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Soul Provider
Soul Provider
Soul Provider
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Soul Provider
Studio album by
Michael Bolton
ReleasedJune 26, 1989 (1989-06-26)
Recorded1987–89
Studio
GenrePop, pop rock, soft rock
Length47:04
LabelColumbia
Producer
Michael Bolton chronology
The Hunger
(1987) 		Soul Provider
(1989) 		Time, Love & Tenderness
(1991)
Singles from Soul Provider
  1. "Soul Provider"
    Released: June 1989
  2. "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You"
    Released: October 1989
  3. "How Can We Be Lovers?"
    Released: January 1990
  4. "When I'm Back on My Feet Again"
    Released: April 1990
  5. "Georgia on My Mind"
    Released: July 1990

Soul Provider is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Michael Bolton. The album was released on June 26, 1989, by Columbia Records/CBS.[1] The album has sold 12.5 million copies worldwide.[2]

Containing five US top 40 hits (including three that reached the top 10), Soul Provider achieved longevity on the charts. The album spent almost four years on the Billboard 200 and peaked at number 3.[3] It was certified 6× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[4]

For the single version of "Georgia on My Mind", CBS edited out Michael Brecker's saxophone solo and replaced it with one by Kenny G.[5]

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[6]
Robert ChristgauC−[7]
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStar[8]

Soul Provider has received generally mixed reviews from critics. AllMusic retrospectively described it as "more of the same", but noted that due to this album, Bolton "was now stoking the romantic fires in bedrooms across America".[6] Robert Christgau gave the album a negative review, declaring Bolton to be "indistinguishable from pop metal except in the wattage of his guitar parts and the shamelessness of his song doctors."[7] The Rolling Stone Album Guide described the album as the beginning of Bolton's descent into overdone and disrespectful covers, though they added that some of the self-penned performances on the album showed potential.[8]

Track listing

[edit]
Soul Provider track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Soul Provider"Michael Bolton, Andrew GoldmarkPeter Bunetta and Rick Chudacoff4:28
2."Georgia on My Mind"Hoagy Carmichael, Stuart GorrellBolton and Susan Hamilton4:58
3."It's Only My Heart"Bolton, Diane WarrenMichael Omartian4:33
4."How Am I Supposed to Live Without You"Bolton, Doug JamesOmartian4:48
5."How Can We Be Lovers?"Bolton, Warren, Desmond ChildBolton and Desmond Child3:55
6."You Wouldn't Know Love"Bolton, WarrenBolton3:54
7."When I'm Back on My Feet Again"WarrenBolton, Guy Roche, Walter Afanasieff3:47
8."From Now On" (featuring Suzie Benson)Bolton, Dean Pitchford, Eric KazBolton4:07
9."Love Cuts Deep"Bolton, Warren, ChildBunetta and Chudacoff3:49
10."Stand Up for Love"Bolton, Barry Mann, Cynthia WeilBolton, Barry Mann, Omartian4:44
11."Forever Eyes" (bonus track)Bolton, Bob Halligan Jr. 4:23
Total length:47:04

Personnel

[edit]

