Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Genre
Label
Catalogue Number
Story Behind The Song
Few songs in Diana Ross’s solo catalogue capture the excitement of falling in love quite as vividly as “Chain Reaction”. Released in 1986, the song was written by the Bee Gees — Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb — and produced by Barry Gibb, Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson. It marked an especially successful meeting of Ross’s polished vocal style with the Gibbs’ distinctive songwriting and production.
“Chain Reaction” combines elements of pop, disco and soul, driven by a lively rhythm section, prominent keyboards and richly layered backing vocals. The Bee Gees’ influence is particularly noticeable in the harmonies and rhythmic energy, while Ross delivers the song with a mixture of elegance and playful confidence. The lyrics describe the physical and emotional excitement of attraction, comparing the sensation of falling for someone to a chain reaction that quickly becomes impossible to stop.
The recording was created during a period when Ross was embracing a more contemporary Eighties sound, and its bright production gives the song an immediate, energetic quality. The contrast between Ross’s poised delivery and the increasingly animated arrangement helps build the sense of anticipation running through the lyrics.
“Chain Reaction” also became closely associated with Ross’s live performances, where its infectious rhythm and memorable chorus provided an opportunity for a more exuberant side of her stage persona. It remains a striking example of how Ross could combine classic soul sophistication with contemporary pop production.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 8th March 1986.
UK 7'' SLEEVE COVERS
Shown below are the picture sleeve covers (front and back) for the UK release of this single. If no cover sleeve was issued in the UK, we will display another country’s picture sleeve.
UK 7'' TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Chain Reaction (3:50) (Gibb, Gibb, Gibb) Produced By Barry Gibb, Karl Richardson, Albhy Galuten |
| B-Side | More And More (3:05) (Gibb, Galuten, Gibb) Produced By Barry Gibb, Karl Richardson, Albhy Galuten |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [12 Weeks] – 8th February 1986 – 26th April 1986 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
All officially released versions that appeared in the 80s:-
- Chain Reaction (Single Version) (3:50)
- Chain Reaction (Special Dance Mix) (6:52)
- Chain Reaction (Special Single Mix) (4:20)
To hear the FULL version of the songs below, you will need an active Spotify account (Free one). Just log in on your desktop/tablet or phone to hear the FULL versions.
OFFICIAL VIDEO
SONG LYRICS
You took a mystery and made me want it
You got a pedestal and put me on it
You made me love you out of feeling nothing
Something that you do, ah
And I was there and not dancing with anyone
You took a little, then you took me over
You set your mark on stealing my heart away
Crying, trying, anything for you
I’m in the middle of a chain reaction (Chain reaction)
You give me all the after midnight action (Don’t pass me by)
I wanna get you where I can let you make (Share love with me)
All that love to me
I’m on a journey for the inspiration (Inspiration)
To anywhere and there ain’t no salvation (Don’t make me cry)
I need you to get me nearer to you (Sooner or later)
So you can set me free
We talk about love, love, love
We talk about love
We talk about love, love, love
We talk about love
You make me tremble when your hand moves lower (Love)
You taste a little then you swallow slower (You know it, love)
Nature has a way of yielding treasure
Pleasure made for you, oh
You gotta plan, your future is on the run
Shine a light for the whole world over
You never find your love if you hide away
Crying, dying, all you gotta do is
Get in the middle of a chain reaction (Chain reaction)
You get a medal when you’re lost in action (Don’t pass me by)
I wanna get your love all ready (Share love with me)
For the sweet sensation, instant radiation
You let me hold you for the first explosion (First explosion)
We get a picture of our love in motion (Don’t make me cry)
My arms will cover, my lips will smother you (Sooner or later)
No more left to say
We talk about love, love, love
We talk about love
(Chain reaction)
You let me hold you for the first explosion (Chain reaction)
Arms will cover you
All you gotta do
Get in the middle of a chain reaction (A chain reaction)
You get a medal when you’re lost in action (Don’t pass me by)
I wanna get your love all ready (Share love with me)
For the sweet sensation, instant radiation (Oh, oh)
You let me hold you for the first explosion (A first explosion)
We get a picture of our love in motion (Don’t make me cry)
My arms will cover, my lips will smother you (Sooner or later)
No more left to say (All you gotta do is)
Get in the middle of a chain reaction (Chain reaction, a chain reaction)
You get a medal when you’re lost in action (Don’t pass me by)
I wanna get your love all ready (Share love with me)
For the sweet sensation, instant radiation (Oh, oh)
You let me hold you for the first explosion (A first explosion)
Written By Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb
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