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The Next Time I Fall
The Next Time I Fall
The Next Time I Fall
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"The Next Time I Fall"
Single by Peter Cetera and Amy Grant
from the album Solitude/Solitaire
B-side"Holy Moly"
ReleasedSeptember 1986[1]
Recorded1986
GenrePop
Length
  • 3:47 (remix)
  • 3:46 (album version)
  • 4:30 (extended version)
LabelWarner Bros.
Songwriters
ProducerMichael Omartian
Peter Cetera singles chronology
"Glory of Love"
(1986) 		"The Next Time I Fall"
(1986) 		"Big Mistake"
(1986)
Amy Grant singles chronology
"Stay for Awhile"
(1986) 		"The Next Time I Fall"
(1986) 		"Saved by Love"
(1988)
Music video
"The Next Time I Fall" on YouTube

"The Next Time I Fall" is a song written by Bobby Caldwell and Paul Gordon and recorded by a duet of Peter Cetera and Amy Grant for Cetera's 1986 album Solitude/Solitaire. It reached number one on Billboard magazine's Hot 100[2] and Adult Contemporary chart[3] and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[4] In February 2020, it was listed on a Billboard pop music list of top 25 love song duets.[5]

Upon its release as a single, Cash Box said the Cetera/Grant team achieved "... sparkling results. Grant’s harmonies perfectly compliment Cetera’s trademark ballad stylings in this strong duet."[6]

Background

[edit]

Songwriter Paul Gordon recalled working on the project with Bobby Caldwell. "Bobby had just moved into a new apartment, and all he had was a drum machine and a chair. We spent a couple of inspired days knocking out that song. It was a lot of fun working with Bobby."[7] The feeling was mutual for Caldwell: "Yes, writing with Paul was a great experience. Sometimes these collaborations click and sometimes not, but this was a smooth and painless venture."[7]

Gordon explained that Caldwell did the vocals on the demo and that they wrote the song for Cetera to sing.[7] "And even when he was no longer in Chicago we decided to stick with him."[7] Caldwell confirmed, "We did indeed write the song for Chicago and their lead vocalist Peter Cetera. We had his voice in mind, but Paul and I were unaware that he was leaving Chicago at that time, and when we heard the news our hopes were dashed. However, a short time later, I got a call at home from Cetera himself who stumbled upon our demo cassette tape of the song in producer/arranger David Foster's office. He loved the tune and wanted to record it as a duet. It was simply meant to be—the song landed with the singer we wanted."[8] Gordon also felt the project had a happy ending. "It was an accidental duet, meaning it was never intended to be a duet—but the producers found ways to make it a duet, which ended up working out pretty well."[7]

Now, it was a matter of Cetera deciding who would be his singing partner. "'I was looking for somebody who wasn't that logical a choice,' he explained. 'Actually, I was going to use an "unknown" singer until someone at my record company suggested Amy Grant,'"[9] who had thus far only been known for Contemporary Christian music. "I thought she was a great choice because she was looking to make a pop crossover, and I like what she stands for. She was real excited about the idea, too."[9] However, Grant still had reservations. Caldwell noted, "Cetera really wanted her to record the duet with him, but she was so devoutly religious that she wanted to vet the songwriters before she would commit to recording the song. I had to go to A&M Records to meet with her. Obviously, I was on my very best behavior that day [he laughs]. I'm sure Paul had to go through the same process."[10]

Music video

[edit]

After the song was recorded, a music video was filmed at the Park Plaza Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California, under the direction of Dominic Sena.[11] The clip consists of shots of Cetera and Grant's lip-syncing that are interwoven with footage of the movements of a large group of dancers.[10] The video made it up to at least No. 7 on the Cash Box list of top 40 music videos.[12]

Personnel

[edit]

Chart success

[edit]

"The Next Time I Fall" debuted on the Hot 100 in the issue of Billboard dated September 20, 1986, and remained on the chart for 21 weeks, one of which was spent at number one.[2] Its first appearance on the magazine's Adult Contemporary chart followed in the September 27 issue and resulted in two weeks in the top spot during a run that lasted 22 weeks.[3]

Charts

[edit]

Cover versions

[edit]

Caldwell recorded the song for his 1988 album Heart of Mine.

