"Reach" is a song by American singer and actress Judy Cheeks, released in 1994 by Positiva Records as the second single from the singer's fifth album, Respect (1996). The track was written by Jim Dyke and Nina Ossoff, and produced by Brothers In Rhythm, peaking at number 17 on the UK Singles Chart and number 24 on the BillboardHot Dance Club Play chart in the US. In 1996, it was re-released in a new remix which charted at number 22 in the UK. Both versions were successful in clubs, and they both reached number-one on the UK Club Chart.
Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "To active clubgoers, this UK-brewed slice of disco/NRG melodrama has practically earned "classic" status. Finally available domestically, this anthem is ready to knock down a few top 40 and crossover radio doors. Cheeks has a presence that is, by turns, charming and commanding, holding up well against the track's busy arrangement of piano rolls and swirling strings. Dig into the half-dozen remixes and find the one that works for you."[1] Pan-European magazine Music & Media stated, "Dance and gospel make a fine couple. Supported by backing vocals steadily growing to church choir proportions, Judy fills her cheeks to be heard on top of everything."[2] Angela Lewis from NME remarked, "When Judy Cheeks howls strong and high, she takes you right up there with her." She concluded, "There is nothing to do but bask in the sunshine of that effortlessly gorgeous gospel voice" and "bop to that synth-pop glory