"My Destiny" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Lionel Richie. It was released on July 28 1992 by Motown Records as the second single from his first compilation album, Back to Front (1992). It was written by Richie and produced by himself and Stewart Levine. The song topped the Dutch Single Top 100 and was a top-10 hit in Ireland, the UK and Belgium, It also appeared on Richie's best of albums Truly: The Love Songs and The Definitive Collection.

Critical reception Bryan Buss from AllMusic described the song as "classic, smooth Richie". J.D. Considine noted its "low-key vocals and understated, fatback groove".Considine, J.D. (1992). "Lionel Richie – Back to Front". The Baltimore Sun – via Star Tribune. (May 29, 1992). Larry Flick from Billboard magazine wrote, "Lively pop/R&B instrumentation, a la Simply Red, triggers his most relaxed and spirited vocal in years. Familiarity of chorus will assist in winning friends at urban, top 40, and AC levels. Far more satisfying than the previous 'Do It to Me'." Fell and Rufer from the Gavin Report commented, "A love song with a brilliant beat, this fresh Richie track from his retrospective album, Back to Front, is sure to be a crowdpleaser."

Music video In the accompanying music video for "My Destiny", directed by Mary Lambert, Richie sings in front of four dancing supermodels with his shirt unbuttoned.

Track listings

7-inch single "My Destiny" (Lite mix edit) – 3:50 "Do It to Me" (Rhythm Method single edit) – 4:35

12-inch maxi "My Destiny" (Hiphouse 2 mix) – 5:55 "Do It to Me" (Rhythm Method single edit) – 4:35 "Do It to Me" (Rhythm Method extended mix) – 6:32 "My Destiny" (Lite mix edit) – 3:50

CD maxi "My Destiny" (Lite mix edit) – 3:49 "Do It to Me" (Rhythm Method single edit) – 4:36 "My Destiny" (Hiphouse 2 mix) – 5:59 "Do It to Me" (Rhythm Method extended mix) – 6:32

Cassette "My Destiny" (Lite mix edit) "Do It to Me" (Rhythm Method single edit)

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1992)Peakposition Australia (ARIA) N.B. The High Point number in the NAT column represents the release's peak on the national chart. 125Europe (European AC Radio) 1Europe (European Dance Radio) 12Europe (European Hit Radio) 1UK Airplay (Music Week) 1UK Dance (Music Week) 29

Year-end charts Chart (1992)PositionBelgium (Ultratop Flanders) 33Europe (European Hit Radio) 7Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 21Netherlands (Single Top 100) 22UK Singles (OCC) 32UK Airplay (Music Week) 11US Adult Contemporary (Billboard) 50

Certifications

References