a controversial period of Madonna in the 1990s and at this time critics had deemed her career over. In response to this Madonna announced this compilation album, which was composed mostly of ballads spanning Madonna's career with a revised version of "Love Don't Live Here Anymore
" and three news songs: "You'll See
", "One More Chance
" and a cover of Marvin Gaye
's "I Want You
". The record also featured previously released Madonna singles that had never been featured on her own album including; "I'll Remember" and "This Used to Be My Playground" and altogether provided a softer image for Madonna at a critical period in her career.
Production saw Madonna work with acts such as; Massive Attack
, Richard Page and unusually a well known producer David Foster
, known for his work with such artists as Barbra Streisand
. Madonna stated the concept for the album was to make fans and critics alike remember her for her music rather than her controversial lifestyle which critics at the time called the end of her career. The album was generally well received by critics many of whom noted Madonna's purposeful softer image and music featured. Commercially the album performed well also, topping charts in Australia, Austria, Finland and Italy, and peaking within top ten elsewhere. In the United States, it reached number six on the Billboard 200
and was certified three times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America
(RIAA) for shipment of three million units. Worldwide, Something to Remember has sold over nine million copies.
"You'll See" was released as the albums first single on October 23, 1995, accompanied by a Spanish version named "Veras" and a Michael Haussman
music video, the song peaked at number six in the United States. "One More Chance" and "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" were released as singles gaining little commercial response; the latter received a Jean-Baptiste Mondino
directed music video at a time when Madonna was pregnant with daughter Lourdes. Other singles included previously released "Oh Father
" taken from Madonna's 1989 album Like a Prayer
which was released exclusively in Europe whilst the track "I Want You" was released as a promotional single alongside a video directed by Earle Sebastian.
During the development Madonna worked with such producers as; Massive Attack and Richard Page, but her work on the two tracks; "You'll See" and "One More Chance" saw her work with a well known producer which was unusual for Madonna, David Foster
had worked with the likes of; Barbra Streisand
, Al Jarreau
and Earth, Wind & Fire
. The packaging included with the release showed Madonna looking "deliciously cosmopolitan" as she wore a tight-fit white cocktail attire, whilst the back cover artwork is predominantly more playful. The front cover artwork presented Madonna leaning against a wall with an expression of "romantic loss or absorption". Designed as the Madonna album which would appeal to a larger audience in contrast to her previous records; Bedtime Stories
and Erotica, the booklet featured red roses inside and a golden yellow flower on the back cover. The title of the of the album derives from the Madonna song of the same name, featured on Madonna's Dick Tracy
soundtrack entitled I'm Breathless
, the Patrick Leonard produced track was listed as the albums title as it had received little attention at the time of the soundtrack release.
, followed by Madonna beginning the first verse. As the song progresses, the sound of the violin fades in and the drum machine starts, and the piano is played along with it. As the chorus is sang the third time, a bass drum
is also added in the flow. The violin again fades in as Madonna sings "Through the windmills of my eye, Everyone can see the loneliness inside me." Near the end, she utters the chorus a number of times, emphasizing on the word "anymore" and the phrase "live here anymore". It ends with the Uilleann pipes fading out. The song was also treated with remixes in various formats. SoulShock & Karlin made an R&B styled remix; while Marcus Schulz created a house remix. Madonna's voice were paired opposite an energetic beat, coupled with vibrant organ
lines and blipping synth effects. The remixes were released as promotional 12" and CD singles on May 6, 1996. The second track has never been featured on a Madonna record, titled "I'll Remember" was written by Madonna, Patrick Leonard
and singer-songwriter Richard Page
and is the opposite to that of the Gaye cover. The track became the theme from the 1994 motion picture With Honors, featuring "smart chords" and "big emotion" it has gained comparisons to the Madonna song "Live to Tell
". Written in the style of a late seventies AOR track by acts such as Foreigner
