Supplied note - not independently verified
Inspired by Caribbean music, with made-up African-sounding lyrics in the bridge.
View background statusLionel Richie
13 catalog entries, grouped by year.
ARTIST ESSENTIALS
Explore Artist EssentialsLionel Richie: a curated listening guide
Begin with the early ballads and dance records, then follow the fuller album arrangements and later original solo songs.
25 selections with release evidence; 12 beyond the yearly lists.
About Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie is a singer and songwriter from Tuskegee, Alabama, whose work combines soul, pop and touches of country. He first developed his recording career as a saxophonist, singer and writer with the Commodores. Writing Lady for Kenny Rogers and recording Endless Love with Diana Ross preceded his self-titled solo album. Can't Slow Down brought together the ballad Hello and the rhythmic All Night Long (All Night). His later album Tuskegee revisited established songs as duets with country performers.
Artist background sources
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Lionel Richie, 2022 induction essay
Herb Powell essay supports Tuskegee origins, musical blend, Commodores history, named solo works and later duet project; solo profile does not absorb group or duet credits. | Retrieved 2026-10-17
Profile reviewed: 2026-10-17. Artist background does not establish a song's creative origin or release date.
1983
Supplied note - not independently verified
A romantic ballad that further established Richie as a solo artist after leaving the Commodores.
View background statusArtist background available
Lionel Richie is a singer and songwriter from Tuskegee, Alabama, whose work combines soul, pop and touches of country. He first developed his recording career as a saxophonist, singer and writer with the Commodores....
View background statusArtist background available
Lionel Richie is a singer and songwriter from Tuskegee, Alabama, whose work combines soul, pop and touches of country. He first developed his recording career as a saxophonist, singer and writer with the Commodores....
View background status1984
All Night Long (All Night)
Lionel RichieReported release: 1983Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #12Supplied note - not independently verified
The song was inspired by Richie's desire to create a fun, upbeat party anthem.
View background statusSupplied note - not independently verified
Richie was inspired to write the song after a conversation with his producer about picking up women.
View background statusSupplied note - not independently verified
The song was inspired by the excitement and energy of nightlife.
View background statusSupplied note - not independently verified
Richie was inspired to write a country-flavored pop song, drawing from his Alabama roots.
View background status1985
Penny Lover
Lionel RichieReported release: 1984Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #96Supplied note - not independently verified
A smooth R&B ballad showcasing Richie's romantic songwriting.
View background status1986
Supplied note - not independently verified
This upbeat song celebrates the joy and freedom of dancing.
View background statusSupplied note - not independently verified
This optimistic song promotes the power of love to overcome obstacles.
View background statusSupplied note - not independently verified
Written for the movie "White Nights," this song was inspired by the theme of friendship and perseverance.
View background status1987
Supplied note - not independently verified
Richie's daughter Nicole and father-daughter relationships
View background statusALL 66 ANNUAL COLLECTIONS
Browse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.