"A Song for Mama" is a number-one R&B single by the American R&B group Boyz II Men. The tune, which was written and produced by Babyface, served as the theme song to the 1997 motion picture Soul Food, and spent two weeks at number one on the US R&B chart. To date, it is the group's 11th and final top 10 hit, peaking at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also appears on the group's fourth album, Evolution (1997).
Critical reception Larry Flick from Billboard magazine wrote, "It's a tear-tugging ode to mothers, delivered with the kind of seamless harmonies that one has come to expect from these Boyz. Producer/writer Babyface's fingerprints are all over the track, from its delicate piano lines to its soft but insinuating percussion. There's no denying that this act is at its best when the members are wrapping their voices around a Babyface composition. If you still need proof, let quietly emotional lines like "loving you is like food for my soul" wash over your senses. As the world inches closer to the holiday season, look for this single to become a sentimental favorite at every possible radio format."
Track listings
US single A Song for Mama (Radio Edit) 4:30 A Song for Mama (LP Version) 5:02 A Song for Mama (Instrumental) 5:05
US live version single A Song for Mama – Live Version (Radio Edit) 4:11 A Song for Mama – Live Version (Main Version) 5:10
Europe single A Song for Mama (Radio Edit) A Song for Mama (LP Version)
Europe maxi-CD A Song for Mama (Radio Edit) 4:30 I'll Make Love To You (LP Version) 3:57 Motownphilly (LP Version) 3:56 Sympin' (Remix Radio Edit) 3:58
Europe maxi-CD 2 A Song for Mama (Radio Edit) 4:30 A Song for Mama (LP Version) 5:02 Baby C'Mon (LP Version) 4:36 A Song for Mama (Instrumental) 5:05
Credits and personnel Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Evolution.Boyz II Men - Evolution (CD liner notes) - Motown Records 530 822-2
Boyz II Men: all vocals Babyface: writer, composer, producer, keyboards and drum programming Greg Phillinganes: piano Nathan East: bass Michael Thompson: guitar Brad Gilderman, Manny Marroquin, Paul Boutin: recording engineers Jon Gass: mix engineer Paul Boutin: assistant mix engineer Randy Walker: midi programmer Ivy Skoff: production coordinator
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1997–1998)PeakpositionCanada (Nielsen SoundScan)25France Airplay (SNEP)62Spain Airplay (Top 40 Radio)25
Year-end charts Chart (1998)PositionUS Billboard Hot 10030US Hot R&B Singles (Billboard)12US Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard)32
Certifications
See also List of number-one R&B singles of 1997 (U.S.) List of number-one R&B singles of 1998 (U.S.)
References