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Move to This
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| Move to This | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 22 October 1990 | |||
| Recorded | 1989–1990 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 42:10 | |||
| Label | Polydor | |||
| Producer |
| |||
| Cathy Dennis chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Move to This | ||||
| ||||
Move to This is the debut studio album by English pop music singer Cathy Dennis. It was released on 22 October 1990 through Polydor Records. Dennis was discovered by her manager Simon Fuller in 1986, and worked on the record for three years with Daniel Poku. Together they released the single "C'mon and Get My Love" in 1989, which jump started her career.
A dance-pop record, Move to This was primarily produced by Dennis with Phil Bodger, and features contributions by Poku and Nile Rodgers. Two of its tracks, "Just Another Dream" and "Touch Me (All Night Long)", were remixed for single release by Shep Pettibone.
Move to This peaked at number three on the Official Albums Chart in the United Kingdom, where it was certified gold. Despite four of its five singles reaching top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, the album was only a minor success, stalling at number 67 on the Top Pop Albums chart in the United States.
Promotion
[edit]Polydor promoted Move to This in Italy with appearances at the San Remo International Festival and on television, alongside radio airplay prior to its national release. A coordinated TV and radio campaign supported the album, and the single "All Night Long (Touch Me)" entered the Sorrisi e Canzoni Top 50 singles chart.[1] According to Music & Media, the singer received significant radio support in Italy for her singles, and while her domestic sales were modest, her exposure led to the formation of a fan club and helped establish her presence in the Italian market ahead of her second album Into the Skyline.[2]
Singles
[edit]Move to This spawned five singles which were spread out over a period of two years. The first single, "C'mon and Get My Love", which also appeared on the D Mob album A Little Bit of This, a Little Bit of That and was credited to either D Mob or "D Mob introducing Cathy Dennis", was released in 1989. It peaked at number 15 on the UK Singles Chart, number 35 on Australia's ARIA Charts, number one on Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart,[3] and number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.[4]
"Just Another Dream" was released as the second single in 1989. The initial release peaked at number 93 on the UK Singles Chart. It was re-released twice, first in 1990, and again in 1991. The first reissue only made it to number 95 on the UK chart, but reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.[5] The second reissue performed much better, peaking at number 13 in the UK, number 2 on the U.S. Dance Club Songs chart,[6] and number 14 on the ARIA Charts, becoming Dennis' best chart performance in Australia.
The third single was "Touch Me (All Night Long)", a lyrical reworking of the 1984 song by Fonda Rae. Released in 1991, the single became Dennis' most successful to date. It hit number one on the U.S. Dance Club Songs chart[7] and peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[8] The single also reached number 5 in the UK and number 16 in Australia.
"Too Many Walls" was the fourth single, hitting number 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart[9] and peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[10] It also reached number 17 in the UK and number 57 in Australia.
"Everybody Move" was the final single, reaching number 40 on the U.S. Dance Club Songs chart[11] and stalling at number 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[12] The single also reached number 25 in the UK.
Critical reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [13] |
| Chicago Tribune |  [14] |
| Encyclopedia of Popular Music | [15] |
| Entertainment Weekly | B+[16] |
| NME | 6/10[17] |
| Teen Ink | (mixed)[18] |
| The Vancouver Sun | [19] |
According to critic Alex Henderson from AllMusic, the album shows more strengths than weaknesses, presenting Cathy Dennis as an interesting addition to the British R&B scene of the 1990s. In his view, even without a wide vocal range, she stands out for her charisma and warm delivery on danceable and infectious tracks, which mark the album's strongest moments. However, Henderson points out that the record loses impact on the adult contemporary-style ballads, which he considers uninspired. Still, he concludes that the work reinforces England's relevance in the dance music scene of that period.[13]
