Delicate (Terence Trent D'Arby Song)

"Delicate" is a song by American singer-songwriter Terence Trent D'Arby featuring English singer Des'ree, released on June 7, 1993 by Columbia Records as the third single from his third studio album, '' Symphony or Damn'' (1993). It was written, arranged and produced by D'Arby, and peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. In the US, the song reached numbers 74 and 65 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and ''Cash Box'' Top 100. Its music video was directed by Andy Morahan.

Critical reception

In a 2018 retrospective review, Patrick Corcoran from Albumism stated that "Delicate" "demonstrated that the delightful soul voice was still ready and primed for action in a song that lived up to its dainty title". Upon the release of the single, Larry Flick from ''Billboard'' wrote, "With sweet vocal assistance by Des'ree, D'Arby is poised for his first top 40 hit in years. A tinkly jazz-pop shuffle beat and richly expressive vocals are the basis for an expansive retro-soul tune. Pretty and soothing track should also be of note to adult-geared urban and AC radio formats." In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton said that this is "by far the best track on his new album and destined surely for Top 10 success next week". Andrew Smith from ''Melody Maker'' wrote, "' Sign Your Name' was a cute song and this one tries for the same lovelorn effect, without getting anywhere near it."

Pan-European magazine ''Music & Media'' commented, "Dueting with last year's soul revelation Des'ree, YID hits radioland completely K.O.. Count to 10, and try to recover after this exquisite ballad." Alan Jones from ''Music Week'' gave it four out of five, writing, "An appropriate title for a sweet and soulful duet, this shuffling and summery song is destined for the Top 10." John Mulvey from ''NME'' said D'Arby "shakes off the dodgy Kravitzisms of his last single and rewrites 'Sign Your Name' to reclaim the upmarket smooch market." He added, "...but a hit, I suppose." A reviewer from ''People Magazine'' noted its "Middle Eastern lounge-jazz filigree", adding that "his sexy, edgy tenor is a voice that grabs you in all its guises." Siân Pattenden from ''Smash Hits'' also gave it four out of five. She felt that D'Arby "has come up with a truly corking pop single. "Delicate" is a soft, ambling tune, as the tender sheen on the pedal of a pansy. It is very smooth and a bit girlie, making sensible people want to snog you." Charles Aaron from ''Spin'' viewed it as a "exquisitely gooey single" and "a time-lapse synth-photo of a flower blooming".

Music video

The official music video for the song was directed by British commercial, film and music video director Andy Morahan. It was released on June 7, 1993, and features D'Arby and Des'ree performing the song in a completely white setting. The video was later made available on Terence Trent D'Arby's official YouTube channel, as Sananda Maitreya, in 2012, and had generated almost five million views as of February 2024.

Track listings

* 7"/Cassette
#"Delicate" - 4:16
#"She's My Baby" - 4:13
#"Dance Little Sister" - 3:54

* CD single
#"Delicate" – 4:16
#"Dance Little Sister" – 3:54

Personnel

*Written, arranged and produced by Terence Trent D'Arby
*Mixed by Mark "Spike" Stent
*Recorded by Craig Porteils

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

References

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1993 singles
1993 songs
Columbia Records singles
Terence Trent D'Arby songs
Des'ree songs
Music videos directed by Andy Morahan
Male–female vocal duets
Song recordings produced by Terence Trent D'Arby
Songs written by Terence Trent D'Arby