B-side "Still Mine" Format Vinyl single Genre R&B, disco | Released August 1980 Recorded 1979 | |
Length 3:28 (radio edit) 5:30 (album edit) | ||
"Never Knew Love Like This Before" is a song written and produced by songwriters James Mtume and Reggie Lucas for American R&B recording artist Stephanie Mills' second studio album Sweet Sensation (1980).
Contents
The song became Mills' biggest hit on the Billboard Pop Singles Chart, where it peaked at No. 6, outperforming her previously highest charting single, "Whatcha Gonna Do with My Lovin'", which peaked at No. 22. The single was also successful on the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts, peaking at No. 12 and No. 5, respectively. It was a bigger success in the UK where it peaked at #4.
The record won Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 1981 Grammy Awards, vanquishing competition that included Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, and Minnie Riperton.
Cover versions
The late R&B singer Gwen Guthrie recorded a ballad version of the song for her 1990 album Hot Times.
In 1992, the song was covered by Sonia. In 1995, the song was covered by Thomas Anders (of Modern Talking fame) on his album Souled.
In 1999, the song was covered by the French duet Organiz' for their 2nd single.
Natalia recorded the song for her 2004 album This Time.
Filipino singer Lani Misalucha covered the song for her 2008 album Reminisce and was the featured song in an episode of ABS-CBN's Your Song. South African Idol's Season 4 winner, Jodie Williams, recorded an uptempo remake of this song for her debut album, Just Gonna Be Me.
In 2013, Jessie Ware covered the song for the soundtrack to the movie I Give It a Year.
A cover was created by Peter White on his album Groovin' (2016).
Composition
The song is in the major scale.