, however without as much emphasis on string arrangements, it features slowed dance and soul beats. A synth-keyboard section takes the place of what would be traditionally a guitar section in this type of track with a C-D major chord change at the beginning of the track. Backing vocals start in later verses of the track and lyrically the song reminisces as Madonna thinks back to a good love affair, with Madonna's vocals taking a background to the instrumental. Regarding Madonna's feelings towards the track she said:
The sixth track, "This Used to Be My Playground" is a new addition to any Madonna album release, the song was released in 1992 and featured as the closing credits for the film A League of Their Own
. With a keyboard introduction, the track leads into a string section. As does her 1989 album Like a Prayer the song explores Madonna's childhood as she is pulled between the past and letting go, with the conclusive point that letting go is not an option. With expressive vocals from Madonna, backing vocals enter in the third verse with the track concluding suddenly on a suspended orchestral chord, the structure of the song is seamless where the chorus and verse flow into each other. Something to Remember consists of Madonna's most important ballads. The song selection creates a soft atmosphere, the music is downbeat and "emotionally introverted" with mellow vibes throughout. The album consists of previously released singles, of which none have been featured on a Madonna record, and three completely new Madonna tracks. The emphasis over the record is on Madonna's vocals in an attempt to divert attention away from the controversial studio albums Erotica and Bedtime Stories she had released beforehand.
. The song starts with a long introduction featuring a hip-hop drum beat with emphasis on the bass section of the instrumental alongside a semi-tonal string figure. The second verse features a harp and a repeating drum loop accompanied with a telephone style bleeping sound. Madonna's vocals at times are accompanied by spoken passages with her overall vocals dominating the track, with lyrics discussing a man that no longer wants her, whilst Madonna is determined to change his mind. An alternative mix to "I Want You" named the "Orchestral Mix" was released, the original drum track, bass and percussion are removed from the track. The version starts slower with Madonna's vocals entering with a low string bass line only, gradually more string arrangements are added with harp and brass featured in the background of the mix. A moment towards the end of the track hears Madonna's voice with no accompaniment, creating a "dramatic" theme and overall the version features around 20 seconds less than the original.
In addition to the two new additions to a Madonna album, two more ballads were included; "You'll See" and "One More Chance" were both written by Madonna and musician David Foster
. "You'll See" is a low bass track featuring wind chimes and at points a Spanish guitar which presents this sombre E-minor ballad. Throughout the chord changes progression to give Madonna's vocals dominance in the song, and after a minute the percussion starts with a tremolo guitar added later. String synths and drums build the track further with the second verse seeing Madonna harmonize with herself, Madonna was asked whether the track was about revenge to which she replied "No, it's about empowering yourself". Lyrically the song talks of independence after the end of a love affair stating that Madonna will go onto greater things. The next original song, "One More Chance" features an acoustic guitar introduction with "plenty" of chord changes. Lyrically the song features Madonna attempting to win a lost lover back, her vocals are weaker than others featured on the record and features a harmony featuring her vocals and the acoustic guitar in one part.
from Allmusic responded well noting her vocal efforts saying "Throughout the album, Madonna proves that she's a terrific singer whose voice has improved over the years" whilst generally stating the album was well compiled saying "Not one of the tracks is second-rate, and the best songs on Something to Remember rank among the best pop music of the '80s and '90s". Rikky Rooksby author of The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna stated "the album lacks the overtly sexual themes of the previous studio albums" adding "You can play this late at night or on a Sunday morning and it wont spoil the mellow vibes". J. Randy Taraborrelli author of Madonna: An Intimate Biography
noted the David Foster produced tracks as standouts saying "It was interesting that, with all of his [David Foster] exciting musical ability from which to draw, he and Madonna would come up with two of the most sombre songs she has ever recorded - but such is the excitement of collaboration; one never knows what will come of it". Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly
gave the album a positive review starting with "The Material Girl hasn't lost her touch" whilst explaining:
(SNEP) for shipment of 200,000 copies in France. Worldwide, Something to Remember has sold over nine million copies.
