Every Time I Close My Eyes
by Babyface (featuring Kenny G)

Album: The Day (1996)
Charted: 13 6
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Babyface is one of the few people in the music industry who can get both Mariah Carey and Kenny G on his song. "Every Time I Close My Eyes" had backup vocals by Mariah and a soprano sax solo by Kenny G. He and Carey first worked together when they teamed to write and produce her 1993 song "Never Forget You." They got together again on her 1995 song "Melt Away," this time with Babyface adding vocals. Mariah gave him a mention in her 2005 hit "We Belong Together," where he's the paragon of heartbreak:

    I turn the dial, trying to catch a break
    And then I hear Babyface
  • The song was intended as a collaboration between Luther Vandross and Kenny G, but Luther opted out so Babyface kept it for himself, including it on his 1996 album The Day. It became one of his most popular songs as a solo artist, along with "Whip Appeal" and "When Can I See You."
  • Babyface tends to explore the extremes of love in his songs: He's either devastated or over-the-moon. In this one, it's bliss, with him thanking his creator for giving him such a wonderful woman.
  • The song also appears on Kenny G's 1996 album The Moment without Mariah Carey's vocals. In the version used for the music video, Kenny G's solo is removed.
  • Not every superstar singer can pull of background vocals, but Mariah Carey is really good at it, as you can hear on this track. Early in her career she was a backup singer for Brenda K. Starr.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.