Strong Enough (Cher song) explained

Strong Enough
Cover:Cher-strong-enough-international-cover.JPG
Type:single
Artist:Cher
Album:Believe
Genre:Disco
Length:
  • 3:44 (album version)
  • 3:33 (radio edit)
Label:
Producer:Mark Taylor
Prev Title:Believe
Prev Year:1998
Next Title:All or Nothing
Next Year:1999

"Strong Enough" is a song by American recording artist Cher from her 22nd studio album, Believe (1998). The song was released as the second single from the album on February 22, 1999, by Warner Music. The song's composition and musical style is strongly reminiscent of 1970s disco music. The song received positive reviews from music critics, many calling it a highlight to Believe and comparing it to Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive".[1] [2] "Strong Enough" peaked at number 57 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard Dance Club Play chart. Worldwide, it reached number one in Hungary and entered the top 10 in 14 other countries.

Background and reception

"Strong Enough" was released as the second international single from Cher's twenty-second studio album, Believe, which was released in 1998. However it was not successful in the US until it received more airplay following the release of promotional remixes. The song, along with "Believe", has become one of her most successful songs to date.

"Strong Enough" received favorable reviews from music critics. Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet stated that the song "will be as great for the distressed" as Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive".[1] Michael Gallucci from AllMusic wrote that "Cher herself merely moves through the beat factory with one drab vocal range, blending butt-shaker."[3] Randy Cordova from The Arizona Republic described the song as a "thumping retro-disco tune".[4] Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that it "picks up right where "Believe" left off." He noted that the "retro-disco" song is "irresistibly catchy, jubilant as a prayer revival, and an ideal partner as kids prepare to buddy up with radio as school finishes up. Everything about this anthemic track is obvious from the first listen: Cher is again in peak form, set in front of a string-laden, thump-happy beat that will have folks tapping toes and snapping fingers from Maine to Minnesota." He also added that "no doubt, this is the biggest no-brainer hit we've heard this year."[5] Matt Stopera and Brian Galindo from BuzzFeed commented, "Always overshadowed by "Believe", "Strong Enough" was also a great '90s dance song!"[6] The Daily Vault's Michael R. Smith said that "this is the most comfortable and relaxed she has ever sounded musically."[7] A reviewer from Irish Independent picked it as one of the "highlights" from the Believe album, noting it as "rousing".[8] Deborah Wilker from Knight Ridder said "Strong Enough" is the best song of the album, calling it a "catchy feminist chant" and "her very own "I Will Survive"".[2]

Chart performance

"Strong Enough" had peaked at number fifty-seven on the US Billboard Hot 100, staying in the charts for twelve weeks. The song did not receive much attention in the United States, but when the promo remixes were released, the song had peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play. It also peaked at number thirty-one on the Billboard Pop Songs, number twenty-nine on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks and number forty on the Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks.[9]

Elsewhere, the song was successful, mostly getting in the top 10 in most countries. The song had peaked at number six in New Zealand, and also peaked at number eleven in Australia.[10] The song was also very well received in Europe. The song peaked at number one in Hungary, and had also peaked at number seven in Finland, until falling out the third week and number three in France, staying in the charts for twenty-four weeks.[11] The song had also peaked at number twenty-one in Sweden, five in Switzerland, four in Austria, eleven in The Netherlands and sixteen in Norway. The song also debuted at number five on the UK Singles Chart, until descending the rest of the way, finally finishing at number fifty-six.[12]

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Strong Enough" was directed by British director Nigel Dick and was released worldwide in early 1999. A promo VHS tape and CD-R were also released in the US, but are very rare. The video promo also includes the remixed version of the video.

In this video, Cher is a computer virus and her role is an advisor who tells a bad boyfriend the reasons why his girlfriend (played by Shannyn Sossamon) will leave him. Teens in a party, two women, two robbers and many gothic instrument players also appear in the video.