Madonna (entertainer)
Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
, released on November 7, 1995 by Maverick Records
Maverick Records
Maverick Recording Company is an American record label owned and operated by Warner Music Group, and distributed through Warner Bros. Records.-Company history:...
. It came after a controversial period of Madonna in the 1990s and at this time critics had deemed her career over. In response to this Madonna announced this compilation album, which was composed mostly of ballads spanning Madonna's career with a revised version of "Love Don't Live Here Anymore
Love Don't Live Here Anymore
"Love Don't Live Here Anymore" is a song written by Miles Gregory and originally recorded by Rose Royce. It was produced by former Motown songwriter and producer Norman Whitfield for the Whitfield Records...
" and three news songs: "You'll See
You'll See
"You'll See" is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna from her ballads compilation Something to Remember . The album was released with the intention of tone down the image of Madonna, who was being heavily criticized at the time. The singer decided to work with producer David Foster, who...
", "One More Chance
One More Chance (Madonna song)
"One More Chance" is a pop ballad song by American singer Madonna from the ballads compilation Something to Remember. It was released on March 7, 1996 by Maverick Records as the second single from the album...
" and a cover of Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range....
's "I Want You
I Want You (Marvin Gaye song)
-Background:Madonna recorded a cover version of "I Want You" with British trip-hop group Massive Attack for her ballads compilation album Something to Remember and the Marvin Gaye tribute album Inner City Blues: The Music of Marvin Gaye in 1995...
". The record also featured previously released Madonna singles that had never been featured on her own album including; "I'll Remember" and "This Used to Be My Playground" and altogether provided a softer image for Madonna at a critical period in her career.
Production saw Madonna work with acts such as; Massive Attack
Massive Attack
Massive Attack are an English DJ and trip hop duo from Bristol, England consisting of Robert "3D" Del Naja and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall. Working with co-producers, as well as various session musicians and guest vocalists, they make records and tour live. The duo are considered to be of the trip...
, Richard Page and unusually a well known producer David Foster
David Foster
David Walter Foster, OC, OBC , is a Canadian musician, record producer, composer, singer, songwriter, and arranger, noted for discovering singers such as Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, and Charice Pempengco; and for producing some of the most successful artists in the world, such as Céline Dion, Toni...
, known for his work with such artists as Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Joan Streisand is an American singer, actress, film producer and director. She has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Special Tony Award, an American Film Institute award, a Peabody Award, and is one of the few entertainers who have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy,...
. Madonna stated the concept for the album was to make fans and critics alike remember her for her music rather than her controversial lifestyle which critics at the time called the end of her career. The album was generally well received by critics many of whom noted Madonna's purposeful softer image and music featured. Commercially the album performed well also, topping charts in Australia, Austria, Finland and Italy, and peaking within top ten elsewhere. In the United States, it reached number six on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
and was certified three times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
(RIAA) for shipment of three million units. Worldwide, Something to Remember has sold over nine million copies.
"You'll See" was released as the albums first single on October 23, 1995, accompanied by a Spanish version named "Veras" and a Michael Haussman
Michael Haussman
Michael Haussman is an American music video, motion picture and television advertisement director, writer and producer.Michael Haussman is a director, writer and artist, whose internationally acclaimed commercials have won numerous awards and are featured in advertising books and trade journals...
music video, the song peaked at number six in the United States. "One More Chance" and "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" were released as singles gaining little commercial response; the latter received a Jean-Baptiste Mondino
Jean-Baptiste Mondino
Jean-Baptiste Mondino is a French fashion photographer and music video director. He has directed music videos for Madonna, David Bowie, Sting, Björk, Neneh Cherry and Les Rita Mitsouko...
directed music video at a time when Madonna was pregnant with daughter Lourdes. Other singles included previously released "Oh Father
Oh Father
"Oh Father" is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna, from her fourth studio album Like a Prayer . It was released as the fourth single from the album on October 24, 1989, by Sire Records. The song was not released as a single in most European territories until December 24, 1995, when it...
