"I've Been Thinking About You" is a song by British-American band Londonbeat, released as the lead single from their second studio album, In the Blood (1990). The song was produced by Martyn Phillips,[1] and written by band members Jimmy Chambers, George Chandler, Jimmy Helms, and William Henshall. It became a major worldwide hit, reaching the number-one spot in more than 10 countries—including Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States—and peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart.
Critical reception
AllMusic editor Jim Smith described the song as "soulful dance", adding that Londonbeat's "pleasant harmonies and pumping flow are undeniably catchy."[2] Another editor, Stephen Thomas Erlewine, called it "dazzling".[3] David Taylor-Wilson from Bay Area Reporter declared it as "infectious", remarking that the band "blends Motownlike harmonies with dance grooves that incorporate ’70s funk rhythms".[4] A reviewer from Billboard complimented its "tasty blend of retro-R&B harmonies, modern dance grooves, and an unshakable pop hook."[5] Marisa Fox from Entertainment Weekly noted its "hypnotically catchy chorus, sweet harmonies, and slow, rollicking beat."[6] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report commented, "It's always a treat when a song comes along that I can't wait to review. Impossible not to detect a Fine Young Cannibals influence on this production that's been the biggest buzz record for the past couple of weeks."
Sholin also added, "An international smash that's gone to #1 in no less than eleven countries, it's destined to win over audiences in the U.S.A., too. Top 40 radio is in dire need of more music like this!"[7] Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote, "C&W-tinged pop number underpins the band's characteristic massed gospel vocal style complete with jangling, melodic guitars and the sort of chorus which they patently lacked on their debut LP Speak. The first release from the forthcoming second LP In the Blood shows a definite maturity."[8] David Giles from Music Week found that "they've taken note of dancefloor developments and ditched the go go based rhythms of old for a deep-rooted funkiness and R&B influenced vocal."[9] Ian Cranna from Smash Hits said the track sounded like Fine Young Cannibals and the rhythm is "straight out of the Stock, Aitken & Watermans book of bounciness."[10] Bob Mack from Spin felt it "is too damn catchy."[11]
Chart performance
"I've Been Thinking About You" was very successful on the charts all over the world, peaking at number one in at least eleven countries and remains the band's biggest hit. In Europe, the song peaked at the number-one position in Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as on the Eurochart Hot 100. Additionally, it reached number two in Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom. In the latter, it peaked in its sixth week at the UK Singles Chart, on September 30, 1990.[12] It was held off reaching the top spot by Maria McKee's "Show Me Heaven". The song was also a top 10 hit in Denmark, Greece and Ireland. Outside Europe, "I've Been Thinking About You" hit number-one also on both the BillboardHot 100 and the BillboardHot Dance Club Play chart in the United States, the RPM Top Singles chart in Canada, and in Australia, Israel and Zimbabwe.
In 1991 a cover of the song was released by Camille on Martru Records.[67] Her version was released again in 1991 on the compilation album Micmac Dance Party[68] on Micmac Records.
In 1992, Dur-Dur Band from Somalia released a cover version of the song called "Ethiopian Girl".
In 1993, Dino Merlin sampled the beat for his single "Vojnik Sreće"
In 2004, part of the song was sampled and prominently featured in the song "Physical" recorded by Alcazar.
In 2016 South African EDM live band Goodluck released a cover version.
In 2017 Dutch lo-fi pop band Bounty Island released a cover version of the song on their EP Forbidden Dance.
In 2019, German DJ/producer, Klaas remixed a version of the song featuring newly recorded vocals from Londonbeat.[69]
