"Use Your Heart" is a song by American R&B trio SWV, released on July 23, 1996 as the second single from their album New Beginning.[1] Written and produced by Chad Hugo & Pharrell Williams, the track directly samples the guitar riff from the 1974 song "If It Don't Turn You On (You Oughta Leave It Alone)" by B.T. Express,[2] and was the first song produced by the duo (as The Neptunes) to chart.
Music video
The video for "Use Your Heart" was directed by Michael Martin.
Critical reception
Larry Flick from Billboard described the song as an "sumtuous old-school soul swinger that will have listeners lost in memories of their favorite '70s moments." He added, "These sisters now have the chops to support their bid to become R&B's leading female vocal group. They kick it lovely while Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo surround their plush harmonies with fluttering horns and even-handed funk guitar licks. Yummy stuff that belongs at the top of every urban playlist."[3]
Samples and references in other media
In 2024, American rapper Kendrick Lamar sampled the song on his track "Heart Pt. 6" from his 6th studio album GNX.
Track listing
- Maxi-single
- "Use Your Heart" (LP Version)
- "Use Your Heart" (Edit)
- "Use Your Heart" (CDS Version)
- "Use Your Heart" feat. Grampa & Boneyman (Rappers Delight Remix)
- "Use Your Heart" (Acapella)
- "Use Your Heart" (Instrumental)
Charts
| Charts (1996) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[4] | 22 |
| US Dance Singles Sales (Billboard)[5] | 48 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[6] | 6 |
| US Rhythmic (Billboard)[7] | 19 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | July 23, 1996 | RCA | [1] | |
| July 28, 1996 | Cassette, CD single | [8] |
References
- ^ a b "Selected New Releases: Adds July 23" (PDF). Radio & Records: 44, 50. July 19, 1996.
- ^ "SWV's 'Use Your Heart' sample of B.T. Express's 'If It Don't Turn You on (You Oughta Leave It Alone)'". WhoSampled. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
- ^ Flick, Larry (July 27, 1996). "Reviews & Previews: Singles" (PDF). Billboard. p. 86. Retrieved November 30, 2022.
- ^ "SWV Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "SWV Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
- ^ "SWV Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "SWV Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
- ^ Amazon.com: Use Your Heart: SWV: Music Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved January 18, 2011.