All for Love

"All for Love" is a song written by Bryan Adams, Robert John "Mutt" Lange, and Michael Kamen for the soundtrack The Three Musketeers: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. It is performed by Adams, Rod Stewart, and Sting.[1] The power ballad[2] was released as a CD single in the United States on November 16, 1993, by A&M and Hollywood. It was a worldwide hit, reaching number one across Europe, in Australia and in North America.

Adams also did a live version in 1994 featuring Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Nancy Gustafson, and Giorgia Todrani. Michael Kamen, who co-wrote the song with Adams and Lange, conducted the orchestra. In 2007, the Swedish band E.M.D. released a cover of the song, peaking at number 1 in their native country.[3][4] Adams would also record a French-language remake with Garou and Roch Voisine, entitled "Tous ensemble", for the Quebecois film Il était une fois Les Boys.[5]

Background and writing

The title was inspired by The Three Musketeers` motto: "All for one, and one for all".

Critical reception

Alan Jones from Music Week rated "All for Love" five out of five. He wrote, "With the minimum of formalities Bryan, Rod and Sting launch into their three-way rendition of this powerful ballad from the movie The Three Musketeers. Their vocals blend well, and though the song itself is a trifle predictable, their combined fan base should be strong enough to send this hurtling into the Top Five in next to no time."[6] Mark Frith from Smash Hits gave it four out of five, stating that it has "drama and powerful choruses on top. And it`s got one of those searing guitar solos in the middle." He added, "Genius! Love or hate it, you can`t deny the professionalism that will probably make this number 1."[7]

Chart performance

In the United States, the single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on January 22, 1994. It remained atop the charts for three weeks before it was knocked out of the top spot by "The Power of Love" by Celine Dion.[8] It sold 1.2 million copies domestically and earned a platinum certification from the RIAA.[9][10][11] In Canada, the song reached number one on the RPM Singles chart on January 17, 1994, replacing Adams`s solo hit "Please Forgive Me", which had been number one for six weeks.[12] With "All for Love" remaining at number one for five weeks, Adams was in the number one position for 11 straight weeks on the Canadian chart. In the United Kingdom, it reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.

Personnel

• Bryan Adams – lead vocals, guitar
• Rod Stewart – lead vocals
• Sting – lead vocals, bass
• Dominic Miller – guitar
• Keith Scott – lead guitar
• Bill Payne – piano
• Ed Shearmur – keyboards
• Mickey Curry – drums

Charts

Certifications

E.M.D. version

On December 17, 2007, Swedish musical trio E.M.D. released a cover of All for Love as their debut single.[67] Debuting at number two on the official Swedish Singles Chart, it ascended to number one the week after and stayed there for six consecutive weeks.[68] The single stayed on the chart for 17 weeks and was certified triple platinum in Sweden.[69]

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts