Cuts Both Ways

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Cuts Both Ways
Studio album by
ReleasedJuly 28, 1989
Recorded1988–1989
StudioCriteria (Miami)
GenrePop
Length49:29 (CD) / 40:23 (LP)
LabelEpic
Producer
Gloria Estefan chronology
Let It Loose / Anything for You
(1987)
Cuts Both Ways
(1989)
Éxitos de Gloria Estefan
(1990)
Singles from Cuts Both Ways
  1. "Don't Wanna Lose You"
    Released: June 21, 1989
  2. "Get On Your Feet"
    Released: September 30, 1989 (US)
  3. "Here We Are"
    Released: December 1989 (US)
  4. "Oye Mi Canto (Hear My Voice)"
    Released: April 1990 (US)
  5. "Cuts Both Ways"
    Released: May 1990 (US)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[1]
Robert ChristgauC[2]
Number One[3]

Cuts Both Ways is the debut solo album by American recording artist Gloria Estefan. Though the release marked the first time Estefan was billed solely as a solo artist, Miami Sound Machine still performed instrumentation for the album. It has sold over 4 million copies worldwide.[4]

In some Spanish-speaking territories, the album was titled Doblemente Herida.

History[edit]

In 1987, after a decade of being the lead singer of Miami Sound Machine, she was credited above the group name (Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine) on their album Let It Loose. By 1989, Gloria Estefan was one of the most successful female Latin artists in the world. With the release of Cuts Both Ways, Estefan was marketed as a solo artist, but Miami Sound Machine continued to perform as her backing band in the studio and on tour (however, the only original member of MSM to play on the album besides Estefan was her husband/producer, Emilio).

The album reached the top ten on the US Billboard 200 chart and peaked at number 1 in the UK and Australia.

The first single from the album was "Don't Wanna Lose You", which became one of Estefan's biggest hits, reaching number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 (her second US number one) and was certified Gold by the RIAA. It also reached the top ten in the Netherlands, Ireland and the UK. Later releases from Cuts Both Ways were the commercially successful singles "Here We Are", "Oye mi Canto", and "Get on Your Feet". The title track was released as the final single from the album and was a number one hit on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

Jon Secada provided background vocals for the album. Emilio Estefan, Jorge Casas and Clay Ostwald received a Grammy Award nomination for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical for their work in Cuts Both Ways.[5]

Track listing[edit]