Betty Page of NME points out Dennis determination in collaborating with major names such as Nile Rodgers, Shep Pettibone, and Danny D, along with renowned American songwriters. According to the review, the album strikes a balance between upbeat pop-dance tracks and smoother ballads, though the latter tend to follow predictable formulas. Dennis's songs are described as light and accessible, recalling Madonna's early work but with a vocal strength compared to Sheena Easton. In conclusion, the critic notes that for Cathy to achieve long-term artistic success, she will need to infuse more individuality into her music, rather than simply repeating established models.[17]
Commercial performance
[edit]Move to This entered the US Billboard 200 on the week of 15 December 1990 at number 173.[20] It spent 40 weeks on the chart, peaking at number 67 on the week of 11 May 1991.[21] The album was certified Gold in the UK,[22] and according to Music Week (21 September 1991), by that date it was about to replicate the achievement in Japan and Australia.[23]
In 1992, Billboard reported that Cathy Dennis was among the first artists signed to the newly formed PolyGram Label Group (PLG). Her debut album generated three U.S. top-10 singles but failed to achieve gold certification in the U.S., partly because the radio remixes differed substantially from the album versions.[24] In a retrospective analysis, the website Talk About Pop Music estimates that the album sold over 400,000 copies in the United States, where it spent 40 weeks among the top 200 albums, and 250,000 in the United Kingdom.[25]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Just Another Dream" |
| Dancin' Danny D | 4:26[a] |
| 2. | "Touch Me (All Night Long)" |
|
| 4:09 |
| 3. | "C'mon and Get My Love" (with D Mob) | Poku | Dancin' Danny D | 3:50 |
| 4. | "Too Many Walls" |
|
| 4:38 |
| 5. | "Tell Me" | Dennis |
| 4:13 |
| 6. | "Everybody Move" |
| Nile Rodgers | 5:16 |
| 7. | "Move to This" |
|
| 3:34 |
| 8. | "My Beating Heart" |
| Rodgers | 4:43 |
| 9. | "Got to Get Your Love" | Dennis |
| 3:41 |
| 10. | "Taste My Love" |
|
| 3:40 |
| Total length: | 42:10 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11. | "Just Another Dream" (12″ Mix) |
| 6:32 |
| 12. | "Just Another Dream" (Alternative Bass Dub Version) |
| 5:47 |
| Total length: | 54:29 | ||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Just Another Dream" (12″ Mix) |
| 6:33 |
| 2. | "Touch Me (All Night Long)" (Remix) |
| 4:00 |
| 3. | "C'mon and Get My Love" | Poku | 3:49 |
| 4. | "Too Many Walls" (L'autre Mix) |
| 4:06 |
| 5. | "Tell Me" | Dennis | 4:13 |
| 6. | "Everybody Move" (Pop Mix) |
| 5:14 |
| 7. | "Move to This" |
| 3:35 |
| 8. | "My Beating Heart" |
| 4:43 |
| 9. | "Got to Get Your Love" | Dennis | 3:42 |
| 10. | "Taste My Love" |
| 3:22 |
| 11. | "Touch Me (All Night Long)" (Club Mix) |
| 7:19 |
| 12. | "Love Is" | Dennis | 3:35 |
| 13. | "Everybody Move" (Everybody's Club Mix) |
| 8:13 |
| Total length: | 60:48 | ||
2014 Remastered Expanded Edition
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11. | "Just Another Dream" (Danny D 7″ Edit) |
| 3:41 |
| 12. | "Touch Me (All Night Long)" (7″ Mix) |
| 3:28 |
| 13. | "That's the Way of the World" (D Mob featuring Cathy Dennis) |
| 3:53 |
| 14. | "Too Many Walls" (Acoustic Version) |
| 3:42 |
| 15. | "Love Is" | Dennis | 3:34 |
| 16. | "Everybody Move" (7″ Shep Pettibone Mix) |
| 3:36 |
| 17. | "Just Another Dream" (7″ US Mix) |
| 4:01 |
| 18. | "Everybody Move" (Padapella Mix) |
| 4:55 |
| 19. | "Just Another Dream" (Paul Simpson U.S. Remix) |
| 6:22 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "C'mon and Get My Love" (Dance Hall Mix) | Poku | 7:36 |
| 2. | "Just Another Dream" (12″ Mix) |
| 6:32 |
| 3. | "Everybody Move" (Everybody's House Mix) |
| 7:36 |
| 4. | "Touch Me (All Night Long)" (Club Mix) |
| 7:17 |
| 5. | "Too Many Walls" (L'Autre Mix) |
| 4:05 |
| 6. | "C'mon and Get My Love" (Spaghetti Western Mix) | Poku | 7:50 |
| 7. | "Everybody Move" (Club Mix) |
| 8:10 |
| 8. | "Just Another Dream" (Funky Love Mix) |
| 9:20 |
| 9. | "C’mon and Get My Love" (Dedication Mix) | Poku | 6:57 |
| 10. | "Just Another Dream" (Nightlife Mix) |
| 6:02 |
| 11. | "Just Another Dream" (Dream Mix[b]) |
| 7:34 |
Personnel
[edit]- Cathy Dennis – lead and harmony vocals, backing vocals (5)
- Garry Hughes – programming (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10)
