"P.A.S.S.I.O.N." is the lead single from the eponymous debut album by American R&B band Rythm Syndicate. Written, arranged, and produced by main vocalist Evan Rogers and guitarist/keyboardist Carl Sturken, the single, released in 1991 by Impact Records, was a success on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number two in August 1991. Worldwide, the song reached the top 30 in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Overview The track uses a typical pop song structure and arrangement for most of each verse, but utilizes a spelling out of some words to match the cadence of the vocal; as in the end line of the second verse ("The S-E-X is just too good"). After the second verse, the chorus is repeated twice and leads into a bridge. This promptly melts into a screaming guitar solo. Nearly twenty seconds later, Rogers institutes a rap vocal, which dissipates into the chorus that repeats until the song fades out.
Track listings The excerpts from Rythm Syndicate consist of "You Really Rock Me", "Hey Donna", and "Blinded by Love".
US 12-inch and maxi-cassette single A1. "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (7-inch version) – 3:40 A2. "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (Hip hop mix) – 4:22 B1. "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (Power mix) – 4:13 B2. "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (House mix) – 4:22 B3. "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (album version) – 4:13
US cassette single; Australian 7-inch and cassette single "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (7-inch version) – 3:40 Excerpts from Rythm Syndicate
US maxi-CD single "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (Hip house mix) – 6:12 "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (New jack mix) – 5:48 "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (LP version) – 4:13 "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (House mix) – 6:55 "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (extended/Power mix) – 6:44 "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (Ghetto mix) – 5:12 "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (acappella) – 3:12
UK 7-inch and cassette single; Japanese mini-CD single "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (7-inch version) – 3:40 "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (Power mix) – 4:13
UK 12-inch single A1. "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (House mix) – 6:55 B1. "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (Hew jack mix) – 5:48 B2. "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (Hip house mix) – 6:12
UK CD single "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (7-inch version) "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (House mix) "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (Power mix) "P.A.S.S.I.O.N." (Ghetto mix)
Personnel Evan Rogers: writing, vocals, arrangement, production Carl Sturken: writing, guitars, keyboards, arrangement, production Mike McDonald: guitars, vocal backing Rob Mingrino: saxophone (appears on "Hey Donna") John "Noodle" Nevin: bass, vocal backing Kevin Cloud: Drums, percussion Darroll Gustamacho: recording, mixing
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1991)PeakpositionUK Airplay (Music Week) 56US Billboard Hot 100 2US 12-inch Singles Sales (Billboard) 12US Dance Club Play (Billboard) 32US Hot R&B Singles (Billboard) 20
Year-end charts Chart (1991)PositionUS Billboard Hot 100 40US Cash Box Top 100 22
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United States1991ImpactAustraliaJuly 1, 1991United KingdomJuly 15, 1991Impact AmericanAustraliaJuly 22, 199112-inch vinylImpactJapanJuly 26, 1991Mini-CD
References