About the song
“When You Tell Me That You Love Me” stands as a quintessential ballad in Diana Ross’s illustrious career, released on August 20, 1991, as the lead single from her album ‘The Force Behind the Power’. Penned by Albert Hammond and John Bettis, and produced by Peter Asher, the song quickly emerged as a defining track for Ross, renowned for its poignant lyrics and sweeping orchestration.
The song’s release under Motown in the US and EMI Records in the UK marked a significant moment, bolstered by its heartfelt narrative of love and devotion. It resonated deeply with audiences, climbing to number two on the UK Singles Chart and making a notable impact on the US Billboard R&B chart.
Critically, “When You Tell Me That You Love Me” garnered praise for its emotional depth and Ross’s masterful delivery. Billboard’s Larry Flick hailed it as a “dramatically produced power ballad” that would resonate with both diehard fans and radio audiences. Cashbox noted its commercial appeal and slick production, while the Chicago Tribune singled it out as the album’s standout ballad.
The song’s music video, a poignant blend of Ross performing in an evening gown on stage and intimate home footage with her sons, underscored its personal resonance and added another layer to its narrative richness.
Various formats of the single catered to different markets, including vinyl and cassette releases that featured additional tracks like “Chain Reaction” and “You and I”. The versatility and enduring popularity of “When You Tell Me That You Love Me” were further underscored by its inclusion in Ross’s subsequent compilations and its status as a covered classic by other artists.
Accompanied by a talented ensemble of musicians including Robbie Buchanan on keyboards and Michael Landau on guitar, the song’s orchestral arrangements, conducted by David Campbell, elevated its emotional impact. Peter Asher’s backing vocals and the contributions of backing vocalists Valerie Carter and Kate Markowitz added layers of depth to Ross’s powerful lead vocals.
In essence, “When You Tell Me That You Love Me” remains a timeless testament to Diana Ross’s artistry, capturing the essence of enduring love and securing its place as one of her signature songs in a career marked by musical brilliance and emotional resonance.
Video
Lyrics
I want to call the stars
Down from the sky
I want to live a day
That never dies
I want to change the world
Only for you
All the impossible
I want to do
I want to hold you close
Under the rain
I want to kiss your smile
And feel the pain
I know what’s beautiful
Looking at you
In a world of lies
You are the truth
And baby
Every time you touch me
I become a hero
I’ll make you safe
No matter where you are
And give you
Everything you ask for
Nothing is above me
I’m shining like a candle in the dark
When you tell me that you love me
I want to make you see
Just what I was
Show you the loneliness
And what it does
You walked into my life
To stop my tears
Everything’s easy now
I have you here
And baby
Every time you touch me
I become a hero
I’ll make you safe
No matter where you are
And give you
Everything you ask for
Nothing is above me
I’m shining like a candle in the dark
When you tell me that you love me
In a world without you
I would always hunger
All I need is your love to make me stronger
And baby
Every time you touch me
I become a hero
I’ll make you safe
No matter where you are
And give you
Everything you ask for
Nothing is above me
I’m shining like a candle in the dark
When you tell me that you love me
You love me
When you tell me that you love me