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Have You Ever
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| "Have You Ever" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by S Club 7 | ||||
| from the album Sunshine | ||||
| B-side | "Dangerous" | |||
| Released | 19 November 2001 | |||
| Length | 3:20 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriters |
| |||
| Producer | Stephen Lipson | |||
| S Club 7 singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Have You Ever" on YouTube | ||||
"Have You Ever" is a song by British pop group S Club 7, released as the second single from the group's third album Sunshine on 19 November 2001. Following the success of the group's 2000 Children in Need track, "Never Had a Dream Come True", the BBC asked S Club 7 to perform the 2001 track for the charity as well.
Co-written by Cathy Dennis, Andrew Frampton, and Chris Braide, the single entered the UK Singles Chart at number one on 25 November 2001, becoming the group's fourth and final UK number one. The Children in Need version of "Have You Ever" is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the highest number of people's voices recorded in a single song, as recordings from children in schools across the UK were used in the chorus.[citation needed] The song has sold 380,000 copies in the UK according to the Official UK Charts Company. The photo for the cover of the single was shot in another major architectural landmark of the Los Angeles area: the Sheats Goldstein Residence near Beverly Hills.[citation needed]
Music video
[edit]The music video was set inside a large house (which is actually the famous Ennis House in Hollywood Hills), showing each member briefly as they indulge in everyday activities, while O'Meara is the main focus of the video. O'Meara revealed that to film the shot of her crying, they used droplets of water on her cheek, and sped the track up to film it, so when it was mastered it would give the illusion of a real tear. Another interesting note about the video is that it was the last video Paul Cattermole shot for the group as "You", the following single, was intended to be the next release and thus had been recorded previously. The video was shot at the last minute, the day before the band returned to the UK after filming Hollywood 7 as the song was chosen for the Children in Need song.[citation needed]
Children in Need performance
[edit]During the performance on Children in Need on 16 November 2001, the group were joined by S Club Juniors which was their first television appearance.
Six live school choirs sang along. These were:
- Hamble School singing from the concert at Castle Field in Portsmouth
- Longcroft School singing from the concert at the Dome Leisure Centre in Doncaster
- Gwauncelyn Junior School singing from the concert in Cardiff
- Auchenback Primary School singing from the concert in Glasgow
- The King John School singing from the concert at the De Montfort Hall in Leicester
- Forge Integrated Primary School singing from the concert in Belfast the link up on the night never went to their performance.
They were joined by 3610 other schools who sent in audio tapes to be included on the chorus.
Track listings
[edit]
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Credits and personnel
[edit]Credits are lifted from the Sunshine album booklet.[6]
Studios
- Vocals recorded at Larrabee Studios (Los Angeles)
- Produced and mixed at The Aquarium (London, England)
- Mastered at Transfermation (London, England)
Personnel
- Cathy Dennis – writing, arrangement
- Andrew Frampton – writing, programming
- Chris Braide – writing
- John Themis – guitars
- Greg Wells – piano, organ
- Dave Stewart – keyboards
- Stephen Lipson – programming, production
- Heff Moraes – mixing, engineering
- Richard Dowling – mastering
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI)[22] | Gold | 400,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 19 November 2001 |
|
[23] | |
| Australia | CD | [24] |
References
[edit]- ^ Have You Ever (UK CD single liner notes). S Club 7. Polydor Records, 19 Recordings. 2001. 5705002.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Have You Ever (UK cassette single sleeve). S Club 7. Polydor Records, 19 Recordings. 2001. 5705004.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Have You Ever (European CD single liner notes). S Club 7. Polydor Records, 19 Recordings. 2001. 5705012.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Have You Ever (Australian CD single liner notes). S Club 7. Polydor Records, 19 Recordings. 2001. 5704912.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Have You Ever Single by S Club on Spotify". Spotify. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