Musicians

[edit]
  • Michael Bolton – vocals, backing vocals (5, 6, 10, 11)
  • Robbie Buchanan – keyboards (1, 8, 9)
  • Brad Cole – keyboards (1, 9)
  • Richard Tee – keyboards (2)
  • Eric Rehl – additional synthesizers (2), synthesizers (5)
  • Michael Omartian – keyboards (3, 4, 11), drums (3), synthesizers (10), backing vocals (10), drum programming (11)
  • Gregg Mangiafico – keyboards (5)
  • Walter Afanasieff – additional keyboards (5, 7), percussion (5), bass (7), drums (7)
  • Phillip Ashley – keyboards (6), additional keyboards (8)
  • Guy Roche – additional keyboards (6), arrangements (7)
  • Diane Warren – keyboards (7)
  • Barry Mann – keyboards (10)
  • Dann Huff – guitars (1, 9)
  • Steve Lukather – guitars (3, 11), guitar solo (11)
  • Michael Landau – guitars (4, 8, 10), additional guitars (7, 11), lead guitar (6)
  • John McCurry – electric guitar (5), acoustic guitar (5), rhythm guitar (6)
  • Chris Camozzi – guitars (7)
  • Schuyler Deale – bass (2)
  • Neil Stubenhaus – bass (4, 6, 8–10), additional bass (7)
  • Hugh McDonald – bass (5)
  • Peter Bunetta – drum programming (1)
  • Chris Parker – drums (2)
  • John Keane – drums (4, 6, 8, 10)
  • Bobby Chouinard – drums (5)
  • John Robinson – drums (9)
  • Paulinho da Costa – percussion (9)
  • Kenny G – saxophone solo (1)
  • Michael Brecker – tenor saxophone (2)
  • Jerry Peterson – saxophone solo (9)
  • Jeff Pescetto – backing vocals (1)
  • Sharon Robinson – backing vocals (1)
  • Leslie Smith – backing vocals (1)
  • Terry Brock – backing vocals (2)
  • Jocelyn Brown – backing vocals (2)
  • Robin Clark – backing vocals (2)
  • Milt Grayson – backing vocals (2)
  • Vicki Sue Robinson – backing vocals (2)
  • Fonzi Thornton – backing vocals (2)
  • Richard Marx – backing vocals (3)
  • Joe Turano – backing vocals (3, 6)
  • Kyf Brewer – backing vocals (5)
  • Joe Cerisano – backing vocals (5)
  • Desmond Child – backing vocals (5)
  • Patricia Darcy – backing vocals (5)
  • John Fiore – backing vocals (5, 6)
  • Kate McGunnigle – backing vocals (5)
  • Lou Merlino – backing vocals (5)
  • Bernie Shanahan – backing vocals (5)
  • Myriam Naomi Valle – backing vocals (5, 6)
  • Suzie Benson – vocals (8)
  • Jeanette Hawes - backing vocals (9)
  • Wanda Vaughn – backing vocals (9)
  • Syreeta Wright – backing vocals (9)

Production

[edit]
  • Janet Hinde – production coordination (3, 4)
  • Steve Savitt – production manager (5)
  • Doreen Dorian – production coordination (7)
  • Christopher Austopchuk – art direction
  • Glen Erler – photography
  • Louis Levin – direction, management

Technical

  • Vlado Meller – mastering at CBS Records Studio (New York City, New York)
  • Daren Klein – recording (1, 9)
  • Mick Guzauski – mixing (1, 7, 8), remix engineer (4)
  • Rick Kerr – engineer (2), mixing (2)
  • David Albert – engineer (3, 4, 10, 11)
  • Terry Christian – engineer (3, 4, 6–8, 10, 11), mixing (3, 4, 10, 11)
  • Sir Arthur Payson – recording (5), mixing (5)
  • David Frazer – remixing (5)
  • Jay Healy – engineer (6, 8)
  • David Thoener – mixing (6)
  • Richard Piatt – engineer (7)
  • Guy Roche – engineer (7)
  • Arne Frager – remixing (7)
  • Jeff Balding – additional recording (1, 9)
  • Gerry E. Brown – additional recording (1, 9), mixing (9)
  • Mark Ettel – additional recording (1, 9)
  • Gary Wagner – additional recording (1, 9)
  • Bryant Arnett – assistant engineer (1, 9)
  • Laura Livingston – assistant engineer (1, 9)
  • Richard McKernon – assistant engineer (1, 9)
  • Marnie Riley – assistant engineer (1, 8, 9)
  • Steve Satkowski – assistant engineer (1, 9)
  • Tim Leitner – assistant engineer (2)
  • Paul Logus – assistant engineer (2)
  • Tony Van Horn – assistant engineer (2)
  • Michael White – assistant engineer (2)
  • Kevin Becka – second engineer (3, 4, 10, 11), assistant engineer (6, 7), additional engineer (8)
  • Doug Carlton – second engineer (3, 4, 10, 11)
  • Keith Goldstein – assistant engineer (5)
  • Roy Hendrickson – assistant engineer (5)
  • Mike Krowiak – assistant engineer (5)
  • Danny Mormando – assistant engineer (5)
  • Joe Pirrera – assistant engineer (5)
  • John Herman – assistant mix engineer (5)
  • Dary Sulich – assistant engineer (6, 8)
  • Rich Travali – assistant engineer (6, 8)
  • Tony Friedman – assistant engineer (7)

Charts

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
Chart performance for singles from Soul Provider
Release date Title US Hot 100 US AC
June 1989 "Soul Provider" 17 3
October 1989 "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" 1 1
March 1990 "How Can We Be Lovers" 3 3
May 1990 "When I'm Back on My Feet Again" 7 1
August 1990 "Georgia on My Mind" 36 6