" taken from Madonna's 1989 album Like a Prayer
Like a Prayer
Like a Prayer is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, released on March 21, 1989 by Sire Records, three years after her previous studio album. Madonna worked with Stephen Bray, Patrick Leonard, and fellow icon Prince on the album while co-writing and co-producing all the...
which was released exclusively in Europe whilst the track "I Want You" was released as a promotional single alongside a video directed by Earle Sebastian.
Background
After a controversy fueled period, Madonna's personal life had started to dominate over her musical career, "She knew it was time to make a change" as said by one anonymous member of her management team who claimed that she wanted to prove there was more to her than the constant media circus surrounding her. J. Randy Taraborrelli author of Madonna: An Intimate Biography noted that Madonna had previously stated that many of her songs have been overlooked in response to current trends with her long time friend and producer Mirwais Ahmadzai stating "she hasn't shouted about her musical abilities". Taraborrelli explained "So, whether Madonna released Something to Remember, a collection of previously released love songs, because she had a point to prove or simply to keep a contractual obligation, the fourteen track recording did make a statement." Described as a "love letter from Madonna to her fans and music lovers alike" the compilation seemed to notify her contemporaries of her musical talent with Madonna jokingly commenting "...And these are just my ballads".During the development Madonna worked with such producers as; Massive Attack and Richard Page, but her work on the two tracks; "You'll See" and "One More Chance" saw her work with a well known producer which was unusual for Madonna, David Foster
David Foster
David Walter Foster, OC, OBC , is a Canadian musician, record producer, composer, singer, songwriter, and arranger, noted for discovering singers such as Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, and Charice Pempengco; and for producing some of the most successful artists in the world, such as Céline Dion, Toni...
had worked with the likes of; Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Joan Streisand is an American singer, actress, film producer and director. She has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Special Tony Award, an American Film Institute award, a Peabody Award, and is one of the few entertainers who have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy,...
, Al Jarreau
Al Jarreau
Alwin "Al" Lopez Jarreau is a seven-time Grammy Award winning jazz singer.- Background :Jarreau was born in Milwaukee, the fifth of six children. His web site refers to Reservoir, Inc., the name of the street where he lived. His father was a Seventh-Day Adventist Church minister and singer, and...
and Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire is an American soul and R&B band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1969 by Verdine and Maurice White. Also known as EWF, the band has won six Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards. They have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of...
. The packaging included with the release showed Madonna looking "deliciously cosmopolitan" as she wore a tight-fit white cocktail attire, whilst the back cover artwork is predominantly more playful. The front cover artwork presented Madonna leaning against a wall with an expression of "romantic loss or absorption". Designed as the Madonna album which would appeal to a larger audience in contrast to her previous records; Bedtime Stories
Bedtime Stories (Madonna album)
Bedtime Stories is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, released on October 25, 1994 by Maverick Records. Madonna collaborated with Dallas Austin, Babyface, Dave "Jam" Hall and Nellee Hooper, deciding to move into a more R&B direction...
and Erotica, the booklet featured red roses inside and a golden yellow flower on the back cover. The title of the of the album derives from the Madonna song of the same name, featured on Madonna's Dick Tracy
Dick Tracy
Dick Tracy is a comic strip featuring Dick Tracy, a hard-hitting, fast-shooting and intelligent police detective. Created by Chester Gould, the strip made its debut on October 4, 1931, in the Detroit Mirror. It was distributed by the Chicago Tribune New York News Syndicate...
soundtrack entitled I'm Breathless
I'm Breathless
I'm Breathless: Music from and Inspired by the film Dick Tracy is the second soundtrack album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, released on May 22, 1990, by Sire Records...
, the Patrick Leonard produced track was listed as the albums title as it had received little attention at the time of the soundtrack release.
