"Forever Love" is a song by British singer-songwriter Gary Barlow, taken from his debut solo album, Open Road (1997). Released on 8 July 1996 as Barlow's first single outside Take That, it debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart six days later, becoming Barlow's first of three solo number-one singles. Worldwide, "Forever Love" also topped the charts in Lithuania, Spain and Taiwan, while reaching the top five in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland and Switzerland. The song was used as the official theme for the film The Leading Man (1996).
The single's cover was a portrait done by Norman Watson for the April 1996 cover of Arena magazine. This issue became the fastest-selling in the magazine's history and as a result the image was chosen as the debut artwork.
Critical reception British magazine Music Week rated the song four out of five, writing, "Barlow's undisputed writing skills are evident on this wistful ballad which builds to a dramatic climax. A surefire number one." Editor Alan Jones added, "An introspective ballad, it starts slowly and becomes increasingly urgent and compelling. Aside from Barlow's voice, which is in fine fettle, the song is dominated by piano and is a romantic tour-de-force of the kind his fans must have been hoping for. One of the year's biggest hits."
Chart performance Selling 109,000 copies during its first week of release, "Forever Love" entered the UK Singles Chart at number one, where it stayed for one week, thus making Barlow the first member of Take That to top the charts with a solo record. It remained in the top 75 for a total of 16 weeks, being certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
Music video The official music video of "Forever Love" is shot in black and white and begins with Gary Barlow waking up alone and looking out of a window. He is then shown to partake in a number of day-to-day activities and finally ends up in a downtown cafe where he witnesses all types of love that exist between people before returning to his studio.
Track listing All tracks were written by Gary Barlow.
Standard "Forever Love" – 4:36 "I Miss It All" – 4:02 "Forever Love" (instrumental) – 4:37
Credits and personnel Credits are lifted from the UK CD single liner notes and the Open Road album booklet.
Studio Recorded and mixed at Metropolis Studios (London, England)
Personnel
Gary Barlow – writer, piano, production Chris Porter – production Chris Cameron – piano, bass, strings Andy Duncan – drums, percussion Steve McNichol – programming Rob Cattermole – programming assistance Stylorouge – artwork design Norman Watson – artwork photography
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1996)Peakposition Airplay (Music & Media)2Czech Republic (IFPI CR)3Denmark (IFPI)3Estonia (Eesti Top 20)20Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)3Europe (European AC Radio)2Europe (European Hit Radio)2Europe (Channel Crossovers)1France Airplay (SNEP)39 Airplay (Music & Media)1Greece (IFPI Greece) 1Hungary (Mahasz)6Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)38Israel (IBA) Search "Forever Love" for Israeli chart history.3Italy (Musica e dischi)8Italy Airplay (Music & Media)7Japan International (Oricon)8Latvia (Latvijas Top 40)8Lithuania (M-1)1 Airplay (Music & Media)3Spain (AFYVE)1Spain Airplay (Top 40 Radio)5Taiwan (IFPI)1UK Airplay (Music Week)1
Year-end charts Chart (1996)PositionBelgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)43Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)36Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)45Europe (European Hit Radio) 18Europe (Channel Crossovers) 8Germany (Media Control)56Italy (Musica e dischi)54Latvia (Latvijas Top 50)46Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)73Netherlands (Single Top 100)78Sweden (Topplistan)62Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)14UK Singles (OCC)40
Certifications
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United Kingdom8 July 1996Japan7 August 1996CD
References