American
R&B vocal group
All-4-One released their cover version of "So Much in Love" in late 1993 via
Atlantic and Blitzz as their debut single from their first album,
All-4-One (1994). It was produced by Tim O'Brien and Gary St. Clair, and peaked at No. 5 on the US
Billboard Hot 100 in early 1994. The single was certified
gold by the
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), selling 600,000 copies.
Background and composition The group had not previously heard the original song by the Tymes. One of the producers of the cover record, Gary St. Clair, had reached out with the idea of asking for the group to be part of the new recording. "So Much in Love" was also the first work All-4-One had done together; the doo-wop sound had not been stylistically an intention for the group.
Critical reception Dave Sholin from the
Gavin Report wrote, "Recalling those street corner harmonies of old, this sensational cover of
the Tymes' 1963 summer smash caught fire at the tail end of 1993. It's one of those songs that gets on the air and within seconds, captures the audience. Strong request activity." Dennis Hunt from
Los Angeles Times named it a "glorious remake" and "a highlight of this excellent
album". Alan Jones from
Music Week gave it a score of three out of five, saying the group's "close harmony is very similar to that of
Boyz II Men. One mix is virtually a capella, the other slips a slow shuffle under the song. It should get enough support to be a mid-charter." Pan-European magazine
Music & Media wrote, "The a capella wind of early last year has somewhat calmed down, but could easily be blowing again, if you choose for the right mix without instruments. Of '
Caravan of Love' class." Pete Stanton from
Smash Hits also gave it three out of five, noting that "So Much in Love" "is
even slower [than '
I Swear'], with not an instrument in sight."
Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications Release history ==Other versions==