A couple of months after the release of the original music video for Strong Enough, Dan-O-Rama (best known for his work remixing videos) created the "vocal club edit" video for this song. He used the "Strong Enough" Pumpin' Dolls Vocal Epic club remix and Club 69 Future edit promo only for DJs in 2000. The original music video is also featured on 'The Very Best Of Cher: The Video Hits Collection'.

Legacy

In 2020, the Chicago Tribune listed "Strong Enough" as one of the "25 Pride anthems of all time", and stated that "one could easily interpret the lyrics to be about a repressive society that she is no longer willing to tolerate."[13]

Track listings

US and Canadian maxi-CD single[14] [15]

  1. "Strong Enough" (album version) – 3:44
  2. "Strong Enough" (Club 69 Future Anthem mix) – 11:00
  3. "Strong Enough" (Pumpin' Dolls Vocal Epic club) – 7:22
  4. "Strong Enough" (male version) – 3:32
  5. "Strong Enough" (Club 69 Phunk mix) – 8:32
  6. "Strong Enough" (Mark Andrews remix edit) – 7:31
  7. "Strong Enough" (Pumpin' Dolls Cashmere club mix) – 8:34
  8. "Strong Enough" (D-Bop's Melt mix) – 7:49
  9. "Strong Enough" (Club 69 Future Anthem short mix edit) – 8:39
  10. "Strong Enough" (Pumpin' Dolls radio edit) – 3:48

US 2×12-inch single[16]

A1. "Strong Enough" (Club 69 Future Anthem mix) – 11:00

A2. "Strong Enough" (album version) – 3:44

B1. "Strong Enough" (Club 69 Phunk mix) – 8:32

B2. "Strong Enough" (Mark Andrews remix edit) – 7:31

C1. "Strong Enough" (Pumpin' Dolls Vocal Epic club) – 7:22

C2. "Strong Enough" (D-Bop's Melt mix) – 7:49

C3. "Strong Enough" (male version) – 3:32

D1. "Strong Enough" (Pumpin' Dolls Cashmere club mix) – 8:34

D2. "Strong Enough" (Club 69 Future Anthem short mix edit) – 8:39

UK CD1[17]

  1. "Strong Enough" – 3:44
  2. "Strong Enough" (Club 69 Future Anthem short mix edit) – 8:39
  3. "Strong Enough" (Mark Andrews remix edit) – 7:31

UK CD2[18]

  1. "Strong Enough" – 3:44
  2. "Strong Enough" (male version) – 3:32
  3. "Strong Enough" (D-Bop's Melt mix) – 7:49

UK 12-inch single[19]

A1. "Strong Enough" (Club 69 Future Anthem short mix) – 8:56

A2. "Strong Enough" (Mark Andrews remix) – 7:55

B1. "Strong Enough" (Club 69 Future Anthem instrumental) – 11:00

UK cassette single[20]

  1. "Strong Enough" – 3:44
  2. "Strong Enough" (Club 69 Future Anthem short mix) – 8:56

European CD single[21]

  1. "Strong Enough" – 3:44
  2. "Strong Enough" (Pumpin' Dolls radio edit) – 3:48

Australian CD single[22]

  1. "Strong Enough" – 3:44
  2. "Believe" (Club 69 Phunk club mix) – 6:50
  3. "Strong Enough" (Club 69 Future Anthem short mix) – 8:40
  4. "Strong Enough" (Mark Andrews remix edit) – 7:31
  5. "Strong Enough" (D-Bop Melt mix) – 7:49

Japanese remix EP (with "Believe")[23]

  1. "Strong Enough" (album version) – 3:44
  2. "Strong Enough" (Pumpin' Dolls radio edit) – 3:48
  3. "Strong Enough" (Club 69 Future Anthem mix) – 11:00
  4. "Strong Enough" (Mark Andrews remix) – 7:55
  5. "Believe" (album version) – 3:58
  6. "Believe" (Phat 'N' Phunky club mix) – 7:44
  7. "Believe" (Almighty Definitive mix) – 7:35
  8. "Believe" (Club 69 Phunk club mix) – 8:55