- Marius de Vries – programming (1, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10)
- Alan Schwartz – additional programming (1)
- Eric Cody – keyboards, keyboard programming (8)
- Paul Taylor – programming (4)
- Paul Ellis – programming (5)
- Richard Hilton – keyboards (6, 8), drum programming (6), keyboard programming (8)
- Tony Plater – guitars (2)
- Nile Rodgers – guitars (6, 8)
- Bernard Edwards – bass (6)
- Ivan Hampden Jr. – drums (6)
- Anne Dudley – string arrangements (3, 4)
- Mike Stevens – brass (4)
- Dancin' Danny D. – backing vocals (1)
- Juliet Roberts – backing vocals (2)
- D Mob – backing vocals (3)
- Curtis King – backing vocals (6)
- Fonzi Thornton – backing vocals (6)
- Michelle Cobbs – backing vocals (6)
- Lamya – backing vocals (6)
Production
[edit]- Bruce Carbone – executive producer
- Dancin' Danny D. – producer (1, 3)
- Shep Pettibone – co-producer (1), mixing (1, 2)
- Phil Bodger – producer (2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10), engineer, mixing (8)
- Cathy Dennis – producer (2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10), mixing (8)
- Nile Rodgers – producer (6, 8)
- Alan Gregorie – remix engineer (1)
- Dave Burnham – assistant engineer (4)
- Tom Duarte – mixing (6)
- Budd Tunick – production manager
- Michael Nash Associates – album design
- Zanna – photography
Charts
[edit]Certifications and sales
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Music Canada)[31] | Gold | 50,000^ |
| Italy | — | 10,000[32] |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[33] | Gold | 250,000[25] |
| United States | — | 400,000[25] |
| Summaries | ||
| Worldwide | — | 1,000,000[34] |
|
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. | ||
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Stansfield, David (8 June 1991). "Polydor Making Moves On Cathy Dennis Crossover To Italy" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 8, no. 23. p. 8. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 September 2025. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ Stansfield, David (29 August 1992). "Cathy Dennis Makes Her Mark In The Italian Market" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 9, no. 35. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 September 2025. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "Dance Club Songs". Billboard. 27 January 1990. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. 17 March 1990. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. 2 February 1991. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Dance Club Songs". Billboard. 24 November 1990. Archived from the original on 27 March 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Dance Club Songs". Billboard. 23 March 1991. Archived from the original on 13 June 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. 18 May 1990. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Adult Contemporary". Billboard. 19 October 1991. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. 21 September 1991. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Dance Club Songs". Billboard. 28 December 1991. Archived from the original on 13 June 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. 14 December 1991. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ a b AllMusic review
- ^ DeKnock, Jan (18 April 1991). "Home Entertainment: Recordings". Chicago Tribune. p. 7.
- ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Omnibus Press.
- ^ Gardner, Elysa (16 November 1990). "Move To This". Entertainment Weekly.
- ^ a b Page, Betty (3 August 1991). "Long Play". NME. p. 27. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
- ^ Robert M. "Move To This". Teen Ink. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
- ^ Mackie, John (14 February 1991). "Rock/Pop". The Vancouver Sun.
- ^ "Billboard 200". Billboard. 15 December 1990. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Billboard 200". Billboard. 11 May 1991. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Golden debut" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 8, no. 41. 12 October 1991. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 September 2025. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ Talbot, Martin (21 September 1991). "Analysis" (PDF). Music Week. p. 11. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 September 2025. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "PolyGram Profits by American Buildup" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 104, no. 15. 11 April 1992. p. 81. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 September 2025.