Worldwide LP edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Ay, Ay, I"Gloria Estefan3:49
2."Here We Are"Estefan4:51
3."Say"Jon Secada, Bill Duncan3:41
4."Think About You Now"Jorge Casas4:20
5."Nothin' New"Estefan3:50
6."Oye Mi Canto (Hear My Voice)" (English version)Estefan, Casas, Clay Ostwald4:52
7."Don't Wanna Lose You"Estefan4:12
8."Get on Your Feet"John DeFaria, Casas, Ostwald3:38
9."Your Love Is Bad For Me"Estefan3:50
10."Cuts Both Ways"Estefan3:16
Worldwide CD, Cassette, MiniDisc bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
11."Oye Mi Canto" (Spanish version)Estefan, Casas, Ostwald4:58
12."Si Voy A Perderte" ("Don't Wanna Lose You" Spanish version)Estefan4:07
Japan CD bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
13."Ay, Ay, I" (extended mix)Estefan6:05
Mexican LP edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Ay, Ay, I"Estefan3:49
2."Si Voy A Perderte" ("Don't Wanna Lose You" Spanish version)Estefan4:07
3."Say"Secada, Duncan3:41
4."Think About You Now"Casas4:20
5."Nothin' New"Estefan3:50
6."Oye Mi Canto" (Spanish version)Estefan, Casas, Ostwald4:52
7."Here We Are"Estefan4:51
8."Get On Your Feet"DeFaria, Casas, Ostwald3:38
9."Your Love Is Bad for Me"Estefan3:50
10."Cuts Both Ways"Estefan3:16
Mexico Cassette edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Ay, Ay, I"Estefan3:49
2."Don't Wanna Lose You"Estefan4:07
3."Say"Secada, Duncan3:41
4."Think About You Now"Casas4:20
5."Oye Mi Canto" (Spanish version)Estefan, Casas, Ostwald4:52
6."Nothin' New"Estefan3:50
7."Oye Mi Canto (Hear My Voice)" (English version)Estefan, Casas, Ostwald4:51
8."Here We Are"Estefan4:51
9."Get On Your Feet"DeFaria, Casas, Ostwald3:38
10."Si Voy A Perderte" ("Don't Wanna Lose You" Spanish version)Estefan4:07
11."Your Love Is Bad For Me"Estefan3:50
12."Cuts Both Ways"Estefan3:16
Argentina edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Ay, Ay, I"Estefan3:49
2."Here We Are"Estefan4:51
3."Say"Secada, Duncan3:41
4."Think About You Now"Casas4:20
5."Nothin' New"Estefan3:50
6."Si Voy A Perderte" ("Don't Wanna Lose You" Spanish version)Estefan4:07
7."Oye Mi Canto (Hear My Voice)" (English version)Estefan, Casas, Ostwald4:51
8."Don't Wanna Lose You"Estefan4:07
9."Get On Your Feet"DeFaria, Casas, Ostwald3:38
10."Your Love Is Bad For Me"Estefan3:50
11."Cuts Both Ways"Estefan3:16
12."Oye Mi Canto" (Spanish version)Estefan, Casas, Ostwald4:52
Brazil LP and Cassette edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Ay, Ay, I"Estefan3:49
2."Toda Prá Você" ("Here We Are" Portuguese version)Estefan, Reis4:51
3."Say"Secada, Duncan3:41
4."Think About You Now"Casas4:20
5."Nothin' New"Estefan3:50
6."Oye Mi Canto (Hear My Voice)" (English version)Estefan, Casas, Ostwald4:52
7."Don't Wanna Lose You"Estefan4:12
8."Get On Your Feet"DeFaria, Casas, Ostwald3:38
9."Amor Fatal" ("Your Love Is Bad for Me" Portuguese version)Estefan, Reis3:50
10."Cuts Both Ways"Estefan3:16
11."Se Tenho Que Te Perder" ("Don't Wanna Lose You" Portuguese version)Estefan4:07
Brazil CD edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Ay, Ay, I"Estefan3:49
2."Toda Prá Você" ("Here We Are" Portuguese version)Estefan, Reis4:51
3."Say"Secada, Duncan3:41
4."Think About You Now"Casas4:20
5."Nothin' New"Estefan3:50
6."Here We Are"Estefan4:51
7."Se Tenho Que Te Perder" ("Don't Wanna Lose You" Portuguese version)Estefan4:07
8."Your Love Is Bad For Me"Estefan3:50
9."Oye Mi Canto (Hear My Voice)" (English version)Estefan, Casas, Ostwald4:52
10."Don't Wanna Lose You"Estefan4:12
11."Get On Your Feet"DeFaria, Casas, Ostwald3:38
12."Amor Fatal" ("Your Love Is Bad For Me" Portuguese version)Estefan, Aloysio Reis3:50
13."Cuts Both Ways"Estefan3:16
14."Oye Mi Canto" (Spanish version)Estefan, Casas, Ostwald4:58
15."Si Voy A Perderte" ("Don't Wanna Lose You" Spanish version)Estefan4:07

Singles[edit]

# Title Date
1. "Don't Wanna Lose You / Si Voy A Perderte" June 21, 1989
2. "Get on Your Feet" September 30, 1989 (US)
3. "Here We Are" December 1989 (US)
4. "Oye Mi Canto (Hear My Voice)" April 1990 (US)
5. "Cuts Both Ways" June 1990 (US)

Release history[edit]

Region Date
United States July 28, 1989 (1989-07-28)
Canada July 10, 1989 (1989-07-10)
Europe and United Kingdom July 10, 1989 (1989-07-10)
Japan July 12, 1989 (1989-07-12)

Charts[edit]

Certifications and sales[edit]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[26] 3× Platinum 210,000^
Canada (Music Canada)[27] Platinum 100,000^
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[28] Gold 35,476[28]
Germany (BVMI)[29] Gold 250,000^
Japan (RIAJ)[30] Gold 100,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[31] Platinum 15,000^
Netherlands (NVPI)[32] Platinum 100,000^
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[33] Platinum 150,000[34]
Sweden (GLF)[35] Gold 50,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[36] Gold 25,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[37] 3× Platinum 900,000^
United States (RIAA)[38] 3× Platinum 3,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Personnel[edit]

Miami Sound Machine[edit]

  • Gloria Estefan: lead and backing vocals
  • Randy Barlow: trumpet, backing vocals
  • Teddy Mulet: trumpet, trombone, backing vocals
  • Jorge Casas: bass guitar, acoustic guitar, programming, backing vocals
  • Mike Scaglione: saxophone
  • Clay Ostwald: synthesizer, piano, programming
  • John De Faria: electric guitar, acoustic guitar
  • Robert Rodriguez: drums
  • Rafael Padilla: percussion
  • Horns on "Oye Mi Canto (Hear My Voice)" and "Oye Mi Canto" (Spanish version) arranged by Teddy Mulet, Gloria Estefan, Jorge Casas and Clay Ostwald
  • Paquito Hechavarría: piano
  • Paco Fonta: acoustic guitar
  • Michael Thompson: electric guitar
  • Emilio Estefan Jr.: congas
  • John Slick: additional programming
  • Jon Secada, Betty Wright: backing vocals

