Lionel Richie Releases 25th Anniversary Deluxe Version Of ‘Louder Than Words’
Bonus tracks include rare Spanish and Italian language versions of ‘Still In Love,’ the radio version of ‘Don’t Wanna Lose You,’ and more.
Today marks the 25th anniversary of Lionel Richie’s Louder Than Words, the Top-30 Billboard album that ushered in a new chapter for one of the most successful Pop and R&B artists of all time.
Island Def Jam Music Group/UMe will celebrate this era in Lionel Richie’s career with digital deluxe editions of multiple albums throughout 2021, including Just For You (May 7) and Time (June 25). Each of the bonus tracks on the digital deluxe editions of Louder Than Words, Just For You, and Time will make their streaming debut.
Kicking off these releases will be the 25th anniversary expanded digital deluxe edition of Louder Than Words, out today. The project was Richie’s fourth solo studio album and first for Mercury/Island Records. Originally available on April 16, 1996, Louder Than Words, which at the time was Richie’s first full album in 10 years, features “Don’t Wanna Lose You,” co-written by Lionel Richie, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Also featured are “I Wanna Take You Down,” “Paradise,” “Climbing,” “Ordinary Girl,” and Lionel Richie’s work with Babyface and David Foster. The bonus tracks include rare Spanish and Italian language versions of “Still In Love,” the radio version of “Don’t Wanna Lose You,” and non-album cuts “What Do They Know” and “Now You’re Gone.”
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The expanded digital deluxe edition of Just For You, available on May 7, features three international bonus tracks and several multi-genre remixes of the title song, plus a live version of Richie’s smash hit, “All Night Long (All Night),” recorded at London’s Wembley Stadium.
Originally released on Island Records in 2004, Just For You showcases what has long been a Richie trademark: the playful obfuscation of genre in favor of a multi-pronged pop attack. “I Still Believe” brings a touch of gospel to the power of a loving relationship ― one of Richie’s favorite topics. Elsewhere, from the romantic “Long Long Way To Go,” to the heart-sick “Just To Be With You Again,” the orchestral “Time of Our Life,” and the blues-rocker “Outrageous,” Lionel Richie does what he does best: shifting from intimacy to anthemic at the drop of a hat.
Lionel Richie’s Louder Than Words (Digital Deluxe) is out now and available for purchase here.
