Coming Out of the Dark

"Coming Out of the Dark" is a single by American singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan. It was released in 1991 worldwide as the leading and first single of the album, Into the Light, becoming the singer's third number one in the United States and second number one in Canada (solo and with Miami Sound Machine). This is the first single released after Estefan's accident on March 20, 1990—an 18-wheeler rammed her tour bus, nearly causing the singer's death—when her "Get on Your Feet Tour" was in progress. It is also the first song that Estefan performed publicly after recovering. The song is inspired by the near-fatal accident and also is dedicated to Emilio Estefan, Jr., Gloria's husband.

"Coming Out of the Dark"
Single by Gloria Estefan
from the album Into the Light
ReleasedJanuary 10, 1991 (1991-01-10)
Format
Recorded1990
GenrePop
LabelEpic
Songwriter(s)
Gloria Estefan singles chronology
"Renacer"
(1990)		 "Coming Out of the Dark"
(1991)		 "Seal Our Fate"
(1991)
Music video
"Coming Out of the Dark" on YouTube

The song is a soul ballad which includes the use of a choir. Among the voices in the choir are Gloria's colleague, the Cuban singer Jon Secada, and the R&B singer Betty Wright (both had participated in backing vocals on Gloria's album, Cuts Both Ways as well as Into the Light). The title was inspired by a phrase her husband had written on a piece of paper as a helicopter transported her for delicate surgery to repair her broken back. Gloria explained to Billboard: "My husband had been in one of the helicopters traveling from one hospital to the other. It was really dark and gray, and he was traumatized. He got this ray of light that hit him in the face, and he got the idea for 'Coming Out of the Dark.'" SongFacts.com

Gloria was careful not to turn Into the Light into a pity party. "I hate pity," she told the Los Angeles Daily News. "I'm very self-reliant and independent, and I'm used to that role. I don't like people feeling sorry for me. So I wrote 'Coming Out of the Dark' to let the people around me know how important they are to me. But that was as far as I wanted to go with the accident. I didn't want this to become 'the album on the accident.' What am I going to sing - 'Oh, this bus hit me'?"

Critical reception

Bill Lamb from About.com described the song as a "gorgeous hit ballad." He added that "Coming out of the Dark" "is now considered one of the top inspirational pop hits of all time."[1] AllMusic editor Jason Birchmeier highlighted the song in his review of Into the Light, calling it a "memorable" ballad.[2] Maryann Scheufele from AXS noted that Estefan "truly has been blessed with an inspirational voice."[3] The Daily Vault's Mark Millan picked the song as one of three "real hits" of the album with "Live for Loving You" and "Seal Our Fate".[4] Pip Ellwood-Hughes from Entertainment Focus described it as "one of the most poignant songs" from Estefan's career.[5] Bill Wyman from Entertainment Weekly wrote that "Coming Out of the Dark" is a "pretty song about Estefan's recovery. It starts out slow, then brings its point home with a gospel-like chorus reminiscent of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror". It's hard not to be sympathetic — the song is an anthem to hope and indomitability, and someone who's endured Estefan's pain certainly deserves room to talk about it."[6] Another editor, Leah Greenblatt described the song as a "poignant gospel-tinged ballad".[7] Mario Tarradell from Knight Ridder labeled the song as a "gospel-tinged showpiece".[8] Music & Media noted that with a "comeback in glory after a heavy tourbus accident, Estefan shines in this gospel type of song. Inspired by the strong backing vocals, she climbs her way back to the top.[9] Caroline Sullivan from Smash Hits said the song "starts off slow, then perks up a touch and cracks along at a lively pace for the rest of the song."[10]

Chart performance

The song was a number one hit on both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts (and her last to date on both charts).[11] The song was also a hit in Canada, Spain and Japan. However, the song didn't have as much impact in the rest of Europe, where Estefan had always been popular. In Ireland, the single only reached the Top 20; and in UK reached the Top 40, a very low position in comparison to other singles.

Spanish version ("Desde La Oscuridad")

Estefan also recorded the Spanish version of the song, called "Desde la Oscuridad". The song was released to Latin-American radio stations and the considerable airplay it received took the song to the Top Five of the Hot Latin Songs chart.