Music
The first track selected for use on the compilation was "Love Don't Live Here Anymore", the track remixed by David Reitzas features "weak" and "inexperienced" vocals from Madonna due to the "aggressive" vocal nature of the track. The remixed version in 1996, was quite different to the 1984 version. It began with the sound of violins and Uilleann pipesUilleann pipes
The uilleann pipes or //; ) are the characteristic national bagpipe of Ireland, their current name, earlier known in English as "union pipes", is a part translation of the Irish-language term píobaí uilleann , from their method of inflation.The bag of the uilleann pipes is inflated by means of a...
, followed by Madonna beginning the first verse. As the song progresses, the sound of the violin fades in and the drum machine starts, and the piano is played along with it. As the chorus is sang the third time, a bass drum
Bass drum
Bass drums are percussion instruments that can vary in size and are used in several musical genres. Three major types of bass drums can be distinguished. The type usually seen or heard in orchestral, ensemble or concert band music is the orchestral, or concert bass drum . It is the largest drum of...
is also added in the flow. The violin again fades in as Madonna sings "Through the windmills of my eye, Everyone can see the loneliness inside me." Near the end, she utters the chorus a number of times, emphasizing on the word "anymore" and the phrase "live here anymore". It ends with the Uilleann pipes fading out. The song was also treated with remixes in various formats. SoulShock & Karlin made an R&B styled remix; while Marcus Schulz created a house remix. Madonna's voice were paired opposite an energetic beat, coupled with vibrant organ
Organ (music)
The organ , is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard operated either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is a relatively old musical instrument in the Western musical tradition, dating from the time of Ctesibius of Alexandria who is credited with...
lines and blipping synth effects. The remixes were released as promotional 12" and CD singles on May 6, 1996. The second track has never been featured on a Madonna record, titled "I'll Remember" was written by Madonna, Patrick Leonard
Patrick Leonard
Patrick Raymond Leonard is an American songwriter, keyboardist and music producer, known for his longtime collaboration with Madonna on many different recordings....
and singer-songwriter Richard Page
Richard Page
Richard Lewis Page is a former Conservative Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom from 1976 to 1979 and from December 1979 to 2005.-Early life:He is the son of Victor Charles Page...
and is the opposite to that of the Gaye cover. The track became the theme from the 1994 motion picture With Honors, featuring "smart chords" and "big emotion" it has gained comparisons to the Madonna song "Live to Tell
Live to Tell
"Live to Tell" is a pop ballad by American singer-songwriter Madonna. Originally written by Patrick Leonard for the soundtrack of the film Fire with Fire, the song was shown to Madonna, who decided to use it for then-husband Sean Penn's film At Close Range...
". Written in the style of a late seventies AOR track by acts such as Foreigner
Foreigner (band)
Foreigner is a British-American rock band, originally formed in 1976 by veteran English musicians Mick Jones and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald along with American vocalist Lou Gramm...
, however without as much emphasis on string arrangements, it features slowed dance and soul beats. A synth-keyboard section takes the place of what would be traditionally a guitar section in this type of track with a C-D major chord change at the beginning of the track. Backing vocals start in later verses of the track and lyrically the song reminisces as Madonna thinks back to a good love affair, with Madonna's vocals taking a background to the instrumental. Regarding Madonna's feelings towards the track she said:
"I think most of the time when my records come out, people are so much distracted by so much fanfare and controversy that nobody pays attention to the music. [...] I can't tell you how painful the idea of singing 'Like a VirginLike a Virgin (song)"Like a Virgin" is a song by American singer Madonna from her second album of the same name. It was released on November 6, 1984 by Sire Records, as the first single from the album. The song appears on the greatest hits compilation albums The Immaculate Collection and Celebration...
' or 'Material GirlMaterial Girl"Material Girl" is a song performed by American singer-songwriter Madonna. It was released on January 30, 1985, by Sire Records, as the second single from her second album Like a Virgin. It also appears slightly remixed on the 1990 greatest hits compilation, The Immaculate Collection, and in its...
