Heaven Knows (Luther Vandross song) explained

Heaven Knows
Cover:	Andross-Luther-Heaven-Knows.jpg
Type:	single
Artist:	Luther Vandross
Album:	Never Let Me Go
Released:	(US, Europe)
Recorded:	October 1992–February 1993
Genre:	R&B
Label:	Epic Sony
Producer:	Marcus Miller
Prev Title:	Little Miracles (Happen Every Day)
Prev Year:	1993
Next Title:	Never Let Me Go
Next Year:	1993

"Heaven Knows" is a song by American singer-songwriter Luther Vandross, released in September 1993 by Epic and Sony as the second single from his eight studio album, Never Let Me Go (1993). The song was written by Vandross with Reed Vertelney and produced by Marcus Miller. It peaked in the top 30 on both the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles and Hot Dance Club Play charts, and also at thirty-three on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Singles chart.^[1] "Heaven Knows" was nominated for Best R&B Song alongside "Little Miracles (Happen Every Day)" (also from Never Let Me Go) at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards in March 1994, losing to "That's the Way Love Goes" by Janet Jackson.

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard commented, "Familiar-sounding midtempo jam from Vandross' current Never Let Me Go collection shows the singer in fine form. Lovely melody and a memorable chorus are laid into retro rhythm that will work best with older audiences. Broader acceptance will come via sparkling dance remixes by Frankie Knuckles and David Morales."^[2] In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton stated, "One of the few soul artists in the traditional sense to still be having UK hits is Luther Vandross."^[3] Andy Beevers from Music Week gave it four out of five, naming it "one of the best tracks" of the album. He also complimented the Classic mix, that "is going to sound great on the radio".^[4] James Hamilton from the Record Mirror Dance Update described "Heaven Knows" as "creamily flowing".^[5]

Music video

A music video was produced to promote the single. It features NewsRadio actress Khandi Alexander appearing as one of the backup dancers. The video was later made available on Vandross' official YouTube channel in 2010 and had generated more than a half million views as of September 2021.^[6]

Track listing

• UK CD single^[7]

1. "Heaven Knows" (Single Version) - 4:26
2. "Heaven Knows" (Classic 12" Mix) - 8:00
3. "I Want the Night to Stay" - 5:26

Charts

Chart (1993)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)^[8]	174
Europe (European Dance Radio)^[9]	7
UK Airplay (Music Week)^[10]	24
UK Dance (Music Week)^[11]	5
UK Club Chart (Music Week)^[12]	7
US Cash Box Top 100^[13]	73

Notes and References

1. Book: Whitburn, Joel . Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Joel Whitburn . 2004 . Record Research . 597.
2. Larry . Flick . Single Reviews . . August 14, 1993 . 53 . October 27, 2020 . Larry Flick.
3. Web site: Masterton. James. Week Ending September 18th 1993. Chart Watch UK. September 12, 1993. September 12, 2021. James Masterton.
4. Andy . Beevers . Market Preview: Dance . . September 11, 1993 . 14 . April 2, 2021 .
5. James . Hamilton . Dj directory . Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental insert) . September 11, 1993 . 6 . April 2, 2021 . James Hamilton (DJ and journalist).
6. Web site: Luther Vandross - Heaven Knows. YouTube. September 25, 2010. September 12, 2021.
7. http://www.discogs.com/Luther-Vandross-Heaven-Knows/release/1763010 "Heaven Knows" (UK Maxi-Single)
8. Web site: Luther Vandross ARIA Chart History complete to 2024. ARIA. Imgur.com. July 26, 2024. N.B. The High Point number in the NAT column represents the release's peak on the national chart.
9. European Dance Radio. Music & Media. 10. 42. October 16, 1993. 26. November 6, 2021.
10. The Airplay Chart. Music Week. September 25, 1993. 30. May 2, 2024.
11. Dance Singles . . September 18, 1993 . 26 . April 9, 2021.
12. The RM Club Chart. Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). September 18, 1993. 4. May 11, 2023.
13. Top 100 Pop Singles. Cash Box. LVII. 6. October 2, 1993. 12. April 22, 2024.