- ^ Sunshine (UK CD album booklet). S Club 7. Polydor Records, 19 Recordings. 2001. 5894612.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "S Club 7 – Have You Ever". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ "S Club 7 – Have You Ever" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ "S Club 7 – Have You Ever" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 19, no. 50. 8 December 2001. p. 7. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ "S Club 7 – Have You Ever" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Have You Ever". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ "S Club 7 – Have You Ever". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ "Arhiva romanian top 100 Editia 2, saptamina 14.01–20.01, 2002". Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on 14 May 2005. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ "S Club 7 – Have You Ever". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ "S Club 7 – Have You Ever". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ "Top 50 Airplay Chart" (PDF). Music Week. 8 December 2001. p. 21. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "Ireland-Top Singles for 2001". C&R. Archived from the original on 5 May 2012. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
- ^ "The Official Singles Chart 2001" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ "British single certifications – S Club 7 – Have You Ever". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ "New Releases – For Week Starting November 19, 2001: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 17 November 2001. p. 31. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
- ^ "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 19 Nov 2001" (PDF). ARIA. 19 November 2001. p. 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 February 2002. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
Have You Ever
View on GrokipediaBackground and recording
Writing and inspiration
"Have You Ever?" was written by American songwriter Diane Warren on Christmas Day 1997.[2] Warren, known for crafting emotional ballads, drew from themes of intense romantic longing and heartbreak to create the song's lyrics, which explore unrequited love and emotional vulnerability.[1] The track was composed specifically for Brandy's second studio album, Never Say Never, aligning with the album's focus on mature R&B pop sentiments. Brandy connected with Warren's demo upon hearing it, influencing her interpretive approach during recording.[2]Recording and production
The recording of "Have You Ever?" took place in 1998 at Chartmaker Studios in Malibu, California, and Record Plant in Hollywood, California.[4] It was produced by David Foster, who helmed three tracks on Never Say Never and emphasized a layered, emotive sound through minimalistic arrangement featuring drum-machine beats and echoing effects.[2] Brandy, aged 19 at the time, recorded her own backing vocals for the first time in her career, contributing to the song's intimate and soaring vocal delivery.[1] Guitar was provided by Michael Thompson, adding to the ballad's emotional depth.[2] Mixing occurred at Barking Doctor Studios.[4]Composition and lyrics
Musical style and structure
"Have You Ever?" is classified as a mid-tempo pop and R&B ballad, characterized by its emotive delivery, smooth groove, and layered production.[1] The song runs for 3 minutes and 31 seconds, set in the key of D major at a tempo of 134 beats per minute, which contributes to its reflective pace.[5] The track follows a conventional verse-chorus structure, beginning with a gentle piano introduction that establishes a contemplative mood before building into verses supported by subtle R&B beats and string arrangements. Pre-choruses lead into expansive choruses featuring rising melodies and Brandy's layered vocals, which heighten the emotional intensity. A bridge introduces orchestral swells for added drama, transitioning back to a final chorus that reinforces the song's melodic hooks.[6] Produced by David Foster, the song emphasizes Brandy's vocal range through harmonic progressions and intimate arrangements, blending pop accessibility with R&B elements such as keyboards and strings to evoke vulnerability.[1]Themes and lyrics
