"Joy" is a song by British musical collective Soul II Soul, released on 23 March 1992 by 10 Records as the first single from their third album, Volume III Just Right (1992). The song, co-written and produced by Jazzie B, features Jamaican singer and producer Richie Stephens and was a hit in Europe. It peaked within the top-10 in Greece and the UK, and also became a top-20 hit in Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands. Outside Europe, it reached number four in Zimbabwe, number 18 in New Zealand, and number 41 in Australia.
Critical reception Larry Flick from Billboard magazine described the song as a "slinky funk/Contemporary R&B jam that is enlivened by jazz-spiced flutes and plush string fills. Though far from the act's best material, track is head-and-shoulders above typical urban and pop radio fodder." He added that remixes by Brand New Heavies "kick hard and should inspire club play". Andy Kastanas from The Charlotte Observer deemed it "a much more mainstream sound than ever before, this new track typifies their usual sound."Kastanas, Andy (22 April 1992). "Sounds of Progress". p. 20. The Charlotte Observer. Marisa Fox from Entertainment Weekly noted that "Jamaica's Richie Stephens breathes some steam" into the dance-hall-style "Joy".
James Hamilton from Music Weeks RM Dance Update called it a "lurching jiggly" track, "throatily wailed by Richie Stephens through gospel-style girls hypnotically chorusing "joy, it's a new sensation, new vibration rockin' the nation"". Cary Darling from Orange County Register said that sung by Stephens and backed by a gospel choir, the song "recaptures the motion and emotion" of "Keep on Movin'". Orla Swift from Record-Journal viewed it as "soulful". Sylvia Patterson from Smash Hits named it the "jolliest tune" of the album.Patterson, Sylvia. Smash Hits.
Track listings 12-inch single, US (1992) "Joy" (New Vibrations mix) – 6:43 "Joy" (Spag 'N Joy dub) – 5:19 "Joy" (radio mix) – 4:12 "Joy" (12-inch club mix) – 5:49 "Joy" (BNH mix) – 5:10 "Joy" (GNL Peace version) – 5:19
CD single, Europe (1992)' "Joy" (radio mix) – 4:13 "Joy" (Brand New Heavies remix) – 5:12 "Joy" (album mix) – 4:32 "Joy" (club mix) – 5:50 "Joy" (instrumental dub mix) – 3:49
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1992)PeakpositionEurope (Eurochart Hot 100) 11Europe (European Dance Radio) 1Greece (Virgin) 3Israel (Israeli Singles Chart) Search "Joy" for Israeli chart history. 19Italy (Musica e dischi) Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Soul II Soul". 12UK Airplay (Music Week) 1UK Dance (Music Week) 3UK Club Chart (Music Week) 1US Hot R&B Singles (Billboard) 14US Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard) 13Zimbabwe (ZIMA)* Zimbabwe. Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: singles chart book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000 4
Year-end charts Chart (1992)PositionEurope (European Dance Radio) 5UK Singles (OCC) 94UK Airplay (Music Week) 48UK Club Chart (Music Week) 25
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United Kingdom23 March 199210Japan1 April 1992Mini-CDAustralia20 April 1992
References