"Back Where You Belong" is a song by American rock band 38 Special and the second single from their sixth studio album Tour de Force (1983).
| "Back Where You Belong" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by 38 Special | ||||
| from the album Tour de Force | ||||
| B-side | "Undercover Lover" | |||
| Released | 1983 | |||
| Recorded | 1983 | |||
| Studio | Studio One | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:29 | |||
| Label | A&M | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Gary O'Connor | |||
| Producer(s) |
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| 38 Special singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Back Where You Belong" on YouTube | ||||
Composition
edit"Back Where You Belong" is a Southern rock song that combines guitars and keyboards in the instrumental. Lyrically, it is about the singer's wish for a lover who has left them to return and reconcile with them.[1]
Critical reception
editBret Adams of AllMusic regarded "Back Where You Belong" as "more of a straightforward pop/rock song" than "If I'd Been the One", another track from Tour de Force.[2] Skip Anderson of Classic Rock History wrote that Rodney Mills' "production expertise helped craft the song's crisp and dynamic sound, highlighting the dual guitar interplay of Don Barnes and Jeff Carlisi, along with the robust rhythm section provided by bassist Larry Junstrom and drummer Steve Brookins. The track is driven by a powerful guitar riff and a hook-laden chorus that effectively captures the band's energetic style. The interplay between the guitars, keyboards, and strong vocal harmonies sets it apart, providing an infectious blend that is both Southern and arena rock at its core." He additionally remarked, "The sentimentality in the lyrics is balanced by the upbeat tempo and rock-driven arrangement, making it both a reflective and invigorating listening experience."[1]
Charts
edit| Chart (1984) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[3] | 20 |
| US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[4] | 4 |
References
edit- ^ a b Anderson, Skip (May 9, 2017). "10 Essential 38 Special Songs". Classic Rock History. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ Back Where You Belong at AllMusic
- ^ "Billboard Hot 100: Week of March 24, 1984". Billboard. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ "Mainstream Rock Airplay: Week of February 18, 1984". Billboard. Retrieved September 24, 2024.