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Soul Provider
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[29] 2× Platinum 140,000^
Canada (Music Canada)[30] 5× Platinum 500,000^
Netherlands (NVPI)[31] Gold 50,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[32] Gold 7,500^
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[33] Gold 50,000^
Sweden (GLF)[34] Platinum 100,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[35] 4× Platinum 1,200,000^
United States (RIAA)[36] 6× Platinum 6,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Soul Provider

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Soul Provider is the sixth studio album by American singer , released on June 19, 1989, by . Featuring a mix of original pop-soul ballads and covers of classic songs, the album includes tracks such as "Soul Provider," "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," and renditions of "" and " a Woman." The album achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number three on the chart and remaining on the chart for nearly four years. It was certified six-times platinum by the RIAA in the United States for sales exceeding six million copies. Worldwide, Soul Provider has sold over 12 million copies, propelled by five top 40 singles on the , including the number-one hits "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" and "When a Man Loves a Woman." Produced primarily by Andy Goldmark and himself, the album marked a pivotal point in Bolton's career, transitioning him from a rock-oriented to a prominent figure in adult contemporary and . While receiving mixed critical reviews for its emotive style and vocal delivery, it solidified Bolton's status as a major pop in the late and early .

Background

Conception and writing

Following the moderate success of his 1987 album The Hunger, which marked Michael Bolton's initial shift away from his roots toward a more soulful, ballad-oriented sound, Bolton deliberately pivoted to emphasize and pop ballads in subsequent work. This transition was driven by his desire to showcase a deeper emotional range, drawing on influences from classic soul artists such as and , whose raw vocal intensity and heartfelt delivery shaped Bolton's approach to interpreting themes of love and vulnerability. The conception of Soul Provider followed the release of The Hunger, as Bolton and his label, Columbia Records, sought to build on the ballad-heavy momentum by focusing on romantic, emotionally charged material. Bolton co-wrote several key tracks, including the title song "Soul Provider" with producer and songwriter Andy Goldmark, which encapsulated the album's core theme of unwavering romantic commitment. He also collaborated with longtime writing partner Doug James on "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," a song originally penned in 1982 that revisited heartbreak and longing, aligning with the album's overarching lyrical emphasis on passion and emotional resilience. These co-writing efforts prioritized accessible, soul-infused pop structures to appeal to a broader audience. Early development involved creating demo recordings of these ballads, which impressed Columbia executives and solidified the album's direction toward soul-influenced pop before full recording commenced. Bolton's vocal style in these demos echoed Redding's emotive phrasing and Charles's bluesy , setting the stage for the album's polished yet passionate tone. This phase allowed Bolton to refine the songs' romantic narratives, ensuring they resonated with universal experiences of and loss.

Recording sessions

The recording sessions for Soul Provider took place in the late 1980s across multiple studios including in , Lion Share Recording Studios and in New York, Alpha Studios and Ground Control Studios in , and Lighthouse Studios, Homelands Studio, and The Bunny Hop in . Key sessions focused on layering Michael Bolton's lead vocals over live instrumentation to achieve the album's soulful pop sound, incorporating horn sections arranged by and string arrangements by Paul Riser for added depth and emotional resonance. This approach emphasized organic performances from session musicians, including bassists like and drummers such as John Robinson, to capture a rich, dynamic texture. One notable aspect was adapting "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You"—originally recorded by in 1983, though co-written by Bolton—for his vocal style, infusing it with his signature intensity while aligning it with the album's cohesive production.

Musical style and composition

Genres and production techniques

Soul Provider is primarily classified within the genres of , , and adult contemporary, infused with soul influences that underscore Michael Bolton's signature vocal style. The album balances introspective ballads, such as the poignant "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," with uptempo tracks like the energetic title song, creating a that appeals to a broad radio audience. The production, led by Peter Bunetta, Rick Chudacoff, and contributions from Bolton himself, along with co-producers like and , employed techniques typical of late-1980s pop recording to achieve a glossy, commercial sheen. Multi-tracking of vocals enhanced the depth and intensity of Bolton's raspy, emotive delivery, while synthesizers provided the era's characteristic polish on layers of instrumentation. Live drum performances, handled by session musicians like John Robinson, added an organic rhythmic foundation to counterbalance the electronic elements. Engineering by Jay Healy and at studios including A&M and ensured a clean, vibrant mix suited for adult contemporary airplay. Notable examples illustrate these approaches: the title track "Soul Provider" incorporates horn sections, exemplified by Kenny G's prominent solo, which injects a lively soul dimension into the arrangement. In contrast, rockier selections like "Love Cuts Deep" feature extended guitar solos by , delivering raw energy and textural variety within the album's otherwise smooth framework. Overall, Soul Provider represents Bolton's shift from his earlier hard rock and heavy metal leanings toward a more accessible, production-focused pop-soul aesthetic, prioritizing melodic hooks and vocal prowess for mainstream success.