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1999)Peak
position
Belgium (Promuvi)[24] 2
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)[25] 16
Denmark (Tracklisten)[26] 5
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[27] 3
Greece (IFPI)[28] 6
Hungary (Mahasz)[29] 1
Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[30] 3
Italy (FIMI)10
Poland (Music & Media)[31] 2
Quebec (ADISQ)[32] 9
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[33] 4
US Top 40 Tracks (Billboard)34

Year-end charts

Chart (1999)Position
Australia (ARIA)[35] 65
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[36] 40
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[37] 42
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[38] 12
Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)[39] 81
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[40] 24
Europe (European Radio 100 Singles)[41] 13
France (SNEP)[42] 22
Germany (Official German Charts)[43] 39
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[44] 56
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[45] 57
Romania (Romanian Top 100)[46] 28
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[47] 39
UK Singles (OCC)[48] 72
US Dance Club Play (Billboard)[49] 26
US Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard)14

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)
United KingdomFebruary 22, 1999WEA[50]
March 8, 199912-inch vinyl[51]
JapanApril 21, 1999CD[52]
United StatesMay 11, 1999Warner Bros.[53]
CanadaMay 25, 1999CDWEA[54]

Notable cover versions

External links

Notes and References

  1. Aftonbladet. July 1, 1999.
  2. Deborah. Wilker. Cher throws more curves with latest album, 'Believe'. Knight Ridder. November 10, 1998. March 13, 2020.
  3. http://www.allmusic.com/album/believe-mw0000601566 Review by AllMusic
  4. Randy. Cordova. Cher: Ageless diva survives and thrives. The Arizona Republic. June 16, 1999. March 13, 2020.
  5. Larry. Flick. Single Reviews. Billboard. May 22, 1999. February 10, 2020. 25. Larry Flick.
  6. Web site: Matt . Stopera . Brian . Galindo . The 101 Greatest Dance Songs of the '90s . . March 11, 2017 . March 31, 2020 .
  7. Web site: Michael R.. Smith. Cher - Believe. The Daily Vault. September 6, 2009. February 25, 2020.
  8. "Christy Moore. The Pogues and Mary". Irish Independent. December 9, 1998. page 49. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  9. Web site: [{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=cher|chart=all}} Believe - Cher ]. Billboard.com . February 8, 2012.
  10. Web site: Steffen Hung . Cher - Strong Enough . charts.nz . February 8, 2012.
  11. Web site: Steffen Hung . Cher - Strong Enough . lescharts.com . February 8, 2012.
  12. Web site: Cher - Strong Enough . . February 8, 2012.
  13. Web site: Here are the top 25 Pride anthems of all time. . June 23, 2020 .
  14. Strong Enough. Cher. 1999. US maxi-CD single liner notes. Warner Bros. Records. 9 44644-2.
  15. Strong Enough. Cher. 1999. Canadian maxi-CD single liner notes. WEA. 2 27570.
  16. Strong Enough. Cher. 1999. US 2×12-inch single sleeve. Warner Bros. Records. 9-44644-0.
  17. Strong Enough. Cher. 1999. UK CD1 liner notes. WEA. WEA201CD1, 3984 26621 2.
  18. Strong Enough. Cher. 1999. UK CD2 liner notes. WEA. WEA201CD2, 3984 26622 2.
  19. Strong Enough. Cher. 1999. UK 12-inch single sleeve. WEA. WEA201T, 3984 26624 0.
  20. Strong Enough. Cher. 1999. UK cassette single sleeve. WEA. WEA201C, 3984 26623 4.
  21. Strong Enough. Cher. 1999. European CD single liner notes. WEA. 3984 26623 9.
  22. Strong Enough. Cher. 1999. Australian CD single liner notes. WEA. 3984270072.
  23. Strong Enough / Believe. Cher. 1999. Japanese remix EP liner notes. Warner Bros. Records. WPCR-10224.
