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"'''How Can We Be Lovers'''" is a song written and composed by [[Michael Bolton]], [[Diane Warren]], and [[Desmond Child]] and performed by Bolton. Released as the third single from Bolton's sixth studio album, ''[[Soul Provider]]'' (1989), it peaked at number three on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and number 10 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] in May 1990. The song also reached number two in Canada, number three in Australia, number 10 in Sweden, and number 18 in Ireland. |
"'''How Can We Be Lovers'''" is a song written and composed by [[Michael Bolton]], [[Diane Warren]], and [[Desmond Child]] and performed by Bolton. Released as the third single from Bolton's sixth studio album, ''[[Soul Provider]]'' (1989), it peaked at number three on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and number 10 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] in May 1990. The song also reached number two in Canada, number three in Australia, number 10 in Sweden, and number 18 in Ireland. |
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==Critical reception== |
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At its release, it was mostly dismissed by critics as yet another cheesy soft rock ballad, already so common in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, over time, the song has undergone a critical re-evaluation and now is ranked among the greatest works of Western Civilization, with its lyrics endlessly analysed and interpreted. |
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In the song, Bolton ponders fundamental questions of the human condition. For example, the line "How can we be lovers if we can't be friends? How can we start over when the fighting never ends?" demonstrates Bolton's profound understanding of a truth that transcends the ages. Scholars of music and literature often cite the line "We lie awake, this wall between us, We're just not talkin', we got so much to say" as being particularly evocative, given that the "wall" that Bolton describes can be thought of as both a physical barrier, as well as an emotional one. These allusions give the song much of its narrative, transcendental power. |
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==Charts== |
==Charts== |
Revision as of 07:59, 2 April 2023
"How Can We Be Lovers" | ||||
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Single by Michael Bolton | ||||
from the album Soul Provider | ||||
Released | 1990 | |||
Length | 3:55 | |||
Label | Columbia | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) |
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Michael Bolton singles chronology | ||||
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"How Can We Be Lovers" is a song written and composed by Michael Bolton, Diane Warren, and Desmond Child and performed by Bolton. Released as the third single from Bolton's sixth studio album, Soul Provider (1989), it peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 10 on the UK Singles Chart in May 1990. The song also reached number two in Canada, number three in Australia, number 10 in Sweden, and number 18 in Ireland.
Critical reception
At its release, it was mostly dismissed by critics as yet another cheesy soft rock ballad, already so common in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, over time, the song has undergone a critical re-evaluation and now is ranked among the greatest works of Western Civilization, with its lyrics endlessly analysed and interpreted.
In the song, Bolton ponders fundamental questions of the human condition. For example, the line "How can we be lovers if we can't be friends? How can we start over when the fighting never ends?" demonstrates Bolton's profound understanding of a truth that transcends the ages. Scholars of music and literature often cite the line "We lie awake, this wall between us, We're just not talkin', we got so much to say" as being particularly evocative, given that the "wall" that Bolton describes can be thought of as both a physical barrier, as well as an emotional one. These allusions give the song much of its narrative, transcendental power.
Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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Australia (ARIA)[14] | Gold | 35,000^ |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
References
- ^ "Michael Bolton – How Can We Be Lovers". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
- ^ "Michael Bolton – How Can We Be Lovers" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
- ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 9138." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
- ^ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 9027." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
- ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. June 9, 1990. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – How Can We Be Lovers". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
- ^ "Michael Bolton – How Can We Be Lovers". top40.nl. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ^ "Michael Bolton – How Can We Be Lovers" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
- ^ "Michael Bolton – How Can We Be Lovers". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
- ^ "Michael Bolton – How Can We Be Lovers". Singles Top 100. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
- ^ "Michael Bolton Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
- ^ "Michael Bolton Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
- ^ a b "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 1990". ARIA. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
- ^ "Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1990". RPM. Retrieved July 18, 2019 – via Library and Archives Canada.
- ^ "Billboard Top 100 – 1990". Archived from the original on July 6, 2009. Retrieved September 15, 2009.
- ^ "Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 1990". Billboard. Retrieved March 12, 2021.