Themes and songwriting

The album Soul Provider centers on themes of romantic devotion, heartbreak, and redemption, weaving personal narratives through its lyrics to explore the complexities of love. Tracks like the title song "Soul Provider" exemplify devotion, portraying the singer's unwavering commitment as an emotional lifeline for his partner, with metaphors of provision symbolizing sustenance in both soul and spirit. Co-written by Michael Bolton and Andy Goldmark, the song uses these images to convey a promise of eternal support, drawing on R&B influences for its vulnerable expression of love. Heartbreak emerges prominently in "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," co-written by Bolton and Doug James, which captures the raw anguish of loss and betrayal as the narrator grapples with a partner's departure. The lyrics lament the impossibility of moving forward, reflecting a soulful style reminiscent of 1960s and 1970s R&B ballads about relational endings. Redemption appears in songs like "When I'm Back On My Feet Again," written by Diane Warren, offering hope through resilience and renewal after emotional downfall. These themes highlight Bolton's emphasis on relatable love stories, blending personal vulnerability with universal emotional arcs. The songwriting process underscores Bolton's shift toward personal storytelling, with six of the ten tracks featuring his co-writing contributions alongside collaborators like , , and others, marking a departure from earlier rock-oriented work toward introspective power ballads. The album includes covers of "" by and and "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, serving as nods to classic soul standards. Bolton's approach prioritizes emotional accessibility, employing repetitive choruses for memorability—as in "How Can We Be Lovers"—to reinforce themes of longing and reconciliation, while avoiding overly complex structures in favor of direct, heartfelt narratives.

Release and promotion

Commercial release

Soul Provider was released on June 19, 1989, by , an imprint of at the time. The album was issued in multiple physical formats, including vinyl LP, cassette, and . Its initial pressing contained 10 tracks, while some international editions incorporated bonus tracks. Columbia Records marketed Soul Provider as Michael Bolton's entry into mainstream stardom, building on the moderate commercial performance of his prior releases like The Hunger, which reached number 46 on the Billboard 200. The album's packaging showcased cover art with Bolton captured in a soulful, introspective pose, complemented by that detailed credits for songwriters, producers, and musicians.

Singles and marketing

The singles from Soul Provider were released over several months to sustain interest in the album following its June 1989 launch. The , "Soul Provider", was issued in June 1989, emphasizing commitment and emotional depth in relationships. This was followed by "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" in late 1989, marking Bolton's first number-one hit and setting the tone for the record's romantic soul ballad style. Subsequent releases included "How Can We Be Lovers" in early 1990, "When I'm Back on My Feet Again" later that year, and a cover of as a closing single, highlighting Bolton's interpretive vocal prowess on standards. Marketing efforts centered on building radio presence and visual media exposure to appeal to adult contemporary and pop audiences. prioritized heavy radio airplay through promotional singles and targeted campaigns, ensuring tracks like "Soul Provider" received widespread rotation on U.S. stations. Music videos played a key role, with productions directed specifically for rotation; the "Soul Provider" video, featuring close-up shots of Bolton's passionate delivery, exemplified the era's emphasis on intimate, soulful imagery to connect with viewers. Bolton supported these efforts with live television appearances, including a performance on Starring on November 14, 1989, where he showcased album material to a national audience. The album's promotion extended to live performances via an accompanying world tour that began in late 1989, featuring setlists dominated by Soul Provider tracks to capitalize on the singles' momentum. Internationally, strategies varied by region; in , "Soul Provider" received an earlier priority release and stronger push compared to the U.S. sequence, with vinyl and CD singles tailored for markets like the and to align with local radio formats.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Soul Provider achieved significant commercial success on international charts following its release in 1989. In the United States, the album debuted at number 167 on the in July 1989 and climbed to its peak position of number 3 in 1990, where it remained in the top 10 for 21 weeks and on the chart for a total of 202 weeks. It also ranked number 3 on the year-end chart for 1990. The album's singles contributed to its chart longevity, with five tracks reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. Notably, "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" topped the Hot 100 for three weeks starting January 20, 1990, and spent 22 weeks on the chart overall. Other singles, such as "How Can We Be Lovers" and "Soul Provider," also entered the top 20, bolstering the album's presence on airplay and sales metrics. Internationally, Soul Provider performed strongly in several markets. It reached number 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart in Australia for two weeks in May 1990 and ranked number 10 on the year-end ARIA chart. In Norway, the album peaked at number 1 on the VG-lista chart for 2 weeks and spent a total of 32 weeks on the chart starting in July 1989. On the UK Albums Chart, it peaked at number 4 and accumulated 72 weeks in the top 100. In Canada, it peaked at number 5 on the RPM Top Albums/CDs chart and placed number 18 on the 1990 year-end RPM chart. The album saw robust performance across Europe but had a more gradual ascent in Asian markets, such as peaking at number 41 on Japan's Oricon chart.
Chart (1989–1990)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
US Billboard 2003202
Australian Albums ()1N/A
Canadian Albums (RPM)5N/A
Norwegian Albums ()132
UK Albums (OCC)472

