Breathless (Kenny G album)

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Breathless
Studio album by
Kenny G
ReleasedNovember 17, 1992
Recorded1992
Studio
GenreSmooth jazz, Middle-of-the-road[1][2]
Length69:57 (US version)
75:29 (International version)
LabelArista
Producer
Kenny G chronology
Montage
(1990) 		Breathless
(1992) 		Miracles: The Holiday Album
(1994)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[3]
Entertainment WeeklyD[4]
Music Week[5]

Breathless is the sixth studio album by American saxophonist Kenny G, released in November 17, 1992, on Arista Records. It reached number 1 on the Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and number 2 on the Billboard 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.[6] The track "Forever in Love" won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition at the 1994 ceremony[7] and reached number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Despite negative reviews from critics, the album was still certified Diamond for selling over 15 million copies in the US,[8] making it one of the top 10 best-selling albums in the United States.[9]

Track listing[edit]

Note: On the international version, "Jasmine Flower" is track 14, omitting "Natural Ride".

All music is composed by Kenny G, unless otherwise indicated below

Breathless track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."The Joy of Life" 4:23
2."Forever in Love" 5:01
3."In the Rain" 5:03
4."Sentimental"
6:38
5."By the Time This Night Is Over" (with Peabo Bryson)
4:50
6."End of the Night" 5:25
7."Alone" 5:28
8."Morning"
  • Kenny G
  • Afanasieff
5:17
9."Even If My Heart Would Break" (with Aaron Neville)
5:01
10."G-Bop"
4:09
11."Sister Rose"
  • Kenny G
  • Afanasieff
6:16
12."A Year Ago" 5:18
13."Homeland" 4:36
14."Natural Ride" (US track)
  • Kenny G
  • Afanasieff
5:17
15."The Wedding Song" (International track)
  • Kenny G
  • Afanasieff
3:25
16."Jasmine Flower" (Japan bonus track)Traditional4:40

Personnel[edit]

Musicians

  • Kenny G – arrangements, all other instruments (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 13), soprano saxophone (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14), alto saxophone (3), drum programming (4, 8), tenor saxophone (6, 9, 12)
  • Walter Afanasieff – keyboards (4, 5, 8–11), synth bass (4, 5, 8, 9), arrangements (5), drums (5, 11), rhythm programming (5), all other instruments (5), guitar intro and solo (7), Hammond B3 organ (9), acoustic piano (9, 14), percussion (9, 11), Synclavier (11), acoustic guitar (11), bass (11), cello (11)
  • Gary Cirimelli – Macintosh programming (5, 9, 11), Synclavier programming (5, 9, 11)
  • Ren Klyce – Akai AX60 programming (5, 9, 11), Synclavier programming (5, 9, 11)
  • Dan Shea – keyboards (5, 10), programming (5), rhythm programming (10), synth bass (10)
  • Randy Kerber – additional keyboards (9)
  • Dean Parks – guitars (1–4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13)
  • Michael Thompson – guitars (5, 9)
  • Vail Johnson – bass guitar (6)
  • John Robinson – drums (9)
  • Paulinho da Costa – percussion (1–4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13)
  • William Ross – string arrangements and conductor (8, 14)
  • David Foster – arrangements (9)
  • Peabo Bryson – lead vocals (5)
  • Lynn Davis – backing vocals (5, 9, 11)
  • Jim Gilstrap – backing vocals (5, 11)
  • Portia Griffin – backing vocals (5)
  • Pat Hawk – backing vocals (5)
  • Phillip Ingram – backing vocals (5, 9, 11)
  • Vann Johnson – backing vocals (5)
  • Rose Stone – backing vocals (5, 11)
  • Fred White – backing vocals (5, 11)
  • Jean McLean – backing vocals (9)
  • Aaron Neville – lead vocals (9)
  • Alex Brown – backing vocals (11)

Production

  • Producers – Kenny G (tracks 1–4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14); Walter Afanasieff (tracks 5 and 9–11); David Foster (tracks 5 and 9)
  • Engineers – Kevin Becka (tracks 1–4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14); Dana Jon Chappelle (tracks 5 and 11); Humberto Gatica (track 9); Manny LaCarrubba (track 10)
  • Assistant engineers – Steve Shepherd (tracks 1–9, 12 and 14); Kevin Becka (tracks 5 and 9); Manny LaCarrubba (track 11)
  • Additional engineering – David Gleeson (track 5); Jeffrey Woodruff (track 5); Kevin Becka (tracks 5 and 9); Steve Shepherd (tracks 5 and 9); Dana Jon Chappelle (track 9); Manny LaCarrubba (track 9)
  • Orchestra on tracks 8 and 14 engineered by John Richards, assisted by Eric Rudd
  • Mixing – Mick Guzauski (tracks 1–9, 11–14); Steve Shepherd (track 10)
  • Art direction and design – Susan Mendola
  • Photography – Matthew Rolston
  • Liner notes – Kenny G