The lyrics of "Have You Ever?" center on the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and intense longing, capturing a sense of vulnerability and hope for connection.[6] The chorus poses rhetorical questions that evoke universal experiences of love's depth, such as "Have you ever loved somebody so much it makes you cry? / Have you ever needed a love like I need you is it crazy to say I want you here with me?" and "Have you ever had a dream about a place you never knew / That you were meant to be / And somehow you knew you were meant to be there." These lines highlight the protagonist's introspection on an ideal love that feels out of reach.[6] The song's narrative unfolds through verses that detail the pain of loving without reciprocation, with imagery of tears and desperation symbolizing emotional desolation. Repetition in the chorus reinforces the theme of questioning and unresolved yearning, creating a cyclical feel that mirrors the rumination of deep affection.[6] This approach makes the lyrics relatable, aligning with Brandy's image as an R&B artist exploring mature emotions. Written by Diane Warren, the lyrics represent a mature exploration of heartbreak in the context of Brandy's discography, featured on her second album Never Say Never (1998), which shifted toward more adult themes following her debut.[1] The gentle musical accompaniment amplifies the lyrics' emotional delivery, allowing Brandy's lead vocals to resonate through the themes of longing.[6]Release and promotion
Single release
"Have You Ever?" was released on October 6, 1998, as the third single from Brandy's second studio album, Never Say Never, by Atlantic Records. The ballad followed the success of previous singles "The Boy Is Mine" and "Top of the World," with promotion focusing on radio airplay to capitalize on the album's momentum. It was issued in CD and cassette formats in the United States, featuring the radio edit alongside remixes and instrumental versions in some editions.[7] International releases in Europe and other regions followed similar physical configurations through Atlantic subsidiaries. A digital version became available later through streaming platforms.Music video
The music video for "Have You Ever?" was directed by Kevin Bray and filmed in Los Angeles during the week of October 31, 1998. It premiered on MTV and BET on October 10, 1998, depicting Brandy caring for her best friend's empty house while grappling with unspoken romantic feelings, including scenes of her watching home videos of them together, trying on his suit, and performing as if singing to him from a television screen. The video's intimate, emotional visuals emphasized themes of longing and vulnerability, contributing to its popularity on music television. It peaked at number 3 on MTV's most-played videos and number 4 on BET, and received a nomination for Best R&B Video at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.Notable performances
"Have You Ever?" was performed live by Brandy on several high-profile platforms to promote the single, including the 1999 American Music Awards, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and VH1 Divas 1999. These appearances, along with inclusion in the Never Say Never World Tour (1999) and later the Human World Tour (2009), helped sustain the song's visibility and connect with audiences through its emotive delivery.Reception
Critical reception
Upon its release in October 1998, "Have You Ever?" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised Brandy's emotive vocal performance and the song's heartfelt lyrics. Chuck Taylor of Billboard described it as "another jewel in the pop and R&B princess' crown," noting its "instantly gratifying" melody and "harmony-soaked hook," while highlighting Brandy's versatility.[8] Richard Harrington of The Spokesman-Review called it a "luxurious inevitable Diane Warren-penned power ballad."[9] However, some reviewers found it formulaic; Daryl Easlea of BBC Music deemed it "off-the-peg," aimed at chart success.[10] Retrospectively, Grant Rindner of Oprah Magazine praised it as a "slowburning and soulful throwback" with "complex and knotted harmony."[11]Legacy and impact
"Have You Ever?" became Brandy's second number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top spot for two weeks in January 1999, and contributed significantly to the success of Never Say Never, which sold over 16 million copies worldwide. The song showcased Brandy's vocal range and emotional depth, solidifying her status as a leading R&B artist in the late 1990s. It earned a nomination for Best R&B Video at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, though it lost to Lauryn Hill's "Doo Wop (That Thing)." The track has been a staple in Brandy's live performances, including the Never Say Never World Tour (1999) and Human World Tour (2009), and was performed at events like the 1999 American Music Awards and VH1 Divas 2002. In 2007, Irish group Westlife covered the song on their album Back Home, introducing it to new audiences. Retrospectively, it is regarded as one of Brandy's signature ballads, often cited in discussions of her influence on R&B and pop music.[2]Commercial performance
Weekly charts