Sales and certifications

Soul Provider achieved substantial commercial success, selling over 12.5 million copies worldwide by the early 1990s, with continued consumption through streaming platforms in the digital era. In the United States, the album was certified 6× Platinum by the (RIAA) on September 13, 1994, denoting shipments of six million units. It reached one million units sold in the US within eight months of its release, securing its first certification from the RIAA on February 26, 1990, aided by the strong performance of its singles. Internationally, the album earned multiple high-level certifications, including 2× Platinum in Australia from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for 140,000 units, 4× Platinum in Canada from Music Canada for 400,000 units, 4× Platinum in the United Kingdom from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified in 1990 for 1.2 million units, and Gold in the Netherlands from NVPI for 50,000 units. It also received Gold in New Zealand from RMNZ for 7,500 units.
RegionCertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)2× Platinum140,000
Canada (Music Canada)4× Platinum400,000
Netherlands (NVPI)Gold50,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)Gold7,500
United Kingdom (BPI)4× Platinum1,200,000
United States (RIAA)6× Platinum6,000,000

Reception

Critical reviews

Upon its release in 1989, Soul Provider received mixed reviews from critics, who often praised Michael Bolton's powerful vocals while critiquing the album's polished production and formulaic song structures. AllMusic's William Ruhlmann highlighted Bolton's strategic shift toward romantic rock ballads, noting collaborations with songwriters like and the inclusion of hits that fueled his superstar status, ultimately awarding the album 4 out of 5 stars for its appeal in romantic settings. In contrast, of gave it a C− grade, dismissing it as an "excrescence" of overproduced pop that imitated poorly, though he conceded the imitation could be amusing in the right mood. The consensus among reviewers lauded Bolton's vocal prowess and soulful energy but faulted the reliance on generic ballads and covers, such as the rendition of "Georgia on My Mind," which some saw as lacking originality. Critics appreciated tracks like "When I'm Back on My Feet Again" for their uplifting emotional depth and motivational lyrics, positioning it as a standout amid the album's more predictable fare. However, elements of perceived cheesiness in the arrangements and lyrics drew frequent complaints, contributing to the divided reception. Retrospective analyses have been more favorable, viewing Soul Provider as a cornerstone of pop-rock for its emotional sincerity and high-fidelity production. A 2024 review from Subjective Sounds emphasized the album's cohesive blend of power ballads and upbeat tracks, crediting Bolton's versatile delivery—particularly on "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You"—for its enduring uplift, while acknowledging that the soppy style may not appeal to all tastes.

Audience response

Upon its 1989 release, Soul Provider sparked strong initial fan enthusiasm, fueled by extensive radio play on adult contemporary stations, where the title track peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. This airplay translated into heightened demand, resulting in sold-out concerts and a notable expansion of Bolton's fan base during the late 1980s. The resonated primarily with adult contemporary audiences, while also attracting enthusiasts through Bolton's soul-infused style rooted in his earlier phase; it particularly drew a strong female demographic captivated by the heartfelt ballads. Songs from Soul Provider quickly became fixtures in Bolton's live sets during his 1989-1990 tours, including the sold-out North American run with , where audience sing-alongs to tracks like "Soul Provider" and "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" were commonly observed in period reviews. In the , Soul Provider sustains streaming popularity, as seen in dedicated 35th anniversary curated in 2024, underscoring lasting fan devotion to Bolton's signature sound.