- ^ a b c Smith, Christopher (23 February 2019). "REVIEW: 'Move To This' – Cathy Dennis". Talk About Pop Music. Archived from the original on 30 May 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
- ^ "Australiancharts.com – Cathy Dennis – Move to This". Hung Medien. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
- ^ "Top Albums/CDs - Volume 53, No. 18 April 06, 1991". Library and Archives Canada. 17 July 2013. Archived from the original on 11 March 2016. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link). RPM - ^ "Cathy Dennis Songs and Albums | Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
- ^ "Cathy Dennis Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
- ^ "1991 Top 100 Albums" (PDF). Music Week. 11 January 1992. p. 21 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Canadian album certifications – Cathy Dennis – Move to This". Music Canada.
- ^ Stansfield, David (15 February 1992). "Brits around the world" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 104, no. 7. p. B-8. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 September 2025. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "British album certifications – Cathy Dennis – Move to This". British Phonographic Industry.
- ^ "Music Meeting" (PDF). Network. No. 161. The Network Forty, Inc. 7 May 1993. p. 22. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 September 2025. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
External links
[edit]- Move to This at MusicBrainz (list of releases)
- Move to This at Discogs (list of releases)
Move to This
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Move to This is the debut studio album by English singer and songwriter Cathy Dennis, released in 1990 by Polydor Records.[1] A dance-pop record blending elements of house and synth-pop, it was primarily produced by Dennis in collaboration with Phil Bodger, with additional production from Shep Pettibone, Dancin' Danny D, and others including Nile Rodgers on select tracks.[2][3] The album comprises ten tracks and features the inclusion of her earlier collaboration "C'mon and Get My Love" with D-Mob.[4]
The album achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart where it spent 31 weeks, and reaching number 67 on the US Billboard 200.[5][6] It spawned several hit singles, including "Just Another Dream" (UK No. 13), "Touch Me (All Night Long)" (UK No. 5), "Too Many Walls" (UK No. 17), and "Everybody Move" (UK No. 25), with "Touch Me (All Night Long)" also topping the US Dance Club Songs chart.[5] Move to This was certified gold in the United Kingdom by the BPI and in Canada by Music Canada for sales of 100,000 and 50,000 copies, respectively.[7][8]
Critically, the album was praised for its sleek production and Dennis's versatile vocals, marking her emergence as a prominent figure in the early 1990s dance-pop scene.[9] While Dennis later transitioned to a successful career as a songwriter for artists such as Kylie Minogue and S Club 7, Move to This remains her highest-charting and best-selling album.[5]
The album's chart trajectory was significantly influenced by its singles, particularly "Touch Me (All Night Long)" and "Too Many Walls," which provided momentum through radio airplay and crossover success. "Touch Me (All Night Long)," released in November 1990, peaked at number 5 in the UK in January 1991 and number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in April 1991, coinciding with the album's climb in both markets.[5][33] Similarly, "Too Many Walls," issued in September 1991, reached number 17 in the UK and number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100, helping to extend the album's chart longevity into late 1991.[5] These releases created synergies that boosted album sales and re-entries, particularly in the UK and US where single performance directly correlated with renewed album interest.[22]
Key production notes for the original mixes highlight the incorporation of house elements, such as pulsating basslines and synth-driven beats in the lead track "Just Another Dream," while later cuts like "My Beating Heart" feature polished funk arrangements courtesy of Nile Rodgers.[1][17] The 2014 remastered expanded edition includes bonus material beyond this core sequence.[9]
Background
Conception
Cathy Dennis's journey to her debut solo album Move to This began with her transition from a backing vocalist to a prominent figure in the British dance music scene. Born in 1969 in Norwich, she started performing as a teenager in local venues and recorded her first song at age 15 with her father, a jazz and classical pianist. By 17, she had moved to London, where she was discovered by manager Simon Fuller in 1986, leading to her breakthrough collaboration with house music producer D Mob (Dancin' Danny D) on the track "C'mon and Get My Love," released in 1989.[10][11] This collaboration marked her shift toward solo artistry, as the song's success highlighted her soulful vocals and established her within the burgeoning house and dance-pop landscape.