My Destiny (Lionel Richie song) explained

My Destiny
Cover:	My_destiny_(Lionel_Richie).jpg
Type:	single
Artist:	Lionel Richie
Album:	Back to Front
B-Side:	Do It to Me
Released:	July 28, 1992
Genre:	Pop R&B
Length:	4:50
Label:	Motown
Producer:	Lionel Richie Stewart Levine
Prev Title:	Do It to Me
Prev Year:	1992
Next Title:	Love, Oh Love
Next Year:	1992

"My Destiny" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Lionel Richie. It was released on July 28, 1992 as the second single from his first compilation album, Back to Front (1992), by Motown Records. It was written by Richie and produced by himself and Stewart Levine. The song achieved some success, and it even topped the Dutch Single Top 100 and peaked at number two in the Dutch Top 40. It also appeared on Richie's best of albums and The Definitive Collection.

Critical reception

Bryan Buss from AllMusic described the song as "classic, smooth Richie".^[1] J.D. Considine noted its "low-key vocals and understated, fatback groove".^[2] Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Lively pop/R&B instrumentation, a la Simply Red, triggers his most relaxed and spirited vocal in years. Familiarity of chorus will assist in winning friends at urban, top 40, and AC levels. Far more satisfying than the previous "Do It To Me"."^[3] Fell and Rufer from the Gavin Report commented, "A love song with a brilliant beat, this fresh Richie track from his retrospective album, Back to Front, is sure to be a crowdpleaser."^[4]

Music video

In the accompanying music video for "My Destiny", directed by Mary Lambert, Richie sings in front of four dancing supermodels with his shirt unbuttoned.

Track listings

• 7-inch single

1. "My Destiny" (Lite mix edit) – 3:50
2. "Do It to Me" (Rhythm Method single edit) – 4:35

• 12-inch maxi

1. "My Destiny" (Hiphouse 2 mix) – 5:55
2. "Do It to Me" (Rhythm Method single edit) – 4:35
3. "Do It to Me" (Rhythm Method extended mix) – 6:32
4. "My Destiny" (Lite mix edit) – 3:50

• CD maxi

1. "My Destiny" (Lite mix edit) – 3:49
2. "Do It to Me" (Rhythm Method single edit) – 4:36
3. "My Destiny" (Hiphouse 2 mix) – 5:59
4. "Do It to Me" (Rhythm Method extended mix) – 6:32

• Cassette

1. "My Destiny" (Lite mix edit)
2. "Do It to Me" (Rhythm Method single edit)

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1992)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)^[5]	125
Europe Adult Contemporary (Music & Media)^[6]	1
Europe (European Dance Radio)^[7]	12
UK Dance (Music Week)^[8]	29

Year-end charts

Chart (1992)	Position
Belgium (Ultratop Flanders)^[9]	33
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)^[10]	21
Netherlands (Single Top 100)^[11]	22
UK Singles (OCC)^[12]	32
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)^[13]	50

Notes and References

1. Web site: Bryan . Buss . Lionel Richie – Back to Front . . November 4, 2020 .
2. [J.D. Considine|Considine, J.D.]
3. Larry . Flick . Single Reviews . . August 8, 1992 . 72 . October 25, 2020 . Larry Flick.
4. Ron . Fell . Diane . Rufer . A/C: Reviews . . July 24, 1992 . 28 . October 17, 2020 .
5. Web site: Lionel Richie ARIA Chart history (1988-2024). ARIA. Imgur.com. July 28, 2024. N.B. The High Point number in the NAT column represents the release's peak on the national chart.
6. Adult Contemporary Europe. Music & Media. October 10, 1992. 36. October 24, 2021.
7. European Dance Radio. Music & Media. December 5, 1992. 20. November 1, 2021.
8. Top 60 Dance Singles . . August 22, 1992 . 20 . September 29, 2020.
9. Web site: Jaaroverzichten 1992. Ultratop. March 9, 2021.
10. Web site: Single top 100 over 1992 . Top40 . nl . March 9, 2021.
11. Web site: Jaaroverzichten – Single 1992. dutchcharts.nl. March 9, 2021.
12. Year End Charts: Top Singles . . 8 . January 16, 1993.
13. 1992 The Year in Music. Billboard. 104. 52. YE-38. December 26, 1992. August 11, 2021.