' (1984) is to me now. I didn't write either of those songs, and wasn't digging very deep then. I also feel more connected emotionally to the music I'm writing now, so it's more of a pleasure to do it."
The sixth track, "This Used to Be My Playground" is a new addition to any Madonna album release, the song was released in 1992 and featured as the closing credits for the film A League of Their Own
A League of Their Own
A League of Their Own is a 1992 American comedy-drama film that tells a fictionalized account of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League . Directed by Penny Marshall, the film stars Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Tom Hanks, Madonna, and Rosie O'Donnell...
. With a keyboard introduction, the track leads into a string section. As does her 1989 album Like a Prayer the song explores Madonna's childhood as she is pulled between the past and letting go, with the conclusive point that letting go is not an option. With expressive vocals from Madonna, backing vocals enter in the third verse with the track concluding suddenly on a suspended orchestral chord, the structure of the song is seamless where the chorus and verse flow into each other. Something to Remember consists of Madonna's most important ballads. The song selection creates a soft atmosphere, the music is downbeat and "emotionally introverted" with mellow vibes throughout. The album consists of previously released singles, of which none have been featured on a Madonna record, and three completely new Madonna tracks. The emphasis over the record is on Madonna's vocals in an attempt to divert attention away from the controversial studio albums Erotica and Bedtime Stories she had released beforehand.
New material
For the record, Madonna revised the Marvin Gaye track, "I Want You". Produced by Nellee Hooper, in contrast to Gaye's "elaborate" original, the track is based on just Madonna's vocals and the beat produced by Massive AttackMassive Attack
Massive Attack are an English DJ and trip hop duo from Bristol, England consisting of Robert "3D" Del Naja and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall. Working with co-producers, as well as various session musicians and guest vocalists, they make records and tour live. The duo are considered to be of the trip...
. The song starts with a long introduction featuring a hip-hop drum beat with emphasis on the bass section of the instrumental alongside a semi-tonal string figure. The second verse features a harp and a repeating drum loop accompanied with a telephone style bleeping sound. Madonna's vocals at times are accompanied by spoken passages with her overall vocals dominating the track, with lyrics discussing a man that no longer wants her, whilst Madonna is determined to change his mind. An alternative mix to "I Want You" named the "Orchestral Mix" was released, the original drum track, bass and percussion are removed from the track. The version starts slower with Madonna's vocals entering with a low string bass line only, gradually more string arrangements are added with harp and brass featured in the background of the mix. A moment towards the end of the track hears Madonna's voice with no accompaniment, creating a "dramatic" theme and overall the version features around 20 seconds less than the original.
In addition to the two new additions to a Madonna album, two more ballads were included; "You'll See" and "One More Chance" were both written by Madonna and musician David Foster
David Foster
David Walter Foster, OC, OBC , is a Canadian musician, record producer, composer, singer, songwriter, and arranger, noted for discovering singers such as Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, and Charice Pempengco; and for producing some of the most successful artists in the world, such as Céline Dion, Toni...
. "You'll See" is a low bass track featuring wind chimes and at points a Spanish guitar which presents this sombre E-minor ballad. Throughout the chord changes progression to give Madonna's vocals dominance in the song, and after a minute the percussion starts with a tremolo guitar added later. String synths and drums build the track further with the second verse seeing Madonna harmonize with herself, Madonna was asked whether the track was about revenge to which she replied "No, it's about empowering yourself". Lyrically the song talks of independence after the end of a love affair stating that Madonna will go onto greater things. The next original song, "One More Chance" features an acoustic guitar introduction with "plenty" of chord changes. Lyrically the song features Madonna attempting to win a lost lover back, her vocals are weaker than others featured on the record and features a harmony featuring her vocals and the acoustic guitar in one part.