Legacy

Career impact

The release of Soul Provider in marked a pivotal breakthrough for , transitioning him from a niche performer—known for earlier work with bands like and solo albums such as The Hunger ()—to a global pop and adult contemporary superstar. The album's massive commercial success, including over six million copies sold in the United States alone, established Bolton as a dominant force in the pop ballad genre, with its blend of original songs and covers appealing to a broad mainstream audience. This shift was underscored by the album's , "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," which not only topped the but also earned Bolton his first Grammy Award in 1990 for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male, along with additional nominations that year. The formula of soulful, emotive ballads and high-production covers from Soul Provider directly influenced Bolton's subsequent releases, most notably (1991), which replicated its structure of R&B-infused pop tracks and chart-topping singles like "When a Man Loves a Woman." This continuity propelled Bolton to further acclaim, culminating in a second Grammy win in 1992 for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male, for the latter single, building on the momentum and stylistic foundation established by Soul Provider. The album's enduring chart presence—spending nearly four years on the —yielded four top-10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. In the long term, Soul Provider solidified Bolton's status as an adult contemporary icon, with its sales exceeding 12 million copies worldwide providing the financial stability to diversify his career beyond music. This success enabled the founding of the Michael Bolton Charities in 1993, focused on supporting women and children affected by and , reflecting Bolton's commitment to inspired by his rising profile. Additionally, the album's triumphs opened doors to acting ventures, including television appearances and voice roles in projects like the 2005 animated film , allowing Bolton to expand his entertainment footprint. The album's legacy continued to support Bolton through later challenges, including his 2023 diagnosis of a requiring and rehabilitation; by 2025, he had resumed touring, crediting his career's foundation for his recovery.

Cultural significance

Soul Provider exemplified the late 1980s shift toward emotive male balladeers in , blending soulful R&B influences with dramatic vocal runs that defined adult contemporary balladry. The album's title track and hits like "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" showcased Bolton's powerful, histrionic delivery, ushering in what critics termed the "Age of ," where elongated notes and vocal flourishes became a staple in pop performances. This style resonated across the and , influencing the era's romantic pop landscape alongside artists who prioritized heartfelt, over-the-top expressions of love. The album's singles maintained a strong media presence, appearing in various films and television shows that amplified their romantic themes. This integration into soundtracks helped cement the songs' association with heartfelt drama, while Bolton's exaggerated romantic persona inspired parodies, such as the satirical portrayal of a character named in the 1999 film , mocking the over-the-top sentimentality of his ballads. In 2024, the album's enduring legacy was marked by its 35th anniversary celebrations, including dedicated streaming playlists on platforms like YouTube that highlighted its hits and fan-favorite tracks. These digital retrospectives underscored Soul Provider's lasting appeal in adult contemporary revival discussions, with renewed streams reflecting ongoing interest in its polished production and vocal intensity. Socially, the album promoted themes of emotional openness through its lyrics on love, trust, and commitment, aligning with the self-help and relationship-focused culture of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Tracks like the title song emphasized vulnerability in romance, contributing to pop music's role in encouraging men to express deep feelings, a shift that echoed broader societal conversations around emotional expression during that period.

Credits

Track listing

The standard edition of Soul Provider features 10 tracks.
No.TitleWriter(s)LengthProducer(s)
1."Soul Provider"Michael Bolton, Andy Goldmark4:28Peter Bunetta, Rick Chudacoff
2."Georgia on My Mind"Hoagy Carmichael, Stuart Gorrell4:58Michael Bolton
3."It's Only My Heart"Michael Bolton, Diane Warren4:33Michael Omartian
4."How Am I Supposed to Live Without You"Michael Bolton, Doug James4:49Michael Omartian
5."How Can We Be Lovers"Desmond Child, Diane Warren, Michael Bolton3:56Desmond Child
6."You Wouldn't Know Love"Michael Bolton, Diane Warren3:55Michael Bolton
7."When I'm Back on My Feet Again"Diane Warren3:49Michael Bolton, Guy Roche, Walter Afanasieff
8."From Now On" (featuring Suzie Benson)Michael Bolton, Eddie Kaz4:09Michael Bolton
9."Love Cuts Deep"Desmond Child, Diane Warren, Michael Bolton3:51Peter Bunetta, Rick Chudacoff
10."Stand Up for Love"Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Michael Bolton4:44Barry Mann
Certain international and reissue editions include bonus tracks, such as "Forever Eyes" (written by and , length 4:23).

