“Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)” is a hit song by the British R&B group Soul II Soul, featuring the vocals of Caron Wheeler. Released in May 1989 as the second single from their debut album Club Classics Vol. One (known as Keep On Movin’ in the U.S.), the song became one of the group’s most successful tracks and a defining anthem of late-1980s UK R&B and dance music. It topped the UK Singles Chart and reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., solidifying Soul II Soul’s influence on the global music scene.
The lyrics of “Back to Life” focus on themes of personal empowerment, freedom, and emotional clarity. The central idea of “back to life, back to reality” suggests a return to one’s true self and a reconnection with the real world after a period of confusion or uncertainty. The phrase implies a grounding moment, where one finds balance and focus amidst life’s challenges. Musically, “Back to Life” is a blend of R&B, neo-soul, dance, and dub influences, characteristic of Soul II Soul’s innovative style. The song is driven by a bass-heavy groove, with smooth yet punchy rhythms and intricate drum programming.
Caron Wheeler’s soulful vocals are a key element of the track. Her voice conveys a sense of empowerment and calmness, perfectly matching the song’s message of returning to clarity. The combination of Wheeler’s vocal performance and the group’s unique fusion of sounds created a genre-defining moment for UK soul music. The version that became widely popular is the “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)” remix, which added a more uptempo beat and danceable groove compared to the original a cappella album version.
“Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)” was a major commercial success. It reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in June 1989 and stayed there for four weeks. In the U.S., the song became a crossover hit, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and topping the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also achieved success in various international markets, making it one of the most iconic songs of the late 1980s. The song’s success helped Club Classics Vol. One become a multi-platinum album and played a pivotal role in establishing Soul II Soul as one of the most innovative and influential groups of the time.
Soul II Soul, with “Back to Life,” won Best British Group and Best British Album at the 1990 BRIT Awards, highlighting the song’s cultural and commercial impact. It also won Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal with the song in 1990.