"Have You Ever?" achieved significant success on the US Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 39 on the chart dated October 31, 1998, before steadily climbing to reach number 1 on January 16, 1999, where it held the top position for two non-consecutive weeks.[12] The single spent a total of 20 weeks on the Hot 100, reflecting strong radio airplay and sales driven by its release as the third single from Brandy's album Never Say Never in October 1998.[2] In the United Kingdom, the song debuted at number 33 on the Official Singles Chart on December 12, 1998, and peaked at number 13 the following week, maintaining a chart run of eight weeks overall.[13] Its performance in Europe varied due to a later December 1998 release, with the track entering the Irish Singles Chart at number 25 on December 10, 1998, and charting for seven weeks.[14] In Australia, following a January 1999 release, it debuted at number 24 on the ARIA Singles Chart and peaked at number 8, enduring for 24 weeks amid sustained popularity from the album's international promotion.[15] New Zealand saw the strongest regional response outside the US, with the single debuting at number 4 on December 27, 1998, ascending to number 1 for one week, and totaling 14 weeks on the chart.[16] The song's weekly trajectories were influenced by staggered international release dates, with earlier US rollout capitalizing on album momentum from prior hits like "The Boy Is Mine," while European markets benefited from year-end holiday radio rotation.[2]| Chart (1998–1999) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) | 8 | 24 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 25 | 7 |
| New Zealand (RMNZ) | 1 | 14 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 13 | 8 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 1 | 20 |
Year-end charts
"Have You Ever?" ranked #14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart for 1999. In Australia, it placed #47 on the ARIA year-end singles chart for 1999.[17]| Chart (1999) | Position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) | 47 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 14 |
Certifications
"Have You Ever?" has been certified Platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for sales of 70,000 units. It received a Gold certification from Recorded Music NZ for 7,500 units sold. No certifications were issued by the RIAA in the United States.| Certifying body | Country | Certified units | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARIA | Australia | 70,000 | 1999 |
| RMNZ | New Zealand | 7,500 | 1999 |
Track listings and personnel
Track listings
"Have You Ever?" was released as a single by Atlantic Records in various formats in 1998–1999, including CD singles, cassettes, and vinyl, primarily in the US, Europe, and other international markets. The standard CD single featured the radio edit, the album version, and the B-side "Happy" from the Never Say Never album. A 12-inch vinyl maxi-single included remixes. Digital versions became available later through platforms like iTunes and Spotify.[7]US and European CD single
The primary CD single (Atlantic AT0058CD / 7567-84421-2, released October 1998) was issued in both the US and Europe, featuring the radio edit, album track B-side, and LP version.[18]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Have You Ever?" (Radio Edit) | 4:10 |
| 2. | "Happy" | 4:06 |
| 3. | "Have You Ever?" (LP Version) | 4:31 |
US cassette single
The US cassette single (Atlantic 4-84198, released October 1998) duplicated the radio edit and B-side on both sides.[19]| Side | No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1. | "Have You Ever?" (Radio Edit) | 4:10 |
| A | 2. | "Happy" | 4:06 |
| B | 1. | "Have You Ever?" (Radio Edit) | 4:10 |
| B | 2. | "Happy" | 4:06 |
European 12-inch vinyl
The European maxi-single (Atlantic 7567-84424-0, released 1998) included remixes of the lead track.[20]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | "Have You Ever?" (Radio Edit) | 4:10 |
| A2 | "Have You Ever?" (Soul Skank Remix) | 7:15 |
| B1 | "Have You Ever?" (Soul Skank Remix Instrumental) | 7:15 |
| B2 | "Have You Ever?" (Radio Edit) | 4:10 |
Digital single
The single was released digitally in the early 2000s and is available on streaming services like Spotify, featuring the radio edit (4:10) and album version (4:31). High-resolution reissues appeared in 2023 via Universal Music.[21]Credits and personnel
Songwriting and production[22] "Have You Ever?" was written by Diane Warren. The song was produced and arranged by David Foster.- Keyboards: David Foster
- Guitar: Michael Thompson
- Synclavier programming: Simon Franglen
- Engineer: Felipe Elgueta
- Mixing: Mick Guzauski (assisted by Tom Bender)
- Vocals: Brandy
- Writers: Brandy, LaShawn Daniels, Fred Jerkins III, Rodney Jerkins, James Ingram, Quinn Dawes
- Producers: Rodney Jerkins (Darkchild), Brandy
- Recorded at: Enterprise Studio, North Hollywood, CA
- Mixed at: Hit Factory, New York, NY
- Sample: "It's Like That" by Run-D.M.C.
