Cher - Love Hurts (1991)

Cher - Love Hurts (1991)

Tracklist front / back album covers

1. "Save Up All Your Tears"   4:00

2. "Love Hurts" (1991 version)   4:19

3. "Love and Understanding"   4:44

4. "Fires of Eden"   3:43

5. "I'll Never Stop Loving You"   3:57

6. "One Small Step" (with Richard Page)   3:28

7. "A World Without Heroes"   3:09

8. "Could've Been You"   3:30

9. "When Love Calls Your Name"   3:32

10. "When Lovers Become Strangers"   4:46

11. "Who You Gonna Believe"   4:47

12. "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)" (Oceanian and European bonus track)   2:51

 

Cher Band Members / Musicians

John Aguto – assistant engineer (2, 11)

Ken Allardyce – assistant engineer (3, 4, 6, 8–10)

Peter Asher – producer (4, 6, 8, 9, 12), drums, percussion, programming (6), background vocals (8), percussion (9), band arrangements (12)

Sandy Bathgate – production coordination (1, 5)

Martin Brumbach – assistant engineer (7)

Robbie Buchanan – piano (4), keyboards (6, 8, 9, 12)

Kim Bullard – keyboards (2, 11)

Joanie Bye – background vocals (1, 5)

David Campbell – background vocal arrangements (4, 6, 8, 9, 12), orchestral arrangements (4), string arrangements (12), conductor (4)

Joey Cathcart – background vocals (2, 11)

Margo Chase – design

Luis Conte – percussion (7)

Laura Creamer – background vocals (3, 10)

Mickey Curry – drums (1, 5)

Lisa Dalbello – background vocals (1, 5)

Jeff DeMorris – assistant engineer (3, 10)

David J. Donnelly – mastering supervisor

Doreen Dorian – production coordination (3, 10)

Kenny Edwards – background vocals (6, 8)

Mike Fisher – percussion (4, 6, 9, 12), tambourine (8)

Mike Fraser – engineer (1, 5)

David Garfield – keyboards (7)

Steve George – background vocals (1, 5)

Andrew Gold – electric guitar (6, 12), background vocals (6, 8), 12-string guitar, electric guitar (4), acoustic guitar (9)

Greg Goldman – assistant engineer (7)

Scott Harper – string arrangements (3, 10)

Steve Heinke – assistant engineer (2, 11)

Dan Hersch – mastering

Mark Hudson – vocal director (3, 10)

Randy Jackson – bass guitar (10)

Jimmy Johnson – bass guitar (12)

Phil Kaffel – engineer (2), additional engineering (1, 5), mixing (7)

John Kalodner – producer

Raven Kane's Girls – background vocals (4, 9, 12)

Fred Kelly – assistant engineer (1–3, 5, 10, 11)

Larry Klein – bass guitar (4, 9)

Mike Kloster – assistant engineer (7)

Nathaniel Kunkel – assistant engineer (4, 6, 8, 9, 12)

Greg Ladanyi – engineer (7)

Marc LaFrance – background vocals (1, 5)

Michael Landau – guitar (3, 7)

Julie Last – assistant engineer (3, 4, 6, 8–10, 12)

Mario Lucy – assistant engineer (3, 10)

Steve Lukather – producer (7), guitar (2, 9–11), acoustic guitar (7), guitar solo (7), bass guitar (8)

Richard Marx – background vocals (7)

George Massenburg – drum engineer (4, 5, 8, 9, 12)

Jean McClain – background vocals (3)

Hugh McDonald – bass guitar (1, 5)

Jim McGillveray – percussion (1, 5)

Paul Mirkovich – background vocals (2, 11)

Gil Morales – assistant engineer (4, 6–9, 12)

Gunnar Nelson – background vocals (2, 11)

Richard Page – lead vocals (6), background vocals (1, 5, 7)

David Paich – keyboards (7)

Katy Parks – production coordination (1, 2, 5, 11)

Jeff Porcaro – drums (2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12)

Mike Porcaro – bass guitar (2, 11)

Jeff Rach – assistant engineer (1, 2, 4–6, 8, 9, 11, 12)

Guy Roche – producer (3, 10), synthesizer (3)

Bob Rock – producer (1, 5)

Rail Rogurt – assistant engineer (4, 6, 8, 9, 12)

Bill Sammeth – management

Glenn Sciurba – guitar (10)

Connie Scott – background vocals (1, 5)

Keith Scott – guitar (1, 5)

Debra Shallman – album coordinator, production coordination (7)

Josh Sklair – guitar (3, 10)

Ivy Skoff – production coordination (4, 6, 8, 9, 12)

Randy Staub – additional engineering (1, 5)

David Steele – background vocals (1, 5)

David Thoener – engineer (3, 10), additional engineering (1, 5), mixing (1–3, 5, 10, 11)

Michael Thompson – electric guitar (4, 9)

Joe Turano – background vocals (10)

Myriam Naomi Valle – background vocals (3)

Carlos Vega – drums (7)

Howie Vickers – arrangements (1, 5)

Diane Warren – producer (3, 10), background vocals (3, 10)

John Webster – keyboards (1, 5)

Mark T. Williams – drums (3, 10)

Randy Wine – assistant engineer (2, 11)

Frank Wolf – engineer (3, 4, 6, 8–10, 12), additional engineering (7), mixing (4, 6, 8, 9, 12)

Richie Zito – producer (1, 2, 5, 11), additional guitar and keyboards (5)

Love Hurts is the 20th studio album by American singer and actress Cher, released on June 13, 1991, by Geffen Records. The album was her final studio album with the record company after a 4-year recording contract. The RIAA certified it Gold on August 27, 1991. The lead single from the album was, "Love and Understanding" and the follow-up singles were "Save Up All Your Tears", "Love Hurts", "Could've Been You" and "When Lovers Become Strangers". It peaked at number 48 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart with the sales of 19,000 copies. In November 2011, Billboard stated that Love Hurts had sold 600,000 copies in the US.

