Body and Soul (Anita Baker song)

"Body and Soul" is a song by American recording artist Anita Baker, released in 1994 as the lead single in support of her fifth album, Rhythm of Love (1994). The song received critical acclaim, peaking at number four on the US Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100. It earned Baker another top 40 pop hit following 1988's "Just Because", which peaked to number 14 on the same chart.[1] In Europe, "Body and Soul" charted in the UK, reaching number 48 on the UK Singles Chart.

"Body and Soul"
Single by Anita Baker
from the album Rhythm of Love
B-side
  • "Sweet Love"
  • "Caught Up in the Rapture"
  • "Giving You the Best That I Got"
Released1994
Genre
Length3:58
LabelElektra
Songwriter(s)
  • Ellen Shipley
  • Rick Nowels
Producer(s)Barry J. Eastmond
Anita Baker singles chronology
"Giving You the Best That I Got"
(1988)		 "Body and Soul"
(1994)		 "I Apologize"
(1994)
Music video
"Body and Soul" on YouTube

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "What a pleasure it is to welcome Baker back to the fold. On this glorious peek into her new Rhythm Of Love opus, she gives us the beautiful tones that have set her apart from the typical R&B diva, warmly embracing a soothing retro-pop ballad arrangement. A bit more adult and sophisticated than top 40 is currently programming, but we pray that tastemakers will make room for something so creatively satisfying. It's so rare that we are given music of this high caliber."[2] Steve Baltin from Cash Box said, "Clearly Baker from the first note, the song stands out in the crowded R&B field because of its slightly jazzy feel. A winner all the way."[3]

Caroline Sullivan from The Guardian remarked that "her lazy phrasing deftly lifts the string-saturated "Body and Soul" out of Whitney Houston-ville".[4] Chuck Campbell from Knoxville News Sentinel felt the singer "flaunts her power belting" on the song.[5] Pan-European magazine Music & Media commented, "Soul music's best female balladeer gives a lesson in body language. Advise listeners of lovers' radio to dim the lights, move their body gently and let their heart speak."[6] James Hamilton from Music Week's RM Dance Update described it as a "gorgeous bluesy piano played wailing husky gospel-jazz-soul waltz".[7] Jonathan Bernstein from Spin named it a "standout" track of the album, declaring it as a "slowburning classic".[8]

Charts

References
  1. Billboard Singles Chart history.Billboard.com
  2. Flick, Larry (August 20, 1994). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 79. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  3. Baltin, Steve (August 20, 1994). "Pop Singles — Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  4. Sullivan, Caroline (September 23, 1994). "Music: Pop". The Guardian.
  5. Campbell, Chuck (October 7, 1994). "R.E.M. Rocks Anew On Heady 'Monster'". Knoxville News Sentinel.
  6. "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. September 10, 1994. p. 10. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  7. Hamilton, James (September 17, 1994). "Dj directory" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). p. 6. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  8. Bernstein, Jonathan (November 1994). "Heavy Rotation". Spin. p. 24. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  9. "ANITA BAKER - BODY & SOUL" (in Dutch). dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  10. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 18 September 1994 - 24 September 1994". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  11. "Anita Baker full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  12. "Anita Baker Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  13. "Anita Baker Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  14. "Anita Baker Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  15. "Anita Baker Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  16. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1994". Billboard. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  17. "Cash Box Year-End Awards — Top 50 Urban Singles" (PDF). Cash Box. December 31, 1994. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
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