I've Been Thinking About You
"I've Been Thinking About You" is a song by British-American band Londonbeat from their second studio album, In the Blood, produced by record producer Martyn Phillips. Released in 1990 as the first single from the album, it became a major worldwide hit, reaching the number-one spot in more than 10 countries—including Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States—and peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart. In 2013, Australian music channel Max placed the song at number 394 in their list of "1000 Greatest Songs of All Time".
Release
It was released in 1990 as the lead single from In the Blood. The song is written by band members Jimmy Chambers, George Chandler, Jimmy Helms and William Henshall, and was produced by Martyn Phillips. It hit number-one on the US Billboard Hot 100 on April 13, 1991, having hit number two in the United Kingdom the previous year. The song also topped the singles charts in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Zimbabwe as well.Critical reception
editor Jim Smith described the song as a "soulful dance single" and added further that Londonbeat's "pleasant harmonies and pumping flow are undeniably catchy." David Taylor-Wilson from Bay Area Reporter called it "infectious". He stated that the band "blends Motownlike harmonies with dance grooves that incorporate ’70s funk rhythms". Marisa Fox from Entertainment Weekly noted its "hypnotically catchy chorus, sweet harmonies, and slow, rollicking beat." Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report commented, "It's always a treat when a song comes along that I can't wait to review. Impossible not to detect a Fine Young Cannibals influence on this production that's been the biggest buzz record for the past couple of weeks. An international smash that's gone to #1 in no less than eleven countries, it's destined to win over audiences in the U.S.A., too. Top 40 radio is in dire need of more music like this!" Music & Media wrote that a "c&w-tinged pop number underpins the band's characteristic massed gospel vocal style complete with jangling, melodic guitars and the sort of chorus which they patently lacked on their debut LP Speak. The first release from the forthcoming second LP In the Blood shows a definite maturity." Ian Cranna from Smash Hits said the track sounded like Fine Young Cannibals and the rhythm is "straight out of the Stock, Aitken & Watermans book of bounciness."Music video
There were made two different music videos for the song.Track listing and formats
7" single- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 3:49
- "9 A.M." – 5:49
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 3:49
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 5:38
- "9AM" – 5:49
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 6:50
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 4:42
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 1:33
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 5:50
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 4:12
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 3:05
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 3:49
- "9AM" – 5:49
- "I've Been Thinking About You"
- "I've Been Thinking About You"
- "I've Been Thinking About You"
- "I've Been Thinking About You"
- "I've Been Thinking About You"
- "I've Been Thinking About You"
- "I've Been Thinking About You"
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 6:50
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 4:42
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 1:33
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 5:50
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 4:12
- "I've Been Thinking About You" – 3:05
Charts and certifications
Weekly charts
Chart | Peak position |
Year-end charts
Chart | Position |
Australia | 8 |
Canada Top Singles | 14 |
Canada Adult Contemporary | 40 |
Canada Dance/Urban | 19 |
Europe | 14 |
Germany | 19 |
New Zealand | 32 |
Switzerland | 26 |
US Billboard Hot 100 | 31 |
Certifications
Cover versions and samples
- In 1991 a cover of the song was released by Camille on Martru Records. Her version was released again in 1991 on the compilation album Micmac Dance Party on Micmac Records.
- In 1992, Dur-Dur Band from Somalia released a cover version of the song called "Ethiopian Girl".
- In 1993, Dino Merlin sampled the beat for his single "Vojnik Sreće"
- In 2004, part of the song was sampled and prominently featured in the song "Physical" recorded by Alcazar.
- In 2016 South African EDM live band Goodluck released a cover version.
- In 2017 Dutch lo-fi pop band Bounty Island released a cover version of the song on their EP Forbidden Dance.
- In 2019, German DJ/producer, Klaas remixed a version of the song featuring newly recorded vocals from Londonbeat.