"Use Your Heart" is a song by American R&B trio SWV, released on July 23, 1996, by RCA Records, as the second single from their second album, New Beginning (1996). Written and produced by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, it was the first song produced by the duo (as The Neptunes) to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 2024, the song gained further prominence after it was sampled by Kendrick Lamar on the track "Heart Pt. 6" from his sixth studio album, GNX.
Production and release The song was written and produced by the Neptunes duo Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo. The track was the second single on the album New Beginning. The song was released on July 23, 1996, by RCA Records.
Critical reception Larry Flick from Billboard magazine described the song as an "sumtuous old-school soul swinger that will have listeners lost in memories of their favorite '70s moments." He added, "These sisters now have the chops to support their bid to become R&B's leading female vocal group. They kick it lovely while Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo surround their plush harmonies with fluttering horns and even-handed funk guitar licks. Yummy stuff that belongs at the top of every urban playlist." HotNewHipHop put the song on their list of best SWV songs. Okayplayer praised the song for its mature themes, beat, and blend of the trio's voices. The track became the Neptunes' first track to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
Legacy In 2024, American rapper Kendrick Lamar sampled the song on his track "Heart Pt. 6" from his sixth studio album GNX. In response to the sample, SWV member Lelee Lyons said that it would be "a treat" to perform with Kendrick at his Super Bowl LIX halftime show.
Track listing Maxi-single "Use Your Heart" (LP version) "Use Your Heart" (edit) "Use Your Heart" (CDS version) "Use Your Heart" feat. Grampa & Boneyman (Rappers Delight remix) "Use Your Heart" (acapella) "Use Your Heart" (instrumental)
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1996)Peakposition
Year-end charts Chart (1996)PositionUS Hot R&B Singles (Billboard)43US Top 40/Rhythm-Crossover (Billboard)83
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)LabelRef.United StatesJuly 23, 1996RCAJuly 28, 1996Amazon.com: Use Your Heart: SWV: Music Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved January 18, 2011.
References