CHER - ONE BY ONE

Released: January 6, 1996 

Charted:  US: #52  UK: #7 

"One by One" from the album "It's a Man's World" features two versions: the original, a soul and rock blend produced by Stephen Lipson, and an American mix produced by Sam Ward with slight alterations. Released differently in the UK and US, the song came out as the second single on January 6, 1996, under WEA in the UK, and as the lead single on May 21, 1996, through Reprise Records in the US.

"One by One" is characterized as a mid-tempo soul song with rock influences, showcasing Cher's "startlingly soulful" falsetto. Cher aimed to alter her vocal delivery, focusing on control and minimizing vibrato. Lyrically, the song explores themes of acceptance, love, and overcoming challenges gradually. According to Reprise Records executive Craig Kostich, the lyrics reflect Cher's serious and politically conscious side. The track opens with ghostly guitars and background vocals repeating "dear daddy, dear daddy," blending seamlessly with Cher's soft vocal delivery.

"It's a Man's World" marked Cher's return to the studio album format after 1991's "Love Hurts". She viewed the album as a personal challenge and an opportunity to explore new musical directions, expressing a desire to move away from her traditional sound. Cher worked with multiple producers on the album, including Stephen Lipson, a departure from her usual practice of collaborating with just one. 

Many tracks on "It's a Man's World" were covers originally written and performed by men, which Cher reinterpreted from a female perspective. These included songs like Marc Cohn's "Walking in Memphis" (1991), Don Henley's "Not Enough Love in the World" (1985), and James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" (1966). One original song on the album, "One by One", was co-written by Cher and Anthony Griffiths of the Real People and recorded at Elephant Studios in London.

In response to the R&B trend in the mid-1990s sweeping the United States, Reprise Records commissioned a new version of "One by One" for the American market. Produced by Sam Ward, this rendition features crisp jeep rhythms and cushiony synths, aiming to infuse the song with a more contemporary R&B feel. Cher's falsetto vocals were stretched to suit this style, and the background vocals and saxophone solo present in the original version were omitted. Additionally, an edited version including verses by rapper Melle Mel was created specifically for American radio play.