[12] Fuller brokered a recording deal for Dennis with Polydor Records around this time, setting the stage for her independent career. In late 1989, she released her first solo single, "Just Another Dream," under Polydor, which showcased her emerging songwriting talents and built anticipation for a full album. This period solidified her decision to pursue solo work, drawing on her experiences as a club performer and her desire to create material that resonated personally.[13][11] Dennis's creative vision for Move to This was deeply influenced by the vibrant late-1980s London dance-pop and house music scenes, where she immersed herself by frequenting clubs and absorbing the energetic, rhythmic sounds of the era. Inspired by artists like Michael Jackson's Off the Wall, ABBA, Stevie Wonder, and the Bay City Rollers, she aimed to blend upbeat, club-oriented tracks with more introspective ballads to capture both commercial dance appeal and emotional depth. During 1989 sessions, Dennis began co-writing initial tracks, motivated by her dissatisfaction with the quality of songs offered to her as a new artist. As she later reflected, “The only reason I started writing as an artist is because I knew that the songs I was being given were not good enough to make any impact as a new artist.”[11][10] This hands-on approach to songwriting laid the conceptual foundation for the album, emphasizing self-authored material that reflected her personal growth and the dynamic club culture surrounding her.[10]Recording process
The recording of Move to This took place over approximately four years, beginning after Cathy Dennis was discovered by manager Simon Fuller in 1986 and culminating in principal sessions from 1989 to 1990, just prior to its August 1990 release. Primarily produced by Dennis herself alongside engineer and co-producer Phil Bodger, the album incorporated contributions from notable figures such as Shep Pettibone for remixing key tracks like "Touch Me (All Night Long)" and Nile Rodgers for select songs, resulting in a polished dance-pop sound.[14][9] Sessions emphasized electronic production techniques, including synthesizers and programming to drive the upbeat dance tracks such as "Just Another Dream" and "Everybody Move," which aimed to capture a vibrant club energy. In contrast, ballads like "Too Many Walls" relied on live instrumentation, including piano and strings, to highlight Dennis's vocal range and emotional delivery. These choices reflected a deliberate blend of house-influenced rhythms and accessible pop structures.[14][9] One of the main challenges during production was navigating creative tensions in a male-dominated industry, where Dennis often had to advocate for her vision against suggestions to alter songs or production styles, while striving to balance club-ready beats with radio-friendly hooks to broaden commercial appeal. This process drew from her earlier inspirations in soul and dance music, ensuring the album's cohesive yet versatile sound.[14]Music and lyrics
Musical style
Move to This is characterized by its dance-pop framework, incorporating prominent elements of house and synth-pop. The album draws influences from 1980s hi-NRG and early 1990s club sounds, reflecting Cathy Dennis's roots in the British dance scene.[11][1] Central to the album's sound are upbeat tempos typically ranging from 113 to 120 BPM, as heard in the title track "Move to This" at 113 BPM and "Touch Me (All Night Long)" at 120 BPM. These are supported by layered synthesizers and four-on-the-floor beats, creating an energetic, club-oriented aesthetic suitable for dance floors. Production, handled primarily by Dennis alongside Phil Bodger and contributions from Nile Rodgers and Shep Pettibone, emphasizes polished electronic arrangements with rhythmic drive and melodic hooks.[15][16][1][17] Track variations highlight the album's versatility within its dance-pop core; for instance, "Just Another Dream" adopts a house-infused structure with pulsating basslines and remix-friendly builds, while "Too Many Walls" shifts to a slower ballad arrangement featuring piano and emotive vocals.[9]Themes and songwriting
The lyrical content of Move to This centers on themes of empowerment, romance, and nightlife escapism. Songs like the title track "Move to This" embody empowerment through its call to action, urging listeners to break free on the dance floor and embrace liberation amid pulsating rhythms.[1][18] Dennis co-wrote the majority of the album's tracks, to craft relatable pop hooks that blend upbeat energy with emotional depth. Key collaborations included Dancin' Danny D (Danny Poku) on dance-oriented numbers like "Just Another Dream" and "C'mon and Get My Love," while Anne Dudley contributed to the more introspective ballad "Too Many Walls." These partnerships highlighted Dennis's versatility, merging club influences with sophisticated arrangements.