Right by You


Right by You is the sixth album by American singer-songwriter Stephen Stills, released in 1984. This is his last solo recording released on a major label, and was a critical and commercial failure peaking at number 75 on the US charts. It was also his only solo album of the 1980s.

Background and recording

In 1984, Stills re-signed with Atlantic Records to make a solo album, in which Stills embraced the 80s production sounds. Jimmy Page guested on a few tracks. It was recorded at DB Sounds, Miami, Criteria Studios, Miami, Westlake Audio, Los Angeles and Sol Studios, Berkshire, which was Jimmy Page's home studio. A music video was made for the song "Stranger." It involved Stills driving around in a speedboat, which was also pictured on the back cover of the album with Stills and Tony Garcia, the speedboat racing world champion.

Release

The album charted at number 75 on the Billboard charts, and three singles were released: "Stranger", "Can't Let Go", and his cover of Neil Young's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," of which only the first two charted at numbers 61 and 67 respectively.

Charts

Album
Chart Peak
position
US Billboard Top LPs & Tape75
US Cash Box Top 100 Albums92

Singles
YearSingleChartPosition
1984"Stranger"US Billboard Hot 10061
1984"Stranger"US Billboard Mainstream Rock12
1984"Stranger"US Top Singles 63
1984"Can't Let Go"US Billboard Hot 10067
1984"Can't Let Go"US Adult Contemporary 17
1984"Can't Let Go"US Top Singles 77

Personnel

Production

  • Richard Wendell – executive producer
  • Stephen Stills – producer
  • Howard Albert – producer, recording, mixing
  • Ron Albert – producer, recording, mixing
  • Steve Alaimo – associate producer, producer
  • Ric Butz – engineer
  • Mark Draeb – engineer
  • Stuart Epps – engineer
  • Bruce Hensal – engineer
  • Mike Fuller – mastering at Criteria Studios
  • Doug Morris – production advisor
  • Larry "Rocky" Williams – art direction, cover design, painting, back cover photography
  • Alton Kelly – cover design, painting
The album was dedicated to Felix Pappalardi, Marvin Gaye, Dennis Wilson and J. C. Agajanian.