Production[edit]

  • Arranged by Gloria Estefan (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 11 and 12), Jorge Casas (all tracks), Clay Ostwald (all tracks), John De Faria (track 8), Scott Shapiro (track 5), John Haag (track 5), Tom McWilliams (track 5) and Efrain Enriquez (track 9)
  • Produced by Emilio Estefan, Clay Ostwald and Jorge Casas for Estefan Enterprises, Inc.
  • Recorded by Eric Schilling; assisted by John Haag and Ted Stein; additional assistants: Dana Horowitz, Steve Whaley and Roger Hughes
  • Mixed by Eric Schilling, except "Don't Wanna Lose You" (mixed by Humberto Gatica; assisted by Greg Laney and Mauricio Guerrero), "Here We Are" and "Cuts Both Ways" (mixed by Phil Ramone and Eric Schilling; assisted by Carlos Nieto) and "Oye Mi Canto" (additional mixing by John Haag)
  • Recorded and mixed by Criteria Studios (Miami, Florida)
  • Mastered by Bob Ludwig

Design[edit]

  • Art direction: Nancy Donald, David Coleman
  • Photography: Randee St. Nicholas
  • Gloria Estefan's hair and makeup: Eric Bernard
  • Band hair and makeup: Samy
  • Wardrobe: Vivian Turner

References[edit]

  1. ^ Cuts Both Ways - AllMusic review AllMusic.com. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  2. ^ Christgau, Robert (November 28, 1989). "Consumer Guide: Cuts Both Ways". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on February 1, 2011.
  3. ^ Thomas, Pat (July 26, 1989). "Albums". Number One. p. 43. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  4. ^ "Revisiting Gloria Estefan's Debut Solo Album 'Cuts Both Ways' (1989) | Retrospective Tribute". Albumism. Retrieved 2021-09-11.
  5. ^ "Annual Grammy Nominations". UPI. United Press International, Inc. January 11, 1990. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  6. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Gloria Estefan – Cuts Both Ways". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  7. ^ "Top Albums/CDs - Volume 50, No. 23, October 02 1989". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. October 2, 1989. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  8. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Gloria Estefan – Cuts Both Ways" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  9. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Gloria Estefan – Cuts Both Ways" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  10. ^ "Charts.nz – Gloria Estefan – Cuts Both Ways". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  11. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Gloria Estefan – Cuts Both Ways". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  12. ^ Fernando Salaverri (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  13. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Gloria Estefan – Cuts Both Ways". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  14. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Gloria Estefan – Cuts Both Ways". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  15. ^ "Gloria Estefan | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
  16. ^ "Gloria Estefan Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
  17. ^ "Gloria Estefan Chart History (Latin Pop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  18. ^ "Gloria Estefan Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
  19. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 1989". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  20. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1989". Billboard. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  21. ^ "ARIA Top 100 Albums for 1990". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  22. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 1990". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  23. ^ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  24. ^ "Top Selling Albums of 1990". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  25. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1990". Billboard. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  26. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1992 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  27. ^ "Canadian album certifications – Miami Sound Machine – Cuts Both Ways". Music Canada.
  28. ^ a b "Gloria Estefan" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  29. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Gloria Estefan; 'Cuts Both Ways')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie.
  30. ^ "Japanese album certifications – グロリア・エステファン – Cuts Both Ways" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Select 1991年02月 on the drop-down menu
  31. ^ "New Zealand album certifications – Gloria Estefan – Cuts Both Ways". Recorded Music NZ.
  32. ^ "Dutch album certifications – Gloria Estefan – Cuts Both Ways" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved 12 November 2018. Enter Cuts Both Ways in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 1989 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
  33. ^ "Solo Exitos 1959–2002 Ano A Ano: Certificados 1979–1990". Solo Exitos 1959–2002 Ano A Ano.
  34. ^ "Viva España: Best sellers" (PDF). Billboard: VE-28. December 8, 1990. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  35. ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-17. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  36. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Cuts Both Ways')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien.
  37. ^ "British album certifications – Gloria Estefan – Cuts Both Ways". British Phonographic Industry.
  38. ^ "American album certifications – Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound – Cuts Both Ways". Recording Industry Association of America.