The Force Behind the Power
Diana Ross · 1991
48 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A sophisticated blend of pop and R&B, showcasing Diana Ross's timeless vocals against lush, melodic arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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When You Tell Me That You Love Me — This track stands out for its emotive lyrics and powerful vocal delivery, encapsulating the essence of romance that defines much of Ross's work.
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Change of Heart Start here — As an opening track, it sets the emotional tone of the album while showcasing Ross's ability to convey vulnerability through her performance.
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If We Hold on Together — This song's placement in a beloved children's film gives it a poignant quality, resonating with both young audiences and nostalgic adults alike.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong vocal performances and lush arrangements but lacks standout compositions throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
- Several tracks incorporate lush string arrangements that complement Ross's vocal delivery, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- The album closes with a reflective ballad, creating a sense of resolution after a series of more upbeat songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- soulful ballads for reflection
- uplifting anthems for connection
- intimate moments of vulnerability
- for evening unwinding
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced excitement
- seek standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Released after a long gap, it showcases Ross's continued vocal strength and relevance.
- Themes
- early '90s pop revival· powerful love anthems· duets with legends
- Career context
- By the time 'The Force Behind the Power' was released in 1991, Diana Ross was a seasoned artist with decades of experience. This album came six years after her last studio effort, 'Swept Away', and marked her return to the mainstream after a period of varied musical exploration and personal challenges.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chaka Khan· Donna Summer· Anita Baker
Tracklist
- 1 Change of Heart Start here 4:02
- 2 When You Tell Me That You Love Me 4:13
- 3 Battlefield 3:35
- 4 Blame It on the Sun 3:55
- 5 Heavy Weather 5:00
- 6 The Force Behind the Power 4:45
- 7 Heart (Don't Change My Mind) 4:19
- 8 Waiting in the Wings 4:52
- 9 One Shining Moment 4:48
- 10 You're Gonna Love It 5:11
- 11 If We Hold on Together 4:10
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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