References

[edit]

Bibliography

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

The Next Time I Fall

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"The Next Time I Fall" is a pop recorded by American singer and artist , released in 1986 as the second single from Cetera's second solo album, . Written by singer-songwriters and Paul Gordon, the song was originally pitched to Cetera's former band, , but was ultimately recorded by Cetera after his departure from the group in 1985. Not initially conceived as a , Cetera decided to pair his vocals with Grant's at the suggestion of producer , marking a notable crossover for Grant from her primarily audience into mainstream pop. The lyrics explore themes of resilience in love, depicting a couple who have experienced heartbreak but vow to succeed together in their next romantic endeavor, with lines like "The next time I fall in love, I'll know just what to do" emphasizing lessons learned from past failures. Commercially, "The Next Time I Fall" achieved significant success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for one week in December 1986 and also topping the Adult Contemporary chart, while peaking at number 78 on the UK Singles Chart. The track's polished production and harmonious vocals contributed to its appeal, helping propel Solitude/Solitaire to platinum status in the United States. The song's , featuring Cetera and Grant in romantic settings, further boosted its visibility on , and its release helped solidify Cetera's post-Chicago solo career while opening doors for Grant's secular hits, such as her 1991 album .

Background

Songwriting

"The song 'The Next Time I Fall' was co-written by and Paul Gordon as their first collaboration, facilitated by music publisher Ronny Vance. The pair composed the track in Caldwell's new apartment using basic equipment, including a keyboard and , with Caldwell initiating the process through a high-hat pattern that shaped the song's rhythmic foundation." "Originally written in 1985 for the band , with in mind as the lead vocalist, the song drew inspiration from themes of resilient love emerging from the ashes of heartbreak, portraying a narrative where individuals learn from past relational failures to embrace future vulnerability with hope. Caldwell handled the melody and initial lyrics, while Gordon added further verses to expand the emotional depth. The work was later pitched to , who adopted it for his solo project. " "Key lyrical elements revolve around metaphors depicting as an endless that repeatedly circles back to heartache, contrasted with the fearless 'falling' into new romance, underscoring personal growth and the wisdom gained from prior relationships. Lines such as ', like a that never ends / How it leads me back again / To heartache' vividly capture this cyclical yet redemptive journey." "Musically, the composition employs a mid-tempo pop structure in Ab major, adhering to a classic verse-chorus form that builds intimacy through layered harmonies. It opens with an acoustic guitar-driven intro, establishing a gentle, reflective tone, while the vocal arrangement incorporates harmonious lines that lent themselves well to the eventual duet interpretation by Cetera and ."

Development and Collaboration

The song "The Next Time I Fall," written by and Paul Gordon, was initially pitched to the band in 1985 as a potential track for their repertoire, with the songwriters envisioning as the . However, rejected the song shortly after Cetera's departure from the band that year, leaving it without a recording commitment. Following his exit from , Cetera discovered a demo of the track in producer David Foster's office and selected it for inclusion on his second solo album, , marking a key step in his transition to a solo . Originally designed as a solo piece reflecting an internal monologue on love, Cetera chose to reimagine it as a to broaden its emotional dynamic and commercial appeal. Producer , who had extensive prior experience working with on her contemporary Christian albums, recommended her as the duet partner, drawing on their established professional relationship. This collaboration represented an early foray for Grant into secular , helping to bridge her Christian audience with mainstream listeners. The arrangement was finalized in early 1986, ahead of the album's June release.

Production

Recording Process

The recording of "The Next Time I Fall" took place in at Lion Share Recording Studios in , with additional sessions at Lighthouse Studios and Skyline Studios. The sessions aligned with the production timeline for Peter Cetera's album , released on June 23, . The track was produced by , who had previously collaborated with and suggested her as the duet partner after Cetera decided to transform the song into a vocal collaboration. Cetera and Grant recorded their vocal parts separately to accommodate their schedules, with Grant's contribution involving overdubs to build the harmonies. Instrumentation was layered to emphasize the arrangement, incorporating synthesizers for atmospheric texture, drums for rhythmic drive, bass for foundation, and strings for emotional depth, while reverb was applied to the vocals for a polished, expansive sound typical of mid-1980s production. Multiple versions of the song were produced: the album version clocking in at 3:43, the single at 3:47, and an extended running 4:30 for promotional 12-inch releases.

Personnel

The song "The Next Time I Fall" featured lead and backing vocals performed by and . It was produced by . The song was written by and Paul Gordon. Key musicians included on keyboards and arrangements, Paul Leim on drums, on bass, on guitars, and providing additional backing vocals. The mix was handled by , with additional engineering by .

Release and Promotion

Single Release

"The Next Time I Fall" was released as a single in September 1986 by Warner Bros. Records. It marked the second single from Peter Cetera's sophomore solo album, Solitude/Solitaire, following the lead single "Glory of Love" and coming after the album's release on June 23, 1986. The single appeared in various formats, including the 7-inch vinyl edition backed with "Holy Moly" on the B-side, as well as a 12-inch version featuring an extended . Promotion centered on radio , with a strategic push toward the adult contemporary format to leverage Cetera's vocal style and build on his post-Chicago solo trajectory after departing in 1985. A was produced as an additional promotional tool.

Music Video

The official music video for "The Next Time I Fall," directed by Dominic Sena, was filmed at the Park Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Sena, known for his work on early music videos including those for David Bowie and Janet Jackson, captured the duet's performers in a setting that emphasized intimacy and elegance. In the video, Peter Cetera and Amy Grant lip-sync their vocals while positioned in opulent hotel rooms, evoking a sense of personal connection amid luxurious surroundings. This footage is interspersed with abstract sequences of dancers moving on upper levels of the building, visually representing the song's theme of vulnerability and renewal in love. The overall aesthetic employs soft lighting and close-up shots to enhance the romantic ballad's emotional depth, creating a cohesive narrative that aligns with the lyrics' focus on cautious optimism in romance. The video contributed to the single's promotion by airing on and other networks, helping to broaden the duet's visibility beyond radio play. On the Cash Box Top 40 Music Videos chart dated November 8, 1986, it was at No. 9, up from No. 12 the previous week, after 7 weeks on the list. The video reached a peak of at least No. 7 on the chart. This performance reflected strong television rotation, with rankings of No. 9 in video requests and No. 10 in sales among video formats at the time.

Commercial Performance

Chart Performance

"The Next Time I Fall" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 74 in the issue dated September 20, 1986, and climbed steadily, reaching the top position for one week in the chart dated December 6, 1986, before spending a total of 21 weeks on the chart. On the Adult Contemporary chart, the song topped the list for two weeks and charted for a total of 22 weeks. Internationally, the single performed strongly in Canada, peaking at No. 1 on both the RPM Top Singles and RPM Adult Contemporary charts. In the United Kingdom, it reached No. 78 on the UK Singles Chart. The song peaked at No. 90 on Australia's Kent Music Report and No. 48 in New Zealand.
Chart (1986–1987)Peak Position
US Billboard Hot 1001
US Adult Contemporary1
Canada Top Singles (RPM)1
Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)1
UK Singles (OCC)78
Australia (Kent Music Report)90
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)48
In year-end rankings, the song placed No. 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for 1987, No. 44 on Canada's RPM Top Singles for 1986, and No. 39 on the US Adult Contemporary chart for 1987.

