Never Knew Love (Oleta Adams song) explained

Never Knew Love
Cover:	Never_Knew_Love_-_Oleta_Adams.jpg
Type:	single
Artist:	Oleta Adams
Album:	Moving On
Genre:	R&B
Length:	3:32
Label:	Fontana
Producer:	Vassal Benford
Prev Title:	We Will Find a Way
Prev Year:	1994
Next Title:	Rhythm of Life (Remix)
Next Year:	1995

"Never Knew Love" is a song by American singer-songwriter Oleta Adams, released in September 1995 as the lead single from her fifth album, Moving On (1995). It became Adams' fourth top-40 single in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 22. The single charted higher in the Netherlands, where it reached number 16. Multiple remixes have been released of the track.

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard viewed the album version of "Never Knew Love" as a "funky li'l midtempo R&B jam." He added, "Underlined with plush old-school charm, this track has considerable youth appeal. Adams has rarely sounded so playful. (...) In all, a solid single designed to expand Adams' already sizable audience."^[1] Flick also noted that remixers Danny Tenaglia and Satoshi Tomiie transform the song into "a shimmering house anthem".^[2] James Masterton for Dotmusic described it as a "powerful track".^[3]

Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote about the remix, "Known as a rather MOR singer, Adams now confidently nods into a NY club house sound and shamelessly takes a seat between Robin S and the Nightcrawlers. Hot stuff!"^[4] In another review, they added, "With an intro reminiscent of Crystal Waters' "Gypsy Woman", Adams shines in a upbeat and happy electro-pop single."^[5] Alan Jones from Music Week felt the singer "bounces back with her best single in a while", with "a delightful celebration, whose infectious style is wholly appropriate to its upbeat lyrics. Dance mixes take it higher still and the whole exercise makes for happy anticipation of her forthcoming album Moving On."^[6] James Hamilton from the RM Dance Update declared it as a "gorgeous catchily cooed and moaned soulful gentle sure-fire smash".^[7]

Track listings

• 12-inch, UK (1995)

1. "Never Knew Love" (DT's Mercury mix) – 8:40
2. "Never Knew Love" (You Gave Me dub) – 8:19
3. "Never Knew Love" (DT's radio edit) – 4:05
4. "Never Knew Love" (The Press remix) – 3:50
5. "Never Knew Love" (Reverend Jefferson mix) – 7:10
6. "Never Knew Love" (Nu Soul mix) – 6:57

• CD single, Europe (1995)

1. "Never Knew Love" (Reverend Jefferson edit) – 4:06
2. "Never Knew Love" – 3:22

• CD single, UK and Europe (1995)

1. "Never Knew Love" – 3:20
2. "No Secrets" – 4:08
3. "Blessed with You" – 3:24
4. "Get Here" – 4:34

Release history

Region	Date	Format(s)	Label(s)
United Kingdom	September 25, 1995		Fontana	^[9]
United States	1996	Radio		^[10]

Notes and References

1. Larry. Flick. Reviews & Previews: Singles. Billboard. January 13, 1996. 62. November 22, 2022. Larry Flick.
2. Larry. Flick. Dance Trax: Rejuvenating With Dick Clark; Our House On Film. Billboard. January 20, 1996. 23. November 22, 2022. Larry Flick.
3. Web site: Masterton. James. Week Ending October 7th 1995. Chart Watch UK. October 1, 1995. September 25, 2021. James Masterton.
4. New Releases: Singles . . October 7, 1995 . 14 . May 18, 2021 .
5. New Releases: Singles - Single of the Week . . October 21, 1995 . 9 . May 18, 2021 .
6. Alan . Jones . Talking Music . . September 30, 1995 . 10 . May 12, 2021 .
7. James . Hamilton . Dj directory . Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert) . September 30, 1995 . 11 . May 12, 2021 . James Hamilton (DJ and journalist).
8. Hot R&B Airplay. Billboard. 108. 9. 23. March 2, 1996.
9. New Releases: Singles. Music Week. 35. September 23, 1995.
10. Mercury Act Oleta Adams Gets Funky on 'Moving On'. Sprague. David. Billboard. 107. 40. 18. October 7, 1995. ...but promotion of a single (most likely 'Never Knew Love') won't commence until after the first of the year....