Can't Stay Away from You

"Can't Stay Away from You"
"Can't Stay Away from You"
Single by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
from the album Let It Loose / Anything for You
B-side	"Let It Loose"
Released	November 10, 1987
Recorded	1987
Genre	Pop
Length	4:00
Label	Epic
Songwriter(s)	Gloria Estefan
Producer(s)	Emilio & The Jerks; (Emilio Estefan, Jr.; Lawrence Dermer; Joe Galdo; Rafael Vigil);
Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine singles chronology
Music video
	"Can't Stay Away from You" on YouTube

"Can't Stay Away from You" is a song by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine. The song was released in November 1987 by Epic as the third single from their multi-platinum album, Let It Loose (1987). It became the group's fifth top 10 hit in the United States, peaking at #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart; it was their second #1 hit on the adult contemporary chart, following 1986's "Words Get in the Way". The song originally peaked at #88 on the UK Singles Chart in May 1988, however the song was re-released after the success of its follow-up, "Anything for You", peaking at #7 in March 1989.

The song is a pensive ballad sung from the perspective of a woman who is in love with someone who doesn't feel the same, but she is unwilling to walk away from their relationship because she does not want it to end. The European single contains as a bonus cut a remixed version of "Surrender", an album cut from "Let It Loose", which Estefan performed on "Solid Gold".

Popular Latin singer Jaci Velasquez recorded a Spanish version of the song called "Mi Vida No Es Nada Sin Ti" for her album Milagro.

The song appeared in 1988 episodes of the soap operas Another World and The Young and the Restless.

Critical reception

AllMusic editor Jon O'Brien described the song as "haunting".^[1] Kris Kirk from British magazine Melody Maker wrote that Estefan perhaps will "finally go UK gold" with this "beautifully-performed" ballad.^[2] In an ironic review of 4 February 1989 the Phil Cheeseman, reviewer of Record Mirror, chided the song for lack of class to match the previous own work and described it as a "wearisome ballad".^[3] Stuart Maconie of New Musical Express echoed by saying "Have you noticed how the billing of the Sound Machine gets progressively tinier whilst Gloria becomes correspondingly more prominent?" and made a forecast that MSM will "vanish entirely from this earth" soon.^[4]

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Chart (1988)	Peak position
Australia (Kent Music Report)^[5]	98
UK Singles (OCC)^[6]	18
US Billboard Hot 100^[7]	6
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)^[8]	1

Chart (1989)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)^[9]	60
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)^[10]	1
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)^[11]	15
Ireland (IRMA)^[12]	7
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)^[13]	1
Netherlands (Single Top 100)^[14]	1
UK Singles (OCC)^[15]	7

Year-end charts

Chart (1988)	Position
US Billboard Hot 100^[16]^[17]	90

Chart (1989)	Position
Belgium (Ultratop Flanders)^[18]	20
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)^[19]	19
Netherlands (Single Top 100)^[20]	14

Certifications

Country	Certification
Netherlands	Gold

Formats and track listings

US & Canada 7" Vinyl Single (34 07641) [November 10, 1987]
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51

US Promo 7" Vinyl Single (34 07641) [November 1987]
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56

US 7" Vinyl Single (Epic Collectables) [15 73938] {1991 Reissue}
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51

Europe 3" CD-Maxi Single (EPC 651444 2) [May 1988]
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Rhythm Is Gonna Get You"	Gloria M. Estefan, Enrique E. Garcia	3:54
3.	"Surrender" (Remixed Version)	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	6:28

Europe 7" Vinyl Single (EPC 651444 7) [May 1988]
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51

Europe 12" Vinyl Single (EPC 651444 6) [May 1988]
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51
3.	"Surrender" (Remixed Version)	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	6:28

UK 7" Vinyl Single (651444 7) [May 1988]
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51

UK 7" Vinyl Single (Limited edition with colour poster) [651444 0] {May 1988}
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51

UK 12" Vinyl Single #1 (651444 8) [May 1988]
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51
3.	"Primitive Love"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	4:41

UK 12" Vinyl Single #2 (651444 9) [May 1988]
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51
3.	"Bad Boy" (Club Mix)	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	4:42

