"Never Knew Love" is a song by American singer Oleta Adams, released as the lead single from her 1995 album, Moving On. It was the most successful single of three tracks released from the LP, and became Adams' fourth Top 40 single to chart in the UK and second greatest hit, peaking at number 22. The single did best in the Netherlands, where it reached number 16, corresponding with the greater success of her LP on the Dutch charts. Multiple remixes have been released.[1]
"Never Knew Love" | ||||
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Single by Oleta Adams | ||||
from the album Moving On | ||||
Released | 1995 | |||
Genre |
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Length | 3:32 | |||
Label | Fontana Records | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Vassal Benford | |||
Oleta Adams singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
Listen to "Never Knew Love" on YouTube | ||||
James Masterton for Dotmusic described "Never Knew Love" as a "powerful track".[2] Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote, "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!"[3] They added, "With an intro reminiscent of Crystal Waters' Gypsy Woman, Adams shines in a upbeat and happy electro-pop single."[4] Alan Jones from Music Week stated that the singer "bounces back with her best single in a while with Never Knew Love, 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."[5] James Hamilton from the magazine's RM Dance Update deemed it a "gorgeous catchily cooed and moaned soulful gentle sure-fire smash".[6]
Chart (1995) | Peak position |
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Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[7] | 18 |
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[8] | 16 |
Scotland (OCC) | 31 |
UK Singles (OCC)[9] | 22 |
US Hot R&B (Billboard) | 60 |