Meant for You (Debra Laws song)

"Meant for You" is a song written by David Lasley and Roxanne Seeman.[1] It was recorded by Debra Laws and released as the third single from her Very Special album.[1][2] “Meant For You” appears in Fighting Back (1982 film) starring Tom Skerritt, Patti LuPone and Michael Sarrazin.[3]

"Meant For You"
Single by Debra Laws
from the album Very Special
Released1981
GenreBallad
Length3:59
LabelElektra – E-47198
Songwriter(s)David Lasley and Roxanne Seeman
Producer(s)Ronnie Laws, Hubert Laws

Recording

Roxanne Seeman gave Debra Laws “Meant For You” and “All The Things I Love”, both co-written with David Lasley, to try out. The demos were recorded with a full rhythm section and background vocals on a 24-track recorded at A&M Recording Studios.

"Meant For You" and “All The Things I Love” were re-recorded for Debra Laws' album at Concorde Recording Center (previously known as Scott/Sunstorm) by engineer Gerry Brown,[4] produced by Ronnie Laws and Hubert Laws,[5] using a similar arrangement to the demos.[6][7]

Composition

The idea for the lyrics for “Meant For You” were written by Roxanne Seeman, in a writing session with David Lasley at his writer room at the Almo Publishing offices in Hollywood. David then sat at the piano with the lyrics, where he put melody to the words and they developed it into a song.

Chart position

"Meant For You" peaked at 47 on the Billboard US R&B chart, Hot Soul Singles, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.[8]

The album, Very Special, sold over 385,000 copies worldwide.[9]

Critical reception

“Meant For You” was a recommended pick in Billboard (magazine)’s R&B single reviews in the September 5, 1981 issue.[1]

Track listing

A. Meant For You 3:59

B. How Long 4:02

Film

“Meant For You” appears in Fighting Back (1982 film) directed by Lewis Teague, starring Tom Skerritt, Patti LuPone and Michael Sarrazin.[10]

Other

"Meant For You" was included in a 2005 Warner Special Marketing CD compilation, “Natural High 4,” of soul songs from the vaults of Atlantic Records, Elektra Records and Warner Bros. Records from 1975 – 1983. Tracks included featured Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, Staple (band), Chaka Khan, The Meters, Michael Franks (musician), Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '77, and others.

Hal Leonard Corporation printed the single sheet piano music.

References
  1. Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1981-09-05). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
  2. Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1981-12-26). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
  3. "AFI|Catalog". catalog.afi.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  4. Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1980-08-02). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
  5. Very Special - Debra Laws | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 2020-07-11
  6. Expectations of Love - David Lasley | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 2020-07-11
  7. Demos - David Lasley | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 2020-07-11
  8. "Top Hip-Hop Songs / R&B Songs Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 2017-07-28.
  9. O'Donnell, David. "BBC - Music - Review of Debra Laws - Very Special". Retrieved 2017-07-28.
  10. Fighting Back (1982), retrieved 2017-07-28
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