En Vogue is a name most fans of ‘90s R&B are familiar with. Regarded as one of the greatest girl groups of all time, they are pioneers and veterans who have made timeless music. At the peak of their career as a group, they sold multi-platinum records and albums, dominating charts and airwaves. While their popularity has dwindled over the years, the group has stayed together, and its members remain R&B icons.
Throughout their career so far, En Vogue has released seven studio albums with varying degrees of success. Without a doubt, however, one of their most successful albums is 1997’s EV3. It is the group’s third album and contains their best-selling song as well. While En Vogue has several high-charting songs, this track also has the most certifications, taking the crown of “best-selling song.”
From Set It Off To The World
En Vogue has had a truly illustrious career that has spanned over three decades. Within that time, they have released some truly phenomenal tracks, some of which went on to become monster hits. However, among their smash hits, “Don’t Let Go (Love)” stands out as the biggest of them all. Originating as a single from the Set It Off movie soundtrack, the song was released on October 22, 1996. It is also regarded as the lead single from EV3, released on June 19, 1997.
“Don’t Let Go (Love)”: A Massive Breakout
When “Don’t Let Go (Love)” was released, it quickly won the hearts of many worldwide. The song was a critical and commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Alongside “Hold On” and “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It,)” it is En Vogue’s highest-charting song in the U.S. Besides those tracks, the group has a handful of additional standouts performing well on charts. For example, “Giving Him Something He Can Feel,” “Free Your Mind,” and “Whatever” all peaked within the Top 20 of the Hot 100 chart. Additionally, all three songs are Gold-certified by the RIAA as they have sold over 500,000 units in the US.
However, neither of those tracks achieved as much success overseas. In fact, only two songs by En Vogue have gained widespread international success. Obviously, one of those songs is “Don’t Let Go (Love),” and the second is “Whatta Man.” While both records are certified in multiple countries, “Don’t Let Go (Love)” is certified in more countries and has sold more units overall.
In the U.S., it is certified Platinum, as it has sold over one million units since its release. Likewise, it is a Platinum-certified record in the UK and Norway, where it has sold 600,000 and 6,000 units respectively. In addition, the song is Gold-certified in Australia (35,000 units), Belgium (25,000 units), and Germany (250,000 units) as well. Finally, it has also earned Gold certifications in the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland for sales of 50,000 units, 5,000 units, and 25,000 units, respectively.
An Evergreen Classic
“Don’t Let Go (Love)” is widely regarded as a melodic masterpiece that has etched its place in the annals of ‘90s R&B history. After all, the song encapsulates the soulful essence and vocal brilliance that defines En Vogue’s signature style. The song’s production was placed in the skillful hands of Organized Noize and Ivan Matias, who delivered a near-perfect beat. In detail, the track seamlessly weaves gospel undertones into a traditional R&B ballad. Thus, this created an evergreen sound that exudes emotional depth. Beyond its initial success, “Don’t Let Go (Love)” has demonstrated enduring appeal. Without a doubt, it is an R&B classic, and its timeless qualities will continue to stand the test of time.
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