Willing to Forgive

"Willing to Forgive" is a song by American singer Aretha Franklin from her album, Greatest Hits: 1980–1994. It was released as the compilation's second single in May 1994 by Arista Records. Written and produced by Babyface and Daryl Simmons, it became a hit in the US. The single reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also charted in the UK, reaching number 17.[1] On the Eurochart Hot 100, "Willing to Forgive" peaked at number 49 in July 1994.

"Willing to Forgive"
Single by Aretha Franklin
from the album Greatest Hits: 1980–1994
B-side"Honey"
ReleasedMay 1994
GenreR&B
Length4:14
LabelArista
Songwriter(s)Babyface, Daryl Simmons
Producer(s)Babyface, Simmons
Aretha Franklin singles chronology
"A Deeper Love"
(1994)		 "Willing to Forgive"
(1994)		 "A Rose Is Still a Rose"
(1998)
Music video
"Willing to Forgive" on YouTube

Critical reception

Jose F. Promis from AllMusic deemed the song an "assembly-line ballad".[2] A reviewer from Billboard said it is "superb" and "infectious".[3] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report commented, "Close to beginning her fourth decade as the reigning Queen Of Soul, it's a special song like this one, penned by Babyface and Daryl Simmons, that really allows Aretha to utilize her amazing vocal range. Her finest effort in many a moon should put her back on Top 40 in a big way."[4]

Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote, "Whereas most contemporary dance singers give everything at the wrong time, Aretha wonderfully restrains herself on this entrancing ballad. It's all about dosing your vocal power."[5] Alan Jones from Music Week stated, "A powerful R&B ballad draws a scorching performance from Aretha, whose commitment and attack do her credit."[6] James Hamilton from the magazine's RM Dance Update described it as a "pleasant enough 76bpm radio ballad".[7]

Charts

References
  1. "Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. June 25, 1994. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  2. Promis, Jose F. "Aretha Franklin – Greatest Hits: 1980-1994". AllMusic. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  3. "Album Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. March 26, 1994. p. N54. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  4. Sholin, Dave (May 27, 1994). "Gavin Picks: Singles" (PDF). Gavin Report. p. 54. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  5. "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. June 11, 1994. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  6. Jones, Alan (June 4, 1994). "Market Preview: Mainstream - Singles" (PDF). Music Week. p. 12. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  7. Hamilton, James (June 18, 1994). "Dj directory" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). p. 7. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  8. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. July 9, 1994. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  9. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  10. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  11. "Aretha Franklin Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  12. "Aretha Franklin Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  13. "Aretha Franklin Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  14. "Aretha Franklin Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  15. "Cash Box Top 100 Singles". August 6, 1994.
  16. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1994". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2021.


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