Michael Bolton, How Am I Supposed to Live Without You | Throwback Vibez

In the 15^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” by Michael Bolton.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20^th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the 15^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” performed by Michael Bolton.  

That is a legitimate question and concern, Michael Bolton (b. 1953)! “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” is the fourth track from the pop singer-songwriter’s 1989 multi-platinum album, Soul Provider.  Notably, Bolton covers the Laura Branigan (1952 – 2004) hit, which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Notably, Bolton penned the gem alongside Doug James.  Yes, it’s still a cover, but he played a role in Branigan’s original success since he wrote it 😉.  Michael Omartian produced his version. Bolton’s cover spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  He won his first of two Grammys for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male at the 32^nd Annual Grammy Awards.  What I’m saying is, “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” is kind of a big deal.

 

“How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” thrives because it is a big-time, soulful adult contemporary ballad.  Michael Bolton has a hell of a voice, perfectly attuned to balladry. Beyond his prodigious pipes, which shine brightest during the chorus, the musical accompaniment and production are on point (warm, sophisticated keyboards, programming, ripe guitar, robust bass, drums, etc.).  This song sounds like the perfect bridge between two eras – the 1980s and 1990s. But back to the voice! It is easy to buy what he sells, considering he sings authentically, dramatically, and expressively.  “I’m too proud for cryin’, didn’t come here to break down / It’s just a dream of mine is coming to an end,” he sings, defeated in the second verse, and concludes, “And how can I blame you when I built my world around / The hope that one day we’d be so much more than friends?” That’s deep, Michael.  Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, in all its big, illustrious, and overblown glory:  

“Tell me, how am I supposed to live without you
Now that I’ve been lovin’ you so long?
How am I supposed to live without you?
And how am I supposed to carry on
When all that I’ve been livin’ for is gone?” 

Following the second chorus, fittingly, there’s an exuberant guitar solo (nothing too crazy, though 😉).  This prefaces one final pre-chorus and the big one – the big, closing chorus, that is. In the final pre-chorus, Bolton is turned all the way up, showing off his sick upper register. Yes, “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” was a hit before Michael Bolton recorded it. But Mr. Bolton, after covering the song he co-wrote, made his version the definitive take.

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Michael Bolton » Soul Provider » Sony Music Entertainment Inc. » 1989

Michael Bolton, How Am I Supposed to Live Without You: Throwback Vibez No. 15 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment Inc.; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

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