"Don't Wanna Lose You" is a song by American singer and songwriter Lionel Richie. It was written by Richie along with James Harris III and Terry Lewis for his fourth studio album, Louder Than Words (1996), while production was helmed by Harris and Lewis under their production moniker Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The song was released in March 1996 by Mercury Records and reached number 39 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Richie's final top-40 hit.
Critical reception Larry Flick from Billboard magazine wrote, "Richie ends a lengthy break from recording with a smooth, rhythmic ballad that eagle-ears will quickly compare to his classic Commodores hit 'Just to Be Close to You'. There is a sweet, unmistakable melodic vibe linking the two songs—creating a warm familiarity that will help raise the interest and awareness of radio programmers at top 40, R&B, and AC. It is nice to have Richie's friendly baritone back on active duty, and producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis have treated it with proper respect and TLC, as evident in the lush arrangement of quiet funk guitars and sweet strings."
Track listing
Credits and personnel Credits lifted from the album's liner notes.
James Harris III – producer, writer Steve Hodge – mixing Terry Lewis – producer, writer Lionel Richie – vocals, writer
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1996) Peak position Australia (ARIA) 53
Year-end charts Chart (1996) Position US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 89
Release history + List of release dates, showing region, formats, label, and reference Region Date Format(s) Label United States March 6, 1996 Radio Mercury Records United States March 26, 1996
References