Critical reception
Critically the few responses were positive. Stephen Thomas ErlewineStephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine is a senior editor for Allmusic. He is the author of many artist biographies and record reviews for Allmusic, as well as a freelance writer, occasionally contributing liner notes. He is also frontman and guitarist for the Ann Arbor-based band Who Dat?Erlewine is the nephew...
from Allmusic responded well noting her vocal efforts saying "Throughout the album, Madonna proves that she's a terrific singer whose voice has improved over the years" whilst generally stating the album was well compiled saying "Not one of the tracks is second-rate, and the best songs on Something to Remember rank among the best pop music of the '80s and '90s". Rikky Rooksby author of The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna stated "the album lacks the overtly sexual themes of the previous studio albums" adding "You can play this late at night or on a Sunday morning and it wont spoil the mellow vibes". J. Randy Taraborrelli author of Madonna: An Intimate Biography
Madonna: An Intimate Biography
Madonna: An Intimate Biography is a book by American author J. Randy Taraborrelli, chronicling the life of American recording artist Madonna. The book was released in April 2001 by Sidgwick & Jackson in the United Kingdom, and in August 2001 by Simon & Schuster in the United States...
noted the David Foster produced tracks as standouts saying "It was interesting that, with all of his [David Foster] exciting musical ability from which to draw, he and Madonna would come up with two of the most sombre songs she has ever recorded - but such is the excitement of collaboration; one never knows what will come of it". Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
gave the album a positive review starting with "The Material Girl hasn't lost her touch" whilst explaining:
"By placing her greatest-hit ballads ("Live to Tell", "Crazy for You", "Take a Bow", etc.) in a new context — that is, separated from her more attention-getting dance music — Madonna reinvigorates them, which is just what a good best-of compilation is supposed to do. The three new songs "You'll See", "One More Chance", and a wonderfully eerie version of Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" are consumer enticements that just add to the allure."
Commercial reception
In the United Kingdom the album debuted at number three on the issue date of November 18, 1995. In its second week the album dropped a place to number four where it spent two weeks, the album spent twelve consecutive weeks in the top ten before falling to number 11 on February 2, 1996. The album has been certified triple platinum signifying sales of over 900,000 copies in the UK alone. In Austria the album debuted at number 12 on the issue date of November 19, 1995, however seven weeks after the release of the record it topped the chart on January 14, 1996 before dropping to number two the following week, however it regained the top spot for a second run for just one week on the issue date of January 28, 1996. In France, the album debuted at number 12 on the issue date of November 5, 1995 and peaked at number six three weeks later. It was certified double-gold by the Syndicat National de l'Édition PhonographiqueSyndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique
The Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique is the inter-professional organization which protects the interests of the French record industry...
(SNEP) for shipment of 200,000 copies in France. Worldwide, Something to Remember has sold over nine million copies.
