Deniece Williams, It’s Gonna Take a Miracle | Throwback Vibez

In the 112^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” by Deniece Williams.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 112^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle”, performed by Deniece Williams. 

“Loving you so / I was too blind to see / You letting me go / But now that you’ve set me free,” Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Deniece Williams sings on “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle”, continuing, “It’s gonna take a miracle / Yes, it’s gonna take a miracle / To make me love someone new / ‘Cause I’m crazy for you.” Oh, the plight of love – those matters of the heart !  “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” has the distinction of being one of three top-10 hits by Williams. Specifically, this Teddy Randazzo, Lou Stallman, and Bobby Weinstein-penned track peaked at no. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is the song to beat on her 1982, gold certified album, Niecy.  Williams produced this gem alongside the late, great Thom Bell. It’s worth noting that Williams covers and updates the 1965 joint by The Royalettes.

All writers and producers on “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” earn incredibly high marks.  First and foremost, this is a well-written record.  It superbly captures the relatable feeling of struggling to move on from a past relationship – it’s literally gonna take a miracle to get over this person! Williams does a marvelous job of bringing the lyrics to life authentically with her classy and sophisticated lead vocals.  Furthermore, she does some impressive, playful ad-libs that are must-hear.  Also, she receives fine support from backing vocals, upping the soulful ante. Focusing on the production, it is stunning; utterly sublime.  “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” benefits from a superb, soulful groove.  Specifically, the ostinato piano lines are lovely, while the vibraphone hits are timely. Additionally, the string orchestration is marvelous – lush and warm.  One other note about the brilliance of this top-10 smash. The bridge provides sizable contrast to other sections of the song with the harmonic adventurousness being a big selling point.  All told, the excellence of “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” speaks for itself. It’s simply marvelous, darling!

Deniece Williams • Niecy • Columbia • 1982

Deniece Williams, It’s Gonna Take a Miracle: Throwback Vibez No. 112 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Columbia; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]