This House / Paradise Explained

This House" / "Paradise
Cover:This House Paradise.png
Type:Single
Artist:Diana Ross
Album:Workin' Overtime
Producer:Nile Rodgers
Prev Title:Workin' Overtime
Prev Year:1989
Next Title:Bottom Line
Next Year:1989

"This House" / "Paradise" is a double single from the album Workin' Overtime by American singer Diana Ross, released on July 23, 1989, in the United States by Motown. Worldwide distribution was handled by EMI, though the single was split into two releases in other regions: "This House" and "Paradise" were released separately. Both tracks were written and produced by Nile Rodgers.

It was initially planned for "This House" to be the lead single from the album; however, Ross opted to release "Workin' Overtime" instead.[1] Despite this, "This House" did not achieve significant commercial success, peaking at number 64 on the Hot Black Singles chart. In contrast, "Paradise" gained more traction, particularly in the dance music scene, due in part to remixes by Shep Pettibone. It reached number 11 on the Dance Club Play chart in September 1989.

Both songs were included in the setlist for Ross's Workin' Overtime World Tour.

Critical reception

AllMusic highlighted the track "This House" as one of the most notable on the album.[2] The European magazine Music & Media referred to "Paradise" as the best track on the album.[3] Muff Fitzgerald from Record Mirror remarked that "This House," a "juicy ballad," and "Paradise," with its "spicy remixes" by Shep Pettibone, were the standout tracks.[4] Stereo Review magazine observed that tracks like "This House" contributed to the album's overall appeal.[5] Frank Kogan of Spin also noted "Paradise" as one of the stronger dance tracks on the album.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Taraborrelli, J. Randy. J. Randy Taraborrelli. Diana Ross: An Unauthorized Biography. 517. Pan Macmillan. 2008. 9780330470148.
  2. Web site: Ron. Wynn. Ron Wynn. Workin' Overtime review. AllMusic. Netaktion LLC. 11 July 2024.
  3. Previews: Albums: Diana Ross–Workin' Overtime (EMI/Ross). Music & Media. June 3, 1989. 6. 22. 18. 29800226.
  4. Muff. Fitzgerald. Diana Ross–Workin' Overtime review. Record Mirror. May 27, 1989. 32. 0144-5804.
  5. Phyl. Garland. Review: Diana Ross–Workin' Overtime. Stereo Review. November 1989. 54. 11. 138, 140. 0039-1220.
  6. Frank. Kogan. Spins: Diana Ross–Workin' Overtime // Donna Summer–Another Place and Time. Spin. September 1989. 5. 6. 86–87. 0886-3032.