"Anniversary" was recorded for the group's third albumSons of Soul, which was recorded and released in 1993.[5] It was produced by Tony! Toni! Toné! and written by group memberRaphael Wiggins and keyboardist Carl Wheeler.[6]
The song is a romantic,[7] elegantslow jam,[8] with lush strings, lavish vocal harmonies,[7] moody violin,[9] and a long instrumentalbreak.[10] Musically, the group wanted to create a feeling similar toIsaac Hayes' 1969 song "By the Time I Get to Phoenix".[9] Its lyrics are about mature, lasting love: "I've only made plans to hold your little hand/ It's our anniversary."[11] Molly Reed ofThe Times-Picayune views that the lyrics' "pure sentiment" evokes "the 'sugar pie, honey bun' days of Motown soul", citing the line "I've only made plans / to hold your little hand / It's our anniversary".[12]
"Anniversary" was released byMercury andPolygram Records on September 14, 1993.[1] It received considerable radio exposure and sales in the United States.[13] In the week of September 29, it climbed from number 84 to number 44 on the USBillboard Hot 100, making it one of the singles with the widest radio exposure and the greatest sales gains.[13] "Anniversary" spent 20 weeks on the chart, peaking at number 10 on October 23.[14] Its music video was released in October and featured the group in attire associated with EnglishRomanticism anddandyism, includingDolce & Gabbana velvet vests, pin-striped jackets, lace bows, and cuffed shirts.[15] On November 17, 1993, the single was certifiedgold by theRecording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[16]
In Canada, "Anniversary" charted for nine weeks and peaked at number 44 on January 17, 1994.[17][18] In New Zealand, it charted for eight weeks and peaked at number 16.[19] In Australia, it charted for 8 weeks[20] and peaked at number 70.[21]
^Linden, Amy; Givens, Ron; Tomashoff, Craig (July 5, 1993)."Picks and Pans Main: Song".People.40 (1).Archived from the original on May 12, 2012. RetrievedApril 10, 2012.
^Christgau, Robert (March 1, 1994)."Pazz & Jop 1993: Dean's List".The Village Voice. New York.Archived from the original on July 11, 2012. RetrievedApril 11, 2012.
^"General Categories".Los Angeles Times. January 7, 1994.Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. RetrievedApril 16, 2012.
^"The Grammy Winners".The New York Times. March 3, 1994.Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. RetrievedApril 22, 2012.