[1][19] Specific songs illustrate the album's emotional range, with "Too Many Walls" employing metaphors of barriers to explore isolation and the struggle to connect in romance, its verses painting a picture of guarded hearts amid relational strife. Similarly, "Why" delves into heartbreak through introspective lyrics that question lost love and vulnerability, shifting from rhythmic verses to a poignant chorus that captures raw confusion.[20][21][18] Overall, Dennis's songwriting on Move to This evolved from high-energy club anthems rooted in escapism—evident in tracks like "Everybody Move" and "Touch Me (All Night Long)"—to more vulnerable pop ballads that reveal personal introspection, marking her transition toward the sophisticated craft that defined her later career as a hitmaker for other artists. This progression showcased her ability to infuse pop with genuine feeling, prioritizing emotional resonance over formulaic trends.[19][22]Release and promotion
Album release
Move to This was released on August 14, 1990 in the UK via Polydor Records, with the US release following in late 1990.[23] The album was issued in standard formats including CD, vinyl, and cassette, with initial editions featuring a 10-track listing.[1] The cover artwork depicts Cathy Dennis in a dynamic pose against an urban backdrop, symbolizing movement and energy.[24] Promotional efforts included launch events in London clubs and early TV appearances on Top of the Pops.[5]Singles
The singles from Move to This played a pivotal role in introducing Cathy Dennis to international audiences, blending dance-pop energy with radio-friendly hooks to build anticipation for the album. The album also included her earlier collaboration "C'mon and Get My Love" with D-Mob, a 1989 hit that peaked at number 15 on the UK Singles Chart and number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, helping to promote the album's release. Released progressively from late 1989 through 1991, they targeted both club and mainstream formats, with extended remixes crafted for DJ play and music videos enhancing visual appeal. These tracks collectively established Dennis as a rising star in the pop-dance genre, amassing multiple top-10 hits in the UK and US.[9] "Just Another Dream" served as Dennis's debut solo single, initially released on November 6, 1989, in the UK, where it peaked at number 93 on the UK Singles Chart. A remixed version was reissued in October 1990, peaking at number 95 in the UK. Following the success of "Touch Me (All Night Long)," a second reissue in July 1991 climbed to number 13 in the UK and reached number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100, while topping the US Dance Club Songs chart. The re-release featured extended mixes, including club-oriented versions by producers like Danny D, to appeal to dance radio and DJs. Its success helped generate early buzz for the album, showcasing Dennis's vocal range over house-influenced beats.[25][13] "Touch Me (All Night Long)", a cover of the 1984 Wish track, was issued on January 14, 1991, becoming Dennis's breakthrough hit. It reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart, number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and number 1 on the US Dance Club Songs chart. The single's promotion included a music video directed by Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton, featuring Dennis in a vibrant, neon-lit club setting to capture its sensual, all-night-party theme. Radio campaigns focused on dance and Top 40 stations, with remixes by Shep Pettibone amplifying its club impact and propelling Dennis to pop-dance stardom.[26][27] "Too Many Walls" arrived on September 23, 1991, as the fourth single, shifting to a more ballad-like pop style while retaining dance elements. It peaked at number 17 on the UK Singles Chart, number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and number 1 on the US Adult Contemporary chart. Extended mixes were released for dance formats, supporting targeted radio promotion that highlighted its emotional depth. The track's crossover success further solidified Dennis's versatility, contributing to the album's momentum.[28][29] "Everybody Move", the album's fifth single released in late 1991, closed the campaign with high-energy house vibes, peaking at number 25 on the UK Singles Chart. It featured club remixes to energize dance playlists, tying back to the album's promotional strategy of sustained radio and video exposure. Collectively, these singles drove hype through coordinated TV, radio, and club efforts, cementing Dennis's position as a key figure in early 1990s dance-pop.[5][9])Critical reception
Contemporary reviews
Upon its release in 1990, Move to This received limited documented contemporary reviews from major publications, with available sources indicating a positive reception for its energetic dance-pop sound and Cathy Dennis's vocal abilities.Retrospective reviews