Track listing
Charts
| Chart | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Australia Albums Chart Australian Recording Industry Association The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956... |
1 |
| Austrian Albums Chart | 1 |
| Belgian Albums Chart Ultratop 50 Ultratop 50 singles, often just Ultratop 50, is the weekly chart of fifty best-selling singles in Flanders, Belgium, and is produced and published by the Ultratop organization. The chart has existed since March 31, 1995... (Flanders) |
9 |
| Belgian Albums Chart Ultratop 50 Ultratop 50 singles, often just Ultratop 50, is the weekly chart of fifty best-selling singles in Flanders, Belgium, and is produced and published by the Ultratop organization. The chart has existed since March 31, 1995... (Wallonia) |
4 |
| Dutch Albums Chart MegaCharts MegaCharts is responsible for the composition and exploitation of a broad collection of official charts in the Netherlands, of which the Mega Top 50 and the Mega Album Top 100 are the most known ones. Mega Charts also provides information to the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40, of which the Dutch Top... |
19 |
| European Top 100 Albums European Top 100 Albums The European Top 100 Albums chart is the European adaptation of the Billboard 200 albums chart. It was created in March 1984.The European Top 100 Albums, commonly referred to as Eurochart Top 100 Albums shows the sales of an act in 19 European countries based on IFPI data.The European Top 100... |
3 |
| Finnish Albums Chart | 1 |
| French Albums Chart Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique The Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique is the inter-professional organization which protects the interests of the French record industry... |
6 |
| German Albums Chart Media Control Charts The official music charts in Germany are gathered and published by the company Media Control GfK International on behalf of Bundesverband Musikindustrie... |
2 |
| Hungarian Albums Chart Mahasz Mahasz is the Hungarian music industry association, founded in 1992. Mahasz hands out the Hungarian Music Awards and maintains the music charts for Hungary.... |
2 |
| Italian Albums Chart Federation of the Italian Music Industry The Federation of the Italian Music Industry is an umbrella organization that keeps track of virtually all aspects of the music recording industry in Italy.... |
1 |
| Japanese Albums Chart Oricon , established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc... |
9 |
| New Zealand Albums Chart Recording Industry Association of New Zealand The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand is a non-profit trade association of record producers, distributors and recording artists who sell music in New Zealand... |
8 |
| Norwegian Albums Chart VG-lista VG-listen is a Norwegian record chart. It is weekly presented in the newspaper VG and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation program Topp 20. It is considered the primary Norwegian record chart, charting albums and singles from countries and continent around the world. The data is collected by... |
6 |
| Spanish Albums Chart | 6 |
| Swedish Albums Chart Sverigetopplistan Sverigetopplistan, earlier known as Topplistan and Hitlistan and other names, is since October 2007 the Swedish national record chart, based on sales data from Swedish Recording Industry Association .... |
3 |
| Swiss Albums Chart Swiss Music Charts The Swiss Music Charts are Switzerland's main music sales charts. The charts are a record of the highest-selling singles and albums in various genres in Switzerland.The Swiss Charts include:* Singles Top 75... |
3 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
3 |
| US Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
6 |
Certifications
| Country | Certification |
|---|---|
| Argentina Argentine Chamber of Phonograms and Videograms Producers The Argentine Chamber of Phonograms and Videograms Producers is an Argentine organization member of the IFPI, which represents the music industry in the country. It is a nonprofit organization integrated by multinational and independent record labels.... |
Platinum |
| Australia Australian Recording Industry Association The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956... |
4× Platinum |
| Austria | Platinum |
| Brazil Associação Brasileira dos Produtores de Discos The Associação Brasileira dos Produtores de Discos is an official representative body of the record labels in the Brazilian phonographic market.- About :... |
Platinum |
| Canada Canadian Recording Industry Association Music Canada is a Toronto-based, non-profit trade organization that was founded 9 April 1963 to represent the interests of companies that record, artists, manufacture, production, promotion and distribution of music in Canada... |
2× Platinum |
| Europe | 3× Platinum |
| Finland | 2× Platinum |
| France Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique The Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique is the inter-professional organization which protects the interests of the French record industry... |
2× Gold |
| Germany Bundesverband Musikindustrie The Bundesverband Musikindustrie or simply BVMI represents the music industry in Germany. The association represents the interests of nearly 350 labels and music industry related enterprises.... |
Platinum |
| Netherlands NVPI The NVPI is the Dutch tradeassociation of the entertainment industry... |
Platinum |
| New Zealand Recording Industry Association of New Zealand The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand is a non-profit trade association of record producers, distributors and recording artists who sell music in New Zealand... |
Platinum |
| Poland | Gold |
| Spain | Gold |
| Sweden | Platinum |
| Switzerland | Platinum |
| United Kingdom British Phonographic Industry The British Phonographic Industry is the British record industry's trade association.-Structure:Its membership comprises hundreds of music companies including all four "major" record companies , associate members such as manufacturers and distributors, and hundreds of independent music companies... |
3× Platinum |
| United States Recording Industry Association of America The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States... |
3× Platinum |