  24. Hits of the World. Billboard. October 31, 2015.
  25. Web site: Cher Awards. AllMusic. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160618222215/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/cher-mn0000107090/awards. June 18, 2016. October 31, 2015.
  26. Web site: Danske Hitlister - Strong Enough - Cher. https://web.archive.org/web/20180713195827/http://danskehitlister.dk/?song_id=3369. July 13, 2018. danskehitlister.dk. July 13, 2018. dead.
  27. Hits of the World. Billboard. 111. 18. 47. May 1, 1999. October 31, 2015.
  28. Top National Sellers. Music & Media. 16. 19. 10. May 8, 1999. March 28, 2019.
  29. Top National Sellers. Music & Media. 16. 17. May 7, 2018.
  30. News: Íslenski Listinn NR. 318 Vikuna 9.4. – 16.4. 1999. Dagblaðið Vísir. is. 10. April 9, 1999. April 10, 2018.
  31. Major Market Airplay – Week 18/1999. Music & Media. 16. 18. 23. May 1, 1999. January 29, 2021.
  32. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20151129063315/http://bibnum2.banq.qc.ca/bna/palmares/2010-Anglo-Allophone/Anglo-Compilation_succes_ordre_alpha_interpretes.pdf. Palmarès de la chanson anglophone et allophone au Québec. BAnQ. fr. September 11, 2019. November 29, 2015. dead.
  33. Hits of the World: Spain. Billboard. 111. 14. 59. April 3, 1999. October 31, 2015.
  34. Web site: Kazakhstan Airplay Chart for 25-04-2024. TopHit. April 27, 2024. April 25, 2024.
  35. Web site: ARIA Top 100 Singles for 1999. ARIA. July 28, 2021.
  36. Web site: Jahreshitparade Singles 1999. de. October 31, 2015.
  37. Web site: Jaaroverzichten 1999. Ultratop. nl. October 31, 2015.
  38. Web site: Rapports annuels 1999. Ultratop. fr. October 31, 2015.
  39. RPM 1999 Top 100 Adult Contemporary. RPM. Library and Archives Canada. December 13, 1999. October 31, 2015.
  40. Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 1999. Music & Media. 17. 1. 11. January 1, 2000. December 24, 2018. 29800226.
  41. 1999 European Radio Top 100. Music & Media. 17. 1. 13. January 1, 2000. December 24, 2018. 29800226.
  42. Web site: Classement Singles - année 1999 . SNEP . October 31, 2015 . fr . unfit . https://web.archive.org/web/20120905093908/http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/page-259376.xml?year=1999 . September 5, 2012 .
  43. Web site: Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts 1999. de. GfK Entertainment. October 31, 2015.
  44. Web site: Single Top 100 Van 1999. nl. Stichting Nederlandse Top 40. October 31, 2015.
  45. Web site: Jaaroverzichten – Single 1999. MegaCharts. October 31, 2015.
  46. Web site: Romanian Top 100: Top of the Year 1999. Romanian Top 100. ro. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20050122081829/http://www.rt100.ro/topul-anului-1999.html. January 22, 2005.
  47. Web site: Swiss Year-end Charts 1999. October 31, 2015.
  48. Best Sellers of 1999: Singles Top 100. Music Week. 27. January 22, 2000. July 28, 2021.
  49. The Year in Music: 1999. Billboard. 111. 52. YE-60, YE 61. December 25, 1999. October 31, 2015.
  50. New Releases – For Week Starting 22 February, 1999. Music Week. 31. February 20, 1999. July 16, 2021.
  51. New Releases – For Week Starting 8 March, 1999. Music Week. 25. March 6, 1999.
  52. Web site: ストロング・イナフ/ビリーブ・リミックスEP シェール. Strong Enough/Believe Remix EP Cher. Oricon. ja. November 9, 2023.
  53. New Releases. Radio & Records. 1298. 77, 83. May 7, 1999.
  54. Web site: Album Releases: May 1999. Jam!. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20000829104203/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicReleases1999/may99.html. August 29, 2000. June 12, 2022.
  55. News: Steps cover Cher's 'Strong Enough' as they kicked off 25th anniversary tour at Mighty Hoopla. Retro Pop Magazine. 2022-06-05. 2022-06-18.