You Put a Move on My Heart explained

"You Put a Move on My Heart" is a song by British recording artist Mica Paris, written and produced by Rod Temperton for her third studio Whisper a Prayer (1993).

Reception

Though not released as a single, the song received general acclaim from critics. Andrew Hamilton of Allmusic expressed, 'Mica Paris' original rendition of Rod Temperton's ballad supreme [...] shames Tamia's more successful rendition'. Hamilton also described the tone of her voice as 'glorious', writing, it 'never pales; it glows like a warm fire as the devastating British woman squeezes the last drop of soul from the lyrics.'^[1]

Whilst Entertainment Weekly writer James Earl Hardy described the song as 'sexy R&B', Daryl Easlea of the BBC called it 'beautiful and passionately delivered' he also expressed, 'you long for it being recorded at a different time, not with Paris in front of a keyboard with an orchestra setting button and a drum machine'.^{[2] [3]}

Quincy Jones version

In 1994, Canadian singer Tamia performed at a multiple sclerosis benefit in Aspen, Colorado when she met music manager, Lionel Richie's ex-wife Brenda Richie, who was co-sponsoring the event and introduced herself to Tamia after the show.^[4] A few months later, Tamia, who was being courted by Warner Bros. Records at the time, called Richie to say that she was coming to Los Angeles for a photo session, resulting in her lasting stay and a management deal with Richie.^[4]

Weeks later, Richie arranged for her to perform at a star-studded party that she held for singer Luther Vandross.^[4] Her performance reportedly impressed all in attendance, including veteran producer Quincy Jones, who later offered her the chance to appear on his album, Q's Jook Joint (1995).^[4] Overwhelmed by his offer, Tamia recorded vocals for "You Put a Move on My Heart", which Jones later selected as the album's first single.^[5] A moderate commercial success, the collaboration earned acclaim from critics; it was later nominated for a Grammy Award.^[6]

Charts

Notes and References

1. Web site: Hamilton, Andrew. [{{Allmusic|class=album|id=whisper-a-prayer-mw0000097690|pure_url=yes}} ''Whisper a Prayer'' - Mica Paris]. Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. October 29, 2012.
2. Web site: Whisper a Prayer. Earl Hardy . James . . 11 June 1993. 30 July 2017.
3. Web site: Daryl Easlea. BBC - Music - Review of Mica Paris - Whisper a Prayer. BBC. 2010-11-02. October 29, 2012.
4. Web site: 1998-06-01. Canadian-born Bombshell. Vibe. June 20, 2015.
5. Web site: 1995-11-13. Quincy Jones Introduces Singer Tamia On New Album. Jet. June 20, 2015.
6. Web site: 1998-01-08. The Complete List of Nominees. Los Angeles Times. June 20, 2015.