Use Your Heart


"Use Your Heart" is a song by American R&B trio SWV, released on July 23, 1996, as the second single from their album, New Beginning. Written and produced by Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams, it was the first song produced by the duo to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 2024, the song gained further prominence after it was sampled by Kendrick Lamar on the track "Heart Pt. 6" from his sixth studio album, GNX.

Production and release

The song was written and produced by the Neptunes duo Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams. The track was the second single on the group's second studio album, New Beginning. The song was released on July 23, 1996, by RCA Records.

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard described the song as an "sumtuous old-school soul swinger that will have listeners lost in memories of their favorite '70s moments." He added, "These sisters now have the chops to support their bid to become R&B's leading female vocal group. They kick it lovely while Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo surround their plush harmonies with fluttering horns and even-handed funk guitar licks. Yummy stuff that belongs at the top of every urban playlist." HotNewHipHop put the song on their list of best SWV songs. Okayplayer praised the song for its mature themes, beat, and blend of the trio's voices. The track became the Neptunes' first track to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

Legacy

In 2024, American rapper Kendrick Lamar sampled the song on his track "Heart Pt. 6" from his sixth studio album GNX. In response to the sample, SWV member Lelee Lyons said that it would be "a treat" to perform with Kendrick at his Super Bowl LIX halftime show.

Track listing

Maxi-single
  1. "Use Your Heart"
  2. "Use Your Heart"
  3. "Use Your Heart"
  4. "Use Your Heart" feat. Grampa & Boneyman
  5. "Use Your Heart"
  6. "Use Your Heart"