Charts[edit]

Certifications and sales[edit]

Certifications and sales for Breathless
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[35] 3× Platinum 210,000^
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[36] Platinum 250,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[37] 15× Platinum 1,500,000^
Germany — 250,000[38]
Ghana — 80,000[39]
Ireland — 180,000[40]
Japan (RIAJ)[41] Platinum 200,000^
Korea — ≈1,000,000[42]
New Zealand (RMNZ)[43] Platinum 15,000^
Singapore — 160,000[44]
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[45] 8× Platinum 800,000^
Taiwan — 200,000[46]
United Kingdom (BPI)[47] Platinum 300,000^
United States (RIAA)[48] 15× Platinum 15,000,000^
Summaries
Asia Pacific — 13,000,000[42]
Worldwide — 40,000,000[49]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ McConie, J. (2021) Let's talk about sax, baby! Substack. [online] Available at: https://jamesmconie.substack.com/p/lets-talk-about-sax-baby (Accessed: January 2nd 2024).
  2. ^ Grierson, T. (2023) How Kenny G's 'Songbird' Went From Punchline to 'Gran Turismo' Anthem. Cracked. [online] Available at: https://www.cracked.com/article_39052_how-kenny-gs-songbird-went-from-punchline-to-gran-turismo-anthem.html (Accessed: January 2nd 2024).
  3. ^ AllMusic review
  4. ^ "Breathless". EW.com.
  5. ^ Jones, Alan (1 May 1993). "Market Preview: Mainstream - Albums" (PDF). Music Week. p. 11. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  6. ^ Charts & Awards at AllMusic
  7. ^ Grammy Awards at AllMusic
  8. ^ "Recording Industry Association of America". RIAA. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  9. ^ "Top 100 Albums". RIAA. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  10. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Kenny G – Breathless". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  11. ^ "Top RPM Albums: Issue 1026". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  12. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Kenny G – Breathless" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  13. ^ a b "1993 Year-End Sales Charts – Eurochart Hot 100 Albums" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 51/52. December 18, 1993. p. 15. OCLC 29800226. Retrieved May 23, 2022 – via World Radio History.
  14. ^ "Charts.nz – Kenny G – Breathless". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  15. ^ "Hits of the World – Spain". Billboard. 22 May 1993. p. 80.
  16. ^ "Kenny G | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  17. ^ "Kenny G Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  18. ^ "Kenny G Chart History (Top Contemporary Jazz Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  19. ^ "Kenny G Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  20. ^ "ARIA Top 100 Albums for 1993". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  21. ^ "Top RPM Albums: Issue 2332". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  22. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 1993". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  23. ^ "Top Selling Albums of 1993 — The Official New Zealand Music Chart". Recorded Music New Zealand. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  24. ^ "LOS 50 TÍTULOS CON MAYORES VENTAS EN LAS LISTAS DE VENTAS DE AFYVE EN 1993" (PDF) (in Spanish). Anuarios SGAE. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 18, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  25. ^ "Top 100 Albums 1993" (PDF). Music Week. January 15, 1994. p. 25. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  26. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1993". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  27. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 1993". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  28. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1994". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  29. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 1994". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  30. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1995". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  31. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 1995". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  32. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1996". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  33. ^ Geoff Mayfield (December 25, 1999). 1999 The Year in Music Totally '90s: Diary of a Decade - The listing of Top Pop Albums of the '90s & Hot 100 Singles of the '90s. Billboard. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  34. ^ "Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums". Billboard. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  35. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1993 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  36. ^ "Brazilian album certifications – Kenny G – Breathless" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  37. ^ "Canadian album certifications – Kenny G – Breathless". Music Canada. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  38. ^ Pride, Dominic. "Kenny G Conquers the World" (PDF). American Radio History (Billboard Archive). p. 41. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  39. ^ "Ghana Protecting Copyrights". Billboard. 107 (5): 68. February 4, 1995. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  40. ^ "Ghana Protecting Copyrights". Billboard. February 4, 1995. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  41. ^ "Japanese album certifications – Kenny G – Breathless" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved May 28, 2019. Select 1993年5月 on the drop-down menu
  42. ^ a b McClure, Steve (September 14, 2002). "Really Big in Japan". Billboard. p. 40. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  43. ^ "New Zealand album certifications – Kenny G – Breathless". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  44. ^ Cheah, Philip (20 May 1995). "Singapore". Billboard. p. A-24. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  45. ^ Salaverrie, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (PDF) (in Spanish) (1st ed.). Madrid: Fundación Autor/SGAE. p. 937. ISBN 84-8048-639-2. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  46. ^ "Taipei Moment". Billboard. 26 July 1997. p. 45. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  47. ^ "British album certifications – Kenny G – Breathless". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  48. ^ "American album certifications – Kenny G – Breathless". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  49. ^ Ratliff, Ben (February 14, 2008). "Upholding the Standards of Smooth Jazz Purists". New York Times. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
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