Track listings
U.S. & Canada Cassette Single (34T 73666) [January 22, 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
U.S. & Canada 7" Vinyl Single (34 73666) [January 22, 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
U.S. Promo CD Single (ESK 73666)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
Europe 3" CD Single (656574 1) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
Europe CD-Maxi Single (656574 5) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
3."Coming Out Of The Dark" (Instrumental Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:41
Europe 7" Vinyl Single (656574 7) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
Europe 12" Vinyl Single (656574 6) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
3."Coming Out Of The Dark" (Instrumental Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:41
Dutch 7" Vinyl Single (656574 9) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Coming Out Of The Dark" (Instrumental Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:41
France Cassette Single (656574 4) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
France 7" Vinyl Single (656574 7) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
France 12" Vinyl Single (656574 6) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
3."Coming Out Of The Dark" (Instrumental Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:41
Spain Promo 7" Vinyl Single (ARIE 2605) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
U.K. CD-Maxi Single (656574 2) [January 21, 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
3."Coming Out Of The Dark" (Instrumental Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:41
4."Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"Elton John & Bernie Taupin6:11
U.K. Cassette Single (656574 4) [January 21, 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
U.K. 7" Vinyl Single (656574 7) [January 21, 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
U.K. 7" Vinyl Single (Limited Edition Frame Pack) [656574 0] {January 21, 1991}
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
U.K. 12" Vinyl Single (656574 8) [January 21, 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
3."Coming Out Of The Dark" (Instrumental Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:41
4."Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"Elton John & Bernie Taupin6:11
Mexico 7" Vinyl Single (50-01-9268)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
Argentina Promo 7" Vinyl Single (DEP 863)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
Australia CD Single (656574 2) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
Australia Cassette Single (656574 4) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
Australia 7" Vinyl Single (656574 7) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
Malaysia Promo 7" Vinyl Single (E 777) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
Philippines 7" Vinyl Single (QEL45-20214) [January 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
Japan 3" CD-Maxi Single (ESDA 7060) [January 24, 1991]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02
2."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
3."Coming Out Of The Dark" (Instrumental Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:41
Mexico Promo 7" Vinyl Single (PR 95334) [January 1991
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Desde La Oscuridad" (Coming Out Of The Dark - Spanish Version)Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:07
2."Coming Out Of The Dark"Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Jr. & Jon Secada4:02

Charts

Release history
Region Date
Europe January 10, 1991 (1991-01-10)
U.K. January 21, 1991 (1991-01-21)
Japan January 24, 1991 (1991-01-24)
U.S. January 22, 1991 (1991-01-22)

References
  1. "The Best 100 Songs From the 1990s". About.com. September 7, 2019. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  2. "Gloria Estefan - Into the Light". AllMusic. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  3. Scheufele, Maryann (November 29, 2014). "10 of Gloria Estefan's best songs". AXS. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  4. "Gloria Estefan - Into The Light". The Daily Vault. January 19, 2010. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  5. Ellwood-Hughes, Pip (October 23, 2013). "Our Top 10 Gloria Estefan singles". Entertainment Focus. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  6. "Into the Light". Entertainment Weekly. February 8, 1991. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  7. "1991 chart flashback". Entertainment Weekly. March 18, 2011. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  8. "Estefan tries different routes in comeback from bus accident". The Vindicator. January 30, 1991. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  9. "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. January 19, 1991. p. 16. Retrieved February 19, 2020.
  10. "Review: Singles". Smash Hits. No. 316. January 9, 1991. p. 49. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  11. Whitburn, Joel (2002). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961-2001. Record Research. p. 87.
  12. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  13. "Ultratop.be – Gloria Estefan – Coming Out Of The Dark" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved June 25, 2017.
  14. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 1492." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  15. "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 1475." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  16. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 8 no. 7. February 16, 1991. p. 19. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
  17. Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN 951-31-2503-3.
  18. "Offiziellecharts.de – Gloria Estefan – Coming Out Of The Dark". GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  19. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Coming Out Of The Dark". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  20. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 6, 1991" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  21. "Dutchcharts.nl – Gloria Estefan – Coming Out Of The Dark" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved June 25, 2017.
  22. "Charts.nz – Gloria Estefan – Coming Out Of The Dark". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved June 25, 2017.
  23. "Notowanie nr478" (in Polish). LP3. April 19, 1991. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  24. "Swisscharts.com – Gloria Estefan – Coming Out Of The Dark". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved June 25, 2017.
  25. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  26. "Gloria Estefan Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 25, 2017.
  27. "Gloria Estefan Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved June 25, 2017.
  28. "Gloria Estefan Chart History (Hot Latin Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 25, 2017.
  29. "Gloria Estefan Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 25, 2017.
  30. "RPM 100 Hit Tracks of 1991". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
  31. "RPM 100 Adult Contemporary Tracks of 1991". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  32. "Billboard Top 100 – 1991". Billboardtop100of.com. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
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