"When I Die" is a song originally released by the Real Milli Vanilli on their 1991 album The Moment of Truth, and later by Try 'N' B on their 1992 debut album. The song achieved more exposure when Germany-based American Eurodance group No Mercy covered it for their 1996 debut album, My Promise. Both acts were managed by Frank Farian.

No Mercy version

No Mercy's version of "When I Die" was released as the third single from their 1996 debut album, No Mercy, and its North American counterpart, My Promise, in November 1996. This version reached number one in Austria and the Netherlands, number two in Australia, number three in Switzerland, and number five in Germany and Spain.

Critical reception Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "With this lovely and instantly memorable pop ballad, Arista aims to cement the future of this charming male vocal trio as more than merely a flash in the disco pan. It's a realistic goal, given the strength of their performance here—it's warmly soulful and technically far more flexible than what the act has displayed on its previous dance hits. In a sea of jeep-styled sound-alike slow jams, this Latin-flavored gem should stand out quite nicely with its plush keyboards and delicate acoustic guitar lines. Not to be missed." The magazine's Paul Verna described it as a "brooding ballad", "which allows singer Marty Cintron to fully flex his boyish, star-powered charm." Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report commented, "Proving they're also adept when it comes to tackling a ballad, this Miami trio slows it down and blends some sweet harmony into a pretty melody." Diana Valois from The Morning Call felt it has Marty Cintron "sounding like a coy and eager Prince".Valois, Diana (1 February 1997). "Disc Reviews". p. A34. The Morning Call.

Track listings CD single "When I Die" (radio) – 4:28 "For Eternity" (Manumission club mix) – 5:56

European CD maxi "When I Die" (radio edit) – 4:28 "When I Die" (extended) – 6:16 "For Eternity" (Manumission club mix) – 5:56 "When I Die" (unplugged) – 4:12 "Message of Love" – 3:08

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1996–1997)Peakposition Airplay (Music & Media)3Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)8European Border Breakers (M&M)3 Airplay (Music & Media)10Latvia (Latvijas Top 20)9Spain (AFYVE)5Spain Airplay (Top 40 Radio)25

Year-end charts Chart (1997)PositionAustralia (ARIA)30Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)4Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)35Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) 26Germany (Media Control)19Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)2Netherlands (Single Top 100)17Romania (Romanian Top 100)21Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)12

Certifications

Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Europe18 November 1996CDJapan22 January 1997BMG JapanUnited States29 April 1997Contemporary hit radioArista6 May 1997CD

References