Merciless is the seventh studio album by American R&B singer Stephanie Mills. It was released in 1983 and Stephanie's second release on Casablanca Records.Stephanie Mills - Album Discography|Allmusic The album features two Billboard R&B hits in "Pilot Error", a cover version of Prince's "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?" as well as "My Body" written by singer Luther Vandross. Merciless received a nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female at the 26th Grammy Awards in 1984.
Track listing All songs produced by David Wolfert and Gary Klein except where indicated.
Personnel Stephanie Mills – lead and backing vocals Greg Phillinganes – keyboards, acoustic piano Richard Tee – keyboards, acoustic piano Johnny Mandel – synthesizers, arrangements (7) Danny Sembello – synthesizers Nyle Steiner – synthesizers Ian Underwood – synthesizers Ed Walsh – synthesizers Buzz Feiten – guitars Carlos Rios – guitars Thom Rotella - guitars Michael Sembello – guitars, backing vocals David Wolfert – guitars, arrangements (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9), BGV arrangements Nathan East – bass Neil Stubenhaus – bass Ed Greene – drums John Robinson - drums Carlos Vega – drums Lenny Castro – percussion Victor Feldman – percussion Eddie Karam – arrangements (7) Ralph Schuckett – rhythm arrangements (9) Frank Floyd – BGV arrangements Peggi Blu – backing vocals Lani Groves – backing vocals Yvonne Lewis – backing vocals Cruz Sembello – backing vocals Myrna Smith – backing vocals
Technical John Arrais – engineer, mixing (1, 2, 3, 5–9), remixing (1, 2, 3, 5–9) Phil Ramone – mixing (4) Peter Chaiken – engineer Lee DeCarlo – engineer Bradshaw Leigh – engineer Brian McGee – engineer Marie Ostrosky – engineer Jay Rifkin – engineer Ted Jensen – mastering at Sterling Sound (New York, NY)
Production Charles Koppleman – executive producer Gary Klein – producer (1, 2, 3, 5–9) David Wolfert – producer (1, 2, 3, 5–9) Phil Ramone – producer (4) Linda Gerrity – production coordinator Glen Christensen – art direction, photography Mac James – artwork, design Bill King – inner sleeve photography Cassandra Mills – cover concept Stephanie Mills – cover concept Frank DeCaro – LA contractor Phil Medley – NY contractor
Charts Chart (1983)PeakpositionUS Billboard 200104US Billboard Top R&B Albums12
Singles Year Single Chart positions USR&B USDance1983"Pilot Error" 12 3"How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?" 12 —
References