Ghetto Heaven

"Ghetto Heaven" is a 1990 song by American soul and R&B group The Family Stand, released as their debut single, from their second album, Chain (1989). It features vocals by lead-singer Sandra St. Victor and was an international hit, peaking at number 10 in the UK in April 1990. 8 years later, in January 1998, the song again charted on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 30.[4] Additionally, it was a Top 10 hit in Luxembourg and a Top 20 hit in New Zealand. A music video was produced to promote the single, featuring the group performing in an urban city setting. American band Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam sampled it on their 1991 hit, "Let the Beat Hit 'Em".

"I know when I do it, and I think I probably perform it the most, I always have to flip the song to keep it fresh. I have to find a way to make it feel fresh to me. When I hear the original, or the remix that became the hit, it feels timeless to a certain degree but in my head, I still hear people saying, "That was Soul II Soul, right?" No! It was the Family Stand so I don't want to be reminded. I try to flip it and make it feel more us. Lyrically-speaking, and the melody, I still think it's a great song."

—Sandra St. Victor talking to PopMatters about the song.[5]

"Ghetto Heaven"
Single by The Family Stand
from the album Chain
B-side"Remix"
Released1990
Genre
Length
  • 3:56 (Original)
  • 4:50 (Remix)
LabelAtlantic Records
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Peter Lord
The Family Stand singles chronology
"Ghetto Heaven"
(1990)		 "In Summer I Fall"
(1990)
Music video
"Ghetto Heaven" on YouTube

Critical reception

Andrew Hamilton from AllMusic commented, "The much ballyhooed "Ghetto Heaven" attempts to capture the power of Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield in social significancy but has the impact of a mosquitoe."[6] Bill Coleman from Billboard stated that "this multitalented outfit stands to win on its own terms this time out with an aggressively funky R&B track of considerable merit."[3] He also described it as "brilliant", and added that "this is music with a message and a groove enhanced by mixes by Jazzie B & Nellee Hooper of Soul II Soul."[7] Greg Sandow from Entertainment Weekly noted it as "a look at how people use love, liquor, and religion to escape the troubles of life".[8] A reviewer from Music & Media wrote, "A hip-hop number with a classic soul vocal. Soul II Soul meets early 70s Tamla Motown with a hint of Chaka Khan. Highly recommended."[1] British magazine Music Week ranked the song number five in their Top 10 list, Pick Of The Year - Dance.[2] Carol Irving from Smash Hits viewed it as "a brooding, deeply groovy work of genius" and "so brilliant".[9]

Track listing
7" single, UK
No.TitleLength
1."Ghetto Heaven" (Remix Edit) 
2."Ghetto Heaven" (Original Version) 
12" single, Europe
No.TitleLength
1."Ghetto Heaven" (Remix)4:55
2."Ghetto Heaven" (Original Version)4:00
3."Ghetto Heaven" (Original Version)4:51
CD maxi, Europe
No.TitleLength
1."Ghetto Heaven" (The Remix)4:50
2."Ghetto Heaven" (The Dub)4:50
3."Ghetto Heaven" (The Original)3:56

Charts
Chart (1990) Peak
position
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[10] 24
Luxembourg (Radio Luxembourg)[11] 9
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[12] 23
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[13] 22
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[14] 20
UK Singles (OCC) 10
Chart (1998) Peak
position
Scotland (OCC)[15] 43
UK Singles (OCC) 30

References
  1. "Previews: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. 31 March 1990. p. 14. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  2. "Dance" (PDF). Music Week. 22 December 1990. p. 11. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
  3. Coleman, Bill (31 March 1990). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 78. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  4. "Official Singles Chart Top 100 11 January 1998 - 17 January 1998". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  5. Wikane, Christian John (21 September 2010). "Stories to Tell: A Conversation with the Family Stand". PopMatters. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  6. Hamilton, Andrew. "The Family Stand – Chain". AllMusic. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  7. Coleman, Bill (21 April 1990). "Dance Trax: R&B Tracks Provide A Slice Of 'Ghetto Heaven'" (PDF). Billboard. p. 25. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  8. Sandow, Greg (11 May 1990). "Chain". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  9. Irving, Carol (16 May 1990). "Review: LPs". Smash Hits. No. 299. p. 54. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  10. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. 12 May 1990. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  11. Radio Luxembourg Singles, 8 April 1990
  12. "Nederlandse Top 40 – The Family Stand" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  13. "The Family Stand – Ghetto Heaven" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  14. "The Family Stand – Ghetto Heaven". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  15. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 11 January 1998 - 17 January 1998". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
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