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"Nights in Harlem"
Single by Luther Vandross
from the album I Know
Released	July 14, 1998
Genre	R&B
Length	4:57
Label	Virgin
Songwriter(s)	Vandross Fonzi Thornton Rex Rideout
Producer(s)	Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross singles chronology
"I Can Make It Better" (1996) "Nights in Harlem" (1998) "I Know" (1998)

"Nights in Harlem" is a song by American recording artist Luther Vandross, released July 14, 1998. It was written by Vandross along with Fonzi Thornton and Rex Rideout for his eleventh studio album I Know (1998). The uptempo song served as the album's lead single. Following its release, it peaked number 4 on Billboard's Adult R&B Songs.

A "Darkchild remix" version appears as the final track on I Know; it features uncredited background vocals by Brandy and is remixed by her frequent collaborator, Rodney Jerkins.

Critical reception

Larry Flick of Billboard wrote, "Vandross christens his new alliance with Virgin with a lively jam that firmly reminds programmers how cool soul music is really made. Seamlessly produced by the artist, "Nights In Harlem" chugs with an old-school, funk juiced flavor that takes the listener back to the days when music was made, not sampled. A rap cameo by Precise keeps "Nights In Harlem" on a jeep-smart path, though this track hardly needs it. The combo platter of blissfully nostalgic lyrics and a top-form performance from Vandross is enough to render this an instant R&B radio smash. Popsters should pay close attention, too. After all, no one can live solely on kiddie pop."

Track listing

US CD Single (Promo)

1. "Nights In Harlem" feat. Precise (LP Edit)
2. "Nights In Harlem" feat. Guru (A Darkchild Remix Edit)
3. "Nights In Harlem" (LP Edit W/O Rap)
4. "Nights In Harlem" (A Darkchild Remix Edit W/O Rap)
5. "Nights In Harlem" feat. Guru (A Darkchild Extended Remix)

UK Vinyl 12" Single

1. A1 "Nights In Harlem" (Darkchild Extended Remix)-5:25
2. A2 "Nights In Harlem" (Darkchild Remix Edit)-4:09
3. B1 "Nights In Harlem" (Darkchild Instrumental)-4:23
4. B2 "Nights In Harlem" (LP Edit)-4:36

Charts

References

1. Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 597.
2. Flick, Larry (July 4, 1998). "Reviews & Previews: Singles" (PDF). Billboard. p. 21. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
3. US CD Single - "Nights in Harlem" (Promo). discogs.com
4. "Nights in Harlem" - UK Vinyl 12" Single
5. "Luther Vandross Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 21, 2018.

• 1998 songs
• Luther Vandross songs
• 1998 singles
• Songs written by Luther Vandross
• Virgin Records singles