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Michelle Gayle (album)

Michelle Gayle is the debut album by British R&B-soul singer Michelle Gayle, released in 1994 by RCA Records of BMG UK. The album was produced and co-written in parts by Narada Michael Walden who had previously worked with artists such as Whitney Houston. According to the sleeve notes of the single "Sweetness", the album was originally scheduled to be titled Walk with Pride.

The album includes Gayle's biggest hit single "Sweetness", which reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart, along with four other UK top-40 singles; "Looking Up" (No. 11), "I'll Find You" (No. 26), "Freedom" (No. 16) and "Happy Just to Be with You" (No. 11).[7] "Happy Just to Be with You" was remixed for single release; this version features on Gayle's second album, Sensational.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[8]
NME7/10[9]

Emma Forrest from NME wrote, "She has an impressive range, from sharp and sassy on the upbeat numbers, to feathery and soothing on the soulful tracks. Over the 15 songs, she hits every note perfectly, unlike some other crossover stars we won't mention."[9] AllMusic rated the album four out of five stars.[8]

Track listing

Michelle Gayle track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Get Off My Back"
  • Wilson
  • Charles
4:09
2."Happy Just to Be with You"
4:35
3."Walk with Pride"
  • Gayle
  • Wilson
  • Charles
  • Wilson
  • Charles
4:01
4."Looking Up"
  • Dave James
  • J. Rawe
James4:33
5."Girlfriend"
  • Gayle
  • James
James4:10
6."Freedom"
  • Walden
  • Sally Jo Dakota
  • Walden
  • Richardson
  • Mani
4:08
7."Personality"
  • Gayle
  • T. Morris
  • James
  • Wilson
  • Charles
3:49
8."I'll Find You"
  • Steve Jervier
  • Jonathan Wales
  • Paul Jervier
  • S. Jervier
  • Wales
  • P. Jervier
5:32
9."Your Love"
  • Gayle
  • James
James5:10
10."Sweetness"
  • Walden
  • Glass
  • Walden
  • Glass
3:36
11."One Day"
  • S. Jervier
  • Wales
  • P. Jervier
  • S. Jervier
  • Wales
  • P. Jervier
3:45
12."Say What's on Your Mind"
  • Gayle
  • Wilson
  • Charles
  • Wilson
  • Charles
3:44
13."Rise Up" (Blacksmith Remix)Simon Climie
3:39
14."Baby Don't Go"
  • Gayle
  • Walden
  • Dakota
  • Walden
  • Richardson
  • Mani
5:03
15."All Night Long"
  • Walden
  • Mani
  • Monty Steward
  • Walden
  • Mani
  • Steward
4:42
Total length:64:00

Notes

  • ^[a] signifies a remix producer

Charts

Weekly chart performance for Michelle Gayle
Chart (1994) Peak
position
Scottish Albums (OCC)[7] 80
UK Albums (OCC)[7] 30
UK R&B Albums (OCC)[7] 5

References

  1. ^ "Album Releases". Music Week. 8 October 1994. p. 24.
  2. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 24 July 1993. p. 25.
  3. ^ "Single Releases". Music Week. 10 September 1994. p. 29.
  4. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 3 December 1994. p. 31.
  5. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 13 May 1995. p. 39.
  6. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 12 August 1995. p. 39.
  7. ^ a b c d "MICHELLE GAYLE - full Official Chart History - Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  8. ^ a b Review: Michelle Gayle. AllMusic. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  9. ^ a b Forrest, Emma (29 October 1994). "Long Play". NME. p. 46. Retrieved 14 November 2023.