In the years following its release, Move to This has garnered renewed appreciation for its role in bridging 1980s house influences with the burgeoning 1990s dance-pop landscape. AllMusic's review notes that the album "shows more strengths than weaknesses," presenting Dennis as an interesting addition to the dance/diva crowd.[30] Similarly, a 2025 retrospective by Albumism celebrated its "soulful yet effervescent" qualities, noting how Dennis's vocal grit distinguished it from more polished contemporaries and contributed to its enduring replay value.[9] The album's influence extends to subsequent generations of pop artists, particularly in empowering female-led acts within the UK and global dance scenes. Dennis's songwriting prowess on Move to This foreshadowed her behind-the-scenes impact, including co-writing Spice Girls' 1997 hit "Who Do You Think You Are," which echoed the empowering, anthemic vibes of tracks like "Touch Me (All Night Long)." Her contributions further shaped Britney Spears' career, co-writing the Grammy-winning "Toxic" from 2003's In the Zone, a track that channeled the seductive, club-ready energy pioneered in Dennis's debut. Albumism's analysis underscores this legacy, arguing that the record's DNA permeates countless female-fronted pop efforts post-1990, amplifying bold, unapologetic voices in a male-dominated production era.[9] The 2014 Polydor expanded edition, featuring remastered tracks and bonus club mixes, received praise for revitalizing the album's dance heritage. Reviewers on Super Deluxe Edition lauded the reissue for its comprehensive remixes, such as extended versions of "Just Another Dream" and "Move to This," which highlight Dennis's roots in underground house culture and make the package essential for fans tracing '90s club evolution.[31] Rate Your Music users echoed this, describing the extras as enhancing the album's "exuberant pop" without diluting its original charm, solidifying its status as an underrated cornerstone of the genre.[32]Commercial performance
Chart performance
Move to This achieved its strongest performance in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart. The album spent a total of 31 weeks on the chart, reflecting sustained interest driven by the success of its lead singles.[5] In the United States, the album debuted on the Billboard 200 on 15 December 1990 at number 173, eventually reaching a peak of number 67 in May 1991 after benefiting from the crossover appeal of its singles on the Hot 100.[33] It remained on the chart for 40 weeks, underscoring the singles' role in elevating its visibility despite modest overall placement.[9] The album also charted internationally, entering markets later than in the UK and US due to staggered releases. In Australia, it peaked at number 32 on the ARIA Albums Chart in August 1991.[34] In Canada, it reached number 44 on the RPM Top 100 Albums chart.[9]| Chart (1990–1991) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| UK Albums (OCC) | 3 | 31 |
| US Billboard 200 | 67 | 40 |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 32 | — |
| Canadian Albums (RPM) | 44 | — |
Certifications and sales
In the United Kingdom, Move to This was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in 1991, recognizing sales of 100,000 units.[35] This certification was awarded following the album's strong domestic performance. The album also achieved Gold status in Canada from Music Canada in 1991 for shipments of 50,000 units.[7] The 2014 remastered expanded edition, released by Universal Music Catalogue, generated additional revenue through digital downloads and streaming on platforms like Spotify, though specific figures remain modest compared to the original physical sales.[3] This reissue helped sustain the album's presence in Polydor's catalog of 1990s dance music, bolstering the label's enduring roster in the genre.[1]Track listing
Standard edition
The standard edition of Move to This, Cathy Dennis's debut studio album, comprises ten tracks recorded primarily in 1990, blending dance-pop with house influences (noting that "C'mon and Get My Love" is an earlier 1989 collaboration). Released on October 22, 1990, by Polydor Records in the UK, it runs for a total of 41:49 and opens with high-energy house grooves before shifting into more varied rhythms.[1][32] The track listing is presented below, with durations, primary writers, and producers noted for each:| No. | Title | Duration | Writer(s) | Producer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Just Another Dream | 4:03 | Cathy Dennis, Dancin' Danny D | Dancin' Danny D |
| 2 | Touch Me (All Night Long) | 4:09 | Patrick Adams, Greg Carmichael | Phil Bodger, Cathy Dennis |
| 3 | C'mon and Get My Love (feat. D-Mob) | 3:50 | Dancin' Danny D, Cathy Dennis | Phil Bodger |
| 4 | Too Many Walls | 4:38 | Cathy Dennis, Anne Dudley | Phil Bodger, Cathy Dennis |
| 5 | Tell Me | 4:13 | Cathy Dennis | Phil Bodger, Cathy Dennis |
| 6 | Everybody Move | 5:16 | Cathy Dennis, Terry Britten, Mick Leeson | Nile Rodgers |
| 7 | Move to This | 3:34 | Cathy Dennis, Garry Bell | Phil Bodger, Cathy Dennis |
| 8 | My Beating Heart | 4:43 | Cathy Dennis, Sue Shifrin | Nile Rodgers |
| 9 | Got to Get Your Love | 3:43 | Cathy Dennis | Phil Bodger, Cathy Dennis |
| 10 | Taste My Love | 3:40 | Cathy Dennis, Dancin' Danny D | Phil Bodger, Cathy Dennis |