Sales and Certifications

The single did not receive an official RIAA certification for sales. The track's popularity significantly contributed to the success of Peter Cetera's album , which was certified platinum by the RIAA for 1 million units shipped in the . Sales of the single were modest internationally, with no major certifications reported outside . As Amy Grant's first pop crossover hit, reaching number one on the secular charts, it helped elevate her profile and sales in the mainstream market beyond her base.

Reception

Critical Reception

Upon its release in , "The Next Time I Fall" received positive notices from music trade publications for its vocal interplay and pop craftsmanship. Cash Box described the as yielding "sparkling results," with Amy Grant's harmonies effectively complementing Peter Cetera's signature style, positioning it as a strong entry suited for and adult contemporary formats. Critical responses were mixed, with some reviewers highlighting the track's formulaic structure and overly sentimental lyrics as detracting from its appeal. In a retrospective analysis, Stereogum characterized the song as a "stale, dry saltine" lacking hooks and filled with "vaguely irritating goop," ultimately deeming it an "inert, self-satisfied fetid puddle" that warranted obscurity. Retrospective assessments have varied, underscoring the duet's enduring popularity despite artistic critiques. included "The Next Time I Fall" in its 2020 list of the top 25 greatest duets, recognizing its lasting romantic allure three decades after release. The song's Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals further affirmed industry validation amid divided opinions. Overall, the track's commercial triumph has largely eclipsed its mixed artistic evaluations, cementing its status as a quintessential '80s pop staple.

Accolades

"The Next Time I Fall" received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the in 1988. The duet topped the chart for one week in December 1986, becoming Amy Grant's first number-one single on that chart and Peter Cetera's second as a solo artist following "Glory of Love" earlier that year. In 2020, the song was ranked number 25 on Billboard's list of the 25 greatest love song duets.

Legacy

Cover Versions

The most notable cover of "The Next Time I Fall" was recorded by one of its co-writers, , as a solo track for his 1989 album Heart of Mine. Caldwell's rendition features a more soulful arrangement, emphasizing smooth R&B influences with his signature vocals and a laid-back groove, diverging from the original's pop style. Cover versions of the song remain limited, with few studio recordings by other artists beyond Caldwell's. Filipino lounge singer included a bossa nova-infused cover on her 2007 album My Bossa Nova, transforming the track into a relaxed, acoustic lounge interpretation popular in Southeast Asian markets. Other covers include versions by Le Valedon (1995), Bruno Bertone Sound Orchestra (2000), Graham Blvd (2008), Valerie Quesada (2018), and The Cat and Owl (2020). Amy Grant, who performed the original as a with Peter Cetera, has occasionally revisited the song in live settings during her concerts, such as a solo rendition at her 2023 performances and joint appearances with Cetera in 2003. No major samples have been produced, though an official extended was released in 1986. The song has appeared in various 1980s retrospective compilations and contemporary wedding playlists for its romantic themes, though it lacks prominent placements in films or television.

Cultural Impact

"The Next Time I Fall" marked a significant milestone in Amy Grant's career, facilitating her transition from to mainstream pop. As her first No. 1 single, the duet with helped bridge her established Christian audience with broader pop listeners, establishing her viability in secular markets. This crossover momentum directly paved the way for her 1991 Heart in Motion and its lead single "Baby Baby," which further solidified her pop stardom. The song also propelled Peter Cetera's post-Chicago solo trajectory, serving as his second consecutive Hot 100 No. 1 following "Glory of Love" and affirming his shift to adult contemporary pop. Released on his 1986 album , it exemplified the smooth, polished production of power ballads, blending sensibilities with romantic duet dynamics that influenced subsequent pop collaborations. Its enduring appeal on adult contemporary radio stations underscores its lasting resonance as a staple of romantic fare, often featured in wedding song compilations and power ballad retrospectives. In recent years, the track has experienced renewed visibility through revivals, particularly on platforms like , where clips from 2023 through 2025 highlight its nostalgic charm. The 2023 death of songwriter , who co-wrote the song, further sparked interest in his contributions, drawing fresh attention to the duet's legacy.

