Lately
by Anita Baker (featuring Tyrese)

Album: Only Forever (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the first single from Anita Baker's seventh studio album, Only Forever, her first set for seven years. The Harvey Mason, Jr. produced song is a re-creation of American R&B singer Tyrese's 1999 hit of the same title and Baker lured the crooner to appear on one of two versions of the track. "He was like, 'I was 12 years old when I sang that, and I can't even get to that key anymore,'" Baker recalled to Billboard magazine. "And I'm like, 'We'll change the key!' This is something I did out of love and wanting Tyrese to sing because he's in the movies and he's just kind of abandoned his singing."
  • Only Forever finds Baker merging classic sounds with technological advancements. "I just had this concept of walking into a digital universe with an analog heart, Baker told The Boombox. "So we're kind of marrying the two. I started cutting analog down in Nashville, and once I knew what we were gonna do, we bounced it over to the digital format so that the 21st century producers like Harvey Mason, Jr., could manipulate it. I was just very focused on getting some analog energy in there somewhere," she added. So it's a lovely bridge that I'm trying to build tech-wise as well as musically."
  • This was one of the first songs Baker cut, analog, in Nashville. She told The Boombox: "I brought in a live rhythm section. I brought it to LA, and I called [Tyrese] into the studio and I played it for him; he had no idea. And he lost it, of course. He was like, 'I know who has got to produce this!' I'm like, 'I already know, I got Harvey Mason, Jr., on tap.'"
  • Anita Baker made history on August 6, 2012 when she became the first recording artist ever to have a premiere on Urban Adult Contemporary Radio for all Clear Channel stations as they played "Lately" every hour on the hour.

Comments: 2

  • Lsongjay from MdLately by Anita Baker clearly demonstrates the profound skill and talent of this vibrant artist. Her ability to evoke heartfelt emotion with her vocal prowess has not only endured the years, it has culminated into a flavor that is rich in its unparalleled expression.
  • Clarence (bobo) P. from Roosevelt And Independence Anita Baker is one of the best voices in the industry,and I love her version of lately but Tyrese blew it out the water with one of the finest sisters in the acting field at that time. Jello as hell but no hating only congratulating..
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Dave Mason

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.

Peter Lord

Peter LordSongwriter Interviews

You may not recognize his name, but you will certainly recognize Peter Lord's songs. He wrote the bevy of hits from Paula Abdul's second album, Spellbound.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Bill Withers

Bill WithersSongwriter Interviews

Soul music legend Bill Withers on how life experience and the company you keep leads to classic songs like "Lean On Me."

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.