Carry On (Martha Wash song)

"Carry On" is a song by American singer Martha Wash from Wash's debut solo self-titled studio album Martha Wash (1993). It was released as the album's lead single on October 30, 1992 through RCA Records. The song was written by Eric Beall who also composed the instrumentation in collaboration with Steve Skinner.

"Carry On"
Single by Martha Wash
from the album Martha Wash
ReleasedOctober 30, 1992
Recorded1992
Studio
GenreDiva house
Length4:16
LabelRCA
Songwriter(s)Eric Beall
Producer(s)
  • Eric Beall
  • Steve Skinner
Martha Wash singles chronology
"Carry On"
(1992)		 "Give It to You"
(1993)
Music video
"Carry On" on YouTube

Background

The single was the first release from her self-titled debut album Martha Wash, which was part of her settlement deal with RCA Records after she sued the label over being uncredited for her work on previous songs by Black Box.[1] The track was her first number-one single as a solo artist on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, reaching the top spot on December 5, 1992.[2]

Critical reception

Alex Henderson from AllMusic called the song a "dance-floor gem", describing it as "soaring".[3] Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "After building a near-legendary reputation as a better on hits by Black Box, C & C Music Factory, and the Weather Girls, it's difficult to believe that this is Wash's first solo recording. Regardless, she proves why she will always be the prototype for future dance music divas on this driven pop/dance romp. It almost doesn't even matter what she's singing; any chance to wonder at the power of her voice is worth taking. Fortunately, this song works just fine, and is roping in club DJs at a rapid rate. Watch radio to quickly follow suit."[4] Ian Hyland from Sunday Mirror gave the song 9 out of 10, commenting, "Another one of those massive tunes that's been largin' it on the dance floor recently. Now you can have it at home."[5]

Usage in media

In 2010, the song was used in the fifth episode of season two of reality competition television series RuPaul's Drag Race, in which Wash also served as guest judge. Contestants Sahara Davenport and Morgan McMichaels, were up for elimination and had to lipsync to the song in order to continue in the competition. During the episode, Drag performer and head judge RuPaul emotionally recounted "That song is very special to me because when my mother passed away, that was the song that I would play all the time. I played Martha Wash's 'Carry On' non-stop. That's what got me through it."[6]

Track listings
CD Maxi (US)
  1. Carry On (Original 7" Edit) 3:30
  2. Carry On (Album Radio Mix) 4:17
  3. Carry On (Masters At Work 7" Mix) 4:10
  4. Carry On (Masters At Work 12" Dance Mix) 6:46
  5. Carry On (Masters At Work Dub Mix) 5:14
  6. Carry On (Carried Away Dub) 7:08
  7. Carry On (Carry This 12" Dance Mix) 5:26
  8. Carry On (Vocal Bass Dub Mix) 5:59
  9. Carry On (12" Alternative Mix) 7:26

Charts

See also

References
  1. Philips, Chuck (February 21, 1991). "Read Her Lips : R&B Singer Says Hot Dance Hit Is Lip-Synced - Los Angeles Times". articles.latimes.com. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  2. Hot Dance Club Songs, Billboard.com, issue date December 5, 1992
  3. Henderson, Alex. "Martha Wash – Martha Wash". AllMusic. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  4. "Billboard: NEW & NOTEWORTHY" (PDF). Billboard magazine. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  5. Hyland, Ian (October 5, 1997). "It's Carry on Dancing with Magic Martha". Sunday Mirror. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  6. RuPaul Gets Choked Up Recalling His Favorite 'Drag Race' Moment: "I Had to Hold Back My Emotions". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved on January 28, 2019
  7. "Nederlandse Top 40 – Martha Wash" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  8. "Dutchcharts.nl – Martha Wash – Carry On" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  9. "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week. November 28, 1992. p. 20. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  10. "Martha Wash Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 8, 2017.
  11. "Martha Wash Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 8, 2017.
  12. "Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales" (PDF). Billboard. January 9, 1993. p. 35. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  13. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 19 October 1997 - 25 October 1997". officialcharts.com.
  14. "Official Singles Chart Top 100 19 October 1997 - 25 October 1997". officialcharts.com.
  15. "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". officialcharts.com.
  16. "Jaarlijsten 1993" (in Dutch). Stichting Nederlandse Top 40. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
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