BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1989
“Real Love” was the first single from Jody Watley’s second album, Larger than Life. “Real Love” became one of the biggest pop and R&B singles of 1989. The single reached number-one on the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and dance chart.
On the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, “Real Love” rocketed into the Top 40 from #51 to #37, the week of April 1, 1989. The single lingered in the Top 10 for six weeks, peaking at #2 for two weeks, beginning May 20, 1989, held out of the top position by Paula Abdul’s “Forever Your Girl”.
During the summer of 1989, Watley’s “Real Love” video, directed by David Fincher, was nominated for seven MTV Video Music Awards including Breakthrough Video, Best Art Direction, Best Dance Video, and Best Female Video at the 1989 award show. That record was held until Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson’s video “Scream” received eleven VMA nominations in 1995. The song was also nominated for a Soul Train Music Award for Best Female Single. The music video premiered in March 1989 on Cable television networks.
There are some exciting things about this US promo. It features the sought after “Drive Time Radio Edit” which was only released on the UK “Real Love” 12″. Also included as a bonus is the “Bassapella” taken from the standard US 12″.
SIDE A:
Real Love (Extended Version) 6:59
Real Love (Drive Time Radio Edit) 5:40
SIDE B:
Real Love (U.S. Radio Edit) 5:16
Real Love (Extended Instrumental) 7:40
Real Love (Dub Version) 6:15
*BONUS
Real Love (Bassapella) 4:28
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
SINGLES CHARTS:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Real Love | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #2 |
| 1989 | Real Love | U.S. Billboard Black Singles | #1 |
| 1989 | Real Love | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play | #1 |
YEAR END CHARTS:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Real Love | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #46 |
| 1989 | Real Love | U.S. Billboard Black Singles | #25 |
| 1989 | Real Love | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play | #5 |
| 1989 | Real Love | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance 12-Inch Singles | #17 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – L33-17792
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Promo, 33 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Electronic, Hip Hop
Style: RnB/Swing, Synth-pop
Credits: Edited By [Special] – Greg Royal
Producer – André Cymone
Producer [Additional] – Jeff Lorber
Remix – Louil Silas Jr.
NOTES:
Original version appears on the MCA LP “Larger Than Life”
Promotinal Copy – Not For Sale
Find The 12″ On DISCOGS
EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut III
Cartridge: Ortofon Super
Stylus: Ortofon OM Stylus 30
Bellari VP130 Tube Phono Preamp
Soundcard: ESI Juli@
VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Brother MFC-6490CW Professional Series Scanner
SOFTWARE USED:
Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Adobe Photoshop CS5
ClickRepair
dBpoweramp
Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
Downsampled to 24bit/96kHz and16bit /44kHz using iZotope RX Advanced 2
FLAC (Level Eight)
MP3 (320kbps)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
Please re-upload!
Just listened to an interview with Jody Watley on RuPaul’s podcast (“Whats The Tee”) – Jody mentioned fighting with her record label to have a black and white image on the record cover, she wanted a more timeless image. This Steven Meisel shot is EVERYTHING! Thank you so much for sharing Paul.
Hey Paul
Loving the jody watley, but could you please upload the 12″ singles from her first album that you had up on the previous blog? Thanks!
– Eric
Thank you so much. This takes me back to 7th grade! I really appreciate the quality and care you put into all of your posts! Long time reader of the blog.
I share the same sentiments with others on here. The “Drive Time Edit” is simply fantastic, something that I didn’t think really existed. What a fantastic rare find! Thank you DjPaulT.
Great stuff, Paul – as always! I’ve never requested anything before. So, here goes… If you would be so kind, I would really like you to add Rochelle “My Magic Man” (Warner Bros) to your list. The 12in Magic Mix has been included on two cd compilations, but the fantastic dub mixes by Latin Rascals & Charlie Dee & Chep Nunez have only ever been available on vinyl. The edits (considering the technology back then) have an amazing amount skill and creativity put into them. I would be extremely grateful if you could consider this piece of magic, at least.… Read more »
Thanks, Paul. My favorite JW track. This 12″ was on heavy rotation in 1989.
You’re welcome Christian. I remember dancing to this one every weekend great fun 🙂
another jody watley classic, thanks! looking forward to hearing the “drive time edit”
You’re welcome Feanor. I’m sure that you will enjoy the “Drive Time Edit”.
Great song! Thanks 🙂
You’re welcome! Have great weekend 🙂
I’ve never heard of “(Drive Time Radio Edit)”!
Thank you for this classic!!
My pleasure Victor. I luv the “Drive Time edit” 🙂
Thanks DJPaulT….for this, and for all your hard work!
Silver Blue you quite welcome 🙂
Excellent pick! Superb track and one of my favorites by Jody! “…gonna try and get some…” 🙂
Probably one of my top Jody favorites!
Sweet!!
Thanks Johan!