Personnel

The personnel for Soul Provider included lead vocals by throughout the album, supported by a team of session musicians, producers, and engineers. Musicians Production and technical staff Recording took place at Alpha Studios in ; Lion Share Recording Studios and A&M Studios in , ; The Bunny Hop in Sherman Oaks, ; and additional locations including in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

References

  1. https://music.apple.com/us/album/soul-provider/157279141
  2. https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Provider-Michael-Bolton/dp/B0000026QV
  3. https://www.sessiondays.com/2015/06/1989-michael-bolton-soul-provider/
  4. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/8821
  5. https://www.allmusic.com/album/soul-provider-mw0000204796
  6. https://www.classicpopmag.com/features/i-dont-have-to-take-myself-so-seriously-michael-bolton-interview/
  7. https://www.songwriteruniverse.com/michael-bolton-songs-spark-of-light-album/
  8. https://www.discogs.com/release/15940907-Michael-Bolton-Soul-Provider
  9. https://www.discogs.com/release/2572422-Michael-Bolton-Soul-Provider
  10. https://www.ebay.com/itm/267351282407
  11. https://www.discogs.com/master/52306-Michael-Bolton-Soul-Provider
  12. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/michael-bolton-mn0000387720
  13. https://genius.com/albums/Michael-bolton/Soul-provider
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/2715811-Michael-Bolton-Soul-Provider
  15. https://genius.com/Michael-bolton-soul-provider-lyrics
  16. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/michael-bolton/soul-provider
  17. https://www.subjectivesounds.com/musicblog/michael-bolton-soul-provider-album-review
  18. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/michael-bolton/how-am-i-supposed-to-live-without-you
  19. https://americansongwriter.com/6-of-michael-boltons-most-passionate-songs/
  20. https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/soul-provider-mr0001176256
  21. https://musicchartsarchive.com/albums/michael-bolton/the-hunger
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/418256-Michael-Bolton-Soul-Provider
  23. https://www.ebay.com/itm/157144685553
  24. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1989-07-15/
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/424634-Michael-Bolton-How-Am-I-Supposed-To-Live-Without-You
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0728046/
  27. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/michael-bolton/1989/the-tonight-show-starring-johnny-carson-burbank-ca-4b873b32.html
  28. https://www.discogs.com/master/164084-Michael-Bolton-Soul-Provider
  29. https://bestsellingalbums.org/year-end/Billboard_Top_Albums_1990
  30. https://tsort.info/music/93f2k2.htm
  31. https://www.aria.com.au/charts/news/all-the-aria-albums-chart-1s
  32. https://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Michael+Bolton&titel=Soul+Provider&cat=a
  33. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/michael-bolton-soul-provider/
  34. https://www.bubblingdownunder.com/2021/
  35. http://tsort.info/music/42t3u3.htm
  36. https://musicgoldmine.com/products/michael-bolton-soul-provider-riaa-platinum-album-award
  37. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/30515
  38. https://www.billboard.com/artist/michael-bolton/chart-history/aci/
  39. https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Michael-Bolton/310289
  40. https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/24/arts/the-pop-life-185291.html
  41. https://www.thegazette.com/music/soul-provider-musical-path-leads-michael-bolton-to-follow-his-bliss/
  42. https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/music-popular-and-jazz-biographies/michael-bolton
  43. https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/21/arts/pop-and-jazz-in-review-323491.html
  44. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9vwXqa-rpDHEgRHL92VBdZIbWbUT8DQk
  45. https://open.spotify.com/album/5g9LXOhTPW9Iow6GZPRg2D
  46. https://www.grammy.com/artists/michael-bolton/2905
  47. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0093428/awards/
  48. https://people.com/music/michael-bolton-charities-celebrates-25-years/
  49. https://you.radio/station/exclusiveradio-michael-bolton
  50. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66800000
  51. https://popdose.com/popdose-flashback-michael-bolton-soul-provider/
  52. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/michael-bolton-songs-best-hits-list-7998818/
  53. https://www.etonline.com/news/160954_michael_bolton_plays_michael_bolton_office_space_parody
  54. https://www.discogs.com/release/2111648-Michael-Bolton-Soul-Provider
  55. https://www.discogs.com/release/1875181-Michael-Bolton-Soul-Provider
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