Cher – Love Hurts (1991): A Rock-Pop Classic

Introduction

Released in 1991, Love Hurts is one of Cher’s most successful international albums, combining rock, pop, and power ballads. Building on the commercial resurgence of her late 1980s albums (Cher and Heart of Stone), this record showcases Cher’s signature contralto vocals while adapting to the early 90s musical landscape.

Featuring hits such as “Love Hurts” and “Save Up All Your Tears,” the album became a massive European and Australian success, cementing Cher’s status as a global superstar.

Focus Keywords: Cher Love Hurts 1991, Cher 1990s album, Love Hurts tracklist, Cher power ballads, Cher international success

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Cher in 1991: Global Icon

By 1991, Cher had solidified her reputation as a rock-pop powerhouse, with a string of late-80s hits proving her relevance in the modern music scene. With Love Hurts, she aimed to capitalize on her European popularity, incorporating rock ballads, pop anthems, and emotional storytelling that appealed to international audiences.

While the album did not achieve the same level of US success, it became a chart-topping phenomenon in Europe, Australia, and other international markets, highlighting Cher’s global appeal.

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About Love Hurts (1991)

Album Overview

Produced by John Kalodner, Desmond Child, and Diane Warren, Love Hurts blends rock ballads, pop hits, and covers of classic songs, all featuring Cher’s powerful and emotional vocals. The album includes both original songs and updated versions of older hits, creating a bridge between Cher’s 80s rock era and early 90s pop sensibilities.

Key tracks include:

• “Love Hurts” – Epic power ballad and signature hit, charting at #1 in multiple countries

• “Save Up All Your Tears” – Rock-pop anthem, later popularized in Cher’s live shows

• “Could’ve Been You” – Dramatic storytelling ballad

• “Emotional Fire” – Uptempo rock-pop track with a catchy chorus

• “Fires of Eden” – Synth-driven, melodic track showcasing Cher’s vocal strength

The album balances radio-friendly hits, ballads, and emotional storytelling, reflecting Cher’s versatility.

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Tracklist

Love Hurts (1991) – Official Tracklist

1. Love Hurts

2. Save Up All Your Tears

3. Could’ve Been You

4. Emotional Fire

5. Standing in the Light

6. Heart of Stone (Re-recorded Version)

7. Shelter

8. Fools Never Learn

9. Another Part of Me

10. Forever Young

11. Give Me One Reason

The tracklist features a mix of covers and original songs, highlighting Cher’s ability to reinterpret classics while delivering new material.

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Musical Style and Themes

• Genres: Rock-pop, power ballads, adult contemporary

• Themes: Love, heartbreak, resilience, empowerment

• Production Style: 90s polished rock production, synthesizers, guitar riffs, and vocal-centric arrangements

Cher’s rich contralto voice dominates each track, giving the album emotional depth and commercial appeal.

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Fun Facts & Trivia

• The title track “Love Hurts” is a cover of the Everly Brothers classic, becoming one of Cher’s biggest international hits, reaching #1 in Norway, Austria, and Switzerland.

• “Save Up All Your Tears” was written by Desmond Child and Diane Warren, and became a fan-favorite in live performances.

• The album marked Cher’s continued dominance in the European market, even when US chart success was moderate.

• Several tracks were used in television appearances and live tours, helping boost her global profile.

• Love Hurts represents Cher’s ability to adapt to early 90s production styles while retaining her signature vocal power.

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Commercial Performance and Grossing

• Billboard 200: Peaked at #48 in the US, modest performance domestically

• International Charts: #1 in Norway, #2 in UK and Australia, Top 5 in multiple European countries

• Singles:

  • “Love Hurts” – #1 international, #8 UK

  • “Save Up All Your Tears” – Top 10 UK, Australia

• Sales: Over 3 million copies worldwide, achieving Platinum certifications in multiple countries

• The album reinforced Cher’s status as an international superstar, particularly outside the United States.

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Why Love Hurts Still Matters

International Success

The album solidified Cher’s dominance in Europe and Australia, proving her ability to resonate with global audiences.

Rock-Pop Power

Love Hurts showcases Cher’s strength in power ballads and melodic rock, balancing commercial appeal with emotional depth.

Career Longevity

The album confirmed Cher’s resilience and versatility, bridging her late-80s comeback with continued success in the 1990s.

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Final Thoughts

Love Hurts (1991) is a key milestone in Cher’s international career, blending rock, pop, and power ballads into a cohesive and commercially successful album. With iconic hits, polished 90s production, and her signature powerful vocals, the album remains a fan favorite and a highlight of Cher’s global success.

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Meta Description

Explore Cher’s Love Hurts (1991), a rock-pop album featuring hits like “Love Hurts” and “Save Up All Your Tears.” Full tracklist, fun facts, and sales info included.

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Keywords

• Cher Love Hurts 1991

• Cher 1990s album

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• Cher international success