UK CD-Maxi Single (653195 2) [February 1989]
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51
3.	"Primitive Love"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	4:41

UK 7" Vinyl Single (651444 7) [February 1989]
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51

UK 7" Vinyl Single (Limited edition shaped picture disc) [653195 7] {February 1989}
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51

UK 7" Vinyl Single (Limited edition posterbag) [653195 0] {February 1989}
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51

UK 12" Vinyl Single (Limited edition uncut picture disc) [653195 7] {February 1989}
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51

UK 12" Vinyl Single (653195 8) [February 1989]
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51
3.	"Primitive Love"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	4:41

Australia & New Zealand 7" Vinyl Single (651444 7) [1989]
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51

Australia 7" Vinyl Single (Limited edition posterbag) [651444 0] {1989}
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51

Philippines 7" Vinyl Single (ES-20135 / 34 07641)
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51

Japan 7" Vinyl Single (07•5P-496) [January 21, 1988]
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Let It Loose"	Lawrence Dermer, Joe Galdo, Rafael Vigil	2:51

Europe 3" CD-Maxi Single (Solid Gold) [EPC 654854 3] {1989}
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Dr. Beat"	Enrique E. Garcia	4:23
3.	"Conga" (Remixed Version)	Enrique E. Garcia	4:14

Australia CD-Maxi Single (Solid Gold) [654854 2] {1989}
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Dr. Beat"	Enrique E. Garcia	4:23
3.	"Conga" (Remixed Version)	Enrique E. Garcia	4:14

Australia Cassette-Maxi Single (Solid Gold) [654854 4] {1989}
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Can't Stay Away From You"	Gloria M. Estefan	3:56
2.	"Dr. Beat"	Enrique E. Garcia	4:23
3.	"Conga" (Remixed Version)	Enrique E. Garcia	4:14

Official versions

Original versions

Album Version — (3:56)

Release history

Region	Date
US	November 10, 1987 (1987-11-10)
Japan	January 21, 1988 (1988-01-21)
Europe	May 1988 (1988-05)
UK	May 1988 (1988-05)
UK (Rerelease)	February 1989 (1989-02)

References

^ "Gloria Estefan - The Very Best of Gloria Estefan". AllMusic. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
^ Kirk, Kris (14 May 1988). "Singles". Melody Maker. p. 36. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
^ Cheeseman, Phil (4 February 1989). "Review: Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine – "Can't Stay Away from You"" (PDF). Record Mirror. London: Spotlight Publications Ltd. p. 29. ISSN 0144-5804. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 June 2021. Retrieved 9 December 2021 – via World Radio History.
^ Maconie, Stuart (4 February 1988). "Review: Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine – "Can't Stay Away from You"". New Musical Express. London: IPC Limited. p. 17. ISSN 0028-6362.
^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (Illustrated ed.). Sydney: Australian Chart Book. p. 104. ISBN 0-646-11917-6. N.B. The Kent Report chart was licensed by ARIA between 1983 and 26 June 1988. "Can't Stay Away From You" was re-released in Australia in 1989, where it peaked higher.
^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
^ "Gloria Estefan Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
^ "Gloria Estefan Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
^ "25 Years Ago This Week: May 14, 1989". chartbeat.blogspot.com.au. Retrieved 2015-09-20.
^ "Gloria Estefan And Miami Sound Machine – Can't Stay Away From You" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
^ Pennanen, Timo (2021). "Gloria Estefan". Sisältää hitin - 2. laitos Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla 1.1.1960–30.6.2021 (PDF) (in Finnish). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 76. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Can't Stay Away From You". Irish Singles Chart.
^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 2, 1989" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 2017-12-31.
^ "Gloria Estefan And Miami Sound Machine – Can't Stay Away from You" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 2017-12-31.
^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
^ "1988 The Year in Music & Video: Top Pop Singles". Billboard. 100 (52): Y-20. December 24, 1988.
^ "Billboard Top 100 – 1988". Retrieved October 3, 2016.
^ "Jaaroverzichten 1989". Ultratop. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
^ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1989". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1989". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved March 14, 2021.