References

  1. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/peter-cetera/the-next-time-i-fall
  2. https://www.billboard.com/artist/peter-cetera/
  3. https://genius.com/Peter-cetera-the-next-time-i-fall-lyrics/q/writer
  4. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/peter-cetera-with-amy-grant-the-next-time-i-fall/
  5. https://www.rediscoverthe80s.com/2022/02/interview-with-songwriter-and-composer.html
  6. https://www.americansongwriter.com/5-songs-you-didnt-know-bobby-caldwell-wrote-for-other-artists/
  7. https://genius.com/Peter-cetera-the-next-time-i-fall-lyrics
  8. https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/jennifer-eklund/the-next-time-i-fall-intermediate/MN0250151
  9. https://www.stereogum.com/2113386/the-number-ones-peter-cetera-amy-grants-the-next-time-i-fall/columns/the-number-ones/
  10. https://www.discogs.com/release/2905526-Peter-Cetera-Solitude-Solitaire
  11. https://www.sessiondays.com/2019/11/1986-peter-cetera-solitude-solitaire/
  12. https://forums.musicplayer.com/topic/188650-dx7-bass-in-its-prime-peter-cetera/
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/9157864-Peter-Cetera-Solitude-Solitaire
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/1452943-Peter-Cetera-Duet-With-Amy-Grant-The-Next-Time-I-Fall-Extended-Remix
  15. https://www.discogs.com/release/603467-Peter-Cetera-Solitude-Solitaire
  16. https://www.allmusic.com/album/solitude-solitaire-mw0000193210/credits
  17. https://www.allmusic.com/album/solitude-solitaire-mw0000193210
  18. https://www.discogs.com/master/81257-Peter-Cetera-W-Amy-Grant-The-Next-Time-I-Fall
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/1494853-Peter-Cetera-Solitude-Solitaire
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-ENYuomYzA
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7196400/
  22. https://musicvideo.fandom.com/wiki/The_Next_Time_I_Fall
  23. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1986/CB-1986-11-08.pdf
  24. https://davesmusicdatabase.blogspot.com/2023/08/canada-1-songs-1957-2023.html
  25. https://www.top100singles.net/2011/11/every-amr-top-100-single-in-1986.html
  26. https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Peter+Cetera+With+Amy+Grant&t=1&cat=s
  27. https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1987/hot-100-songs/
  28. http://hitsofalldecades.com/chart_hits/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=3140
  29. https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1987/adult-contemporary-songs/
  30. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Peter+Cetera&ti=Solitude%2FSolitaire#search_section
  31. https://thenashvillian.com/amy-grant-the-lucky-one/
  32. https://tnartscommission.org/governors-arts-awards/2017-award-winners/amy-grant/
  33. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1986/CB-1986-09-20.pdf
  34. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/greatest-love-song-duets-8550707/
  35. https://bobbycaldwell.com/heart-of-mine/
  36. https://www.whosampled.com/Sitti/The-Next-Time-I-Fall/
  37. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/134572/all
  38. https://www.whosampled.com/cover/48362/Graham-Blvd-The-Next-Time-I-Fall-Peter-Cetera-Amy-Grant-The-Next-Time-I-Fall/
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCPolxz0tb8
  40. https://www.whosampled.com/Peter-Cetera/The-Next-Time-I-Fall/
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/2928770-Peter-Cetera-With-Amy-Grant-The-Next-Time-I-Fall
  42. https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/notable_musical_artists_who_have_enjoyed_multi_genre_success/s1__39158802
  43. https://www.bransonshows.com/activity/AmyGrantatTheMansionBranson.cfm
  44. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/adult-contemporary-music
  45. https://deadline.com/2023/03/bobby-caldwell-dead-what-you-wont-do-for-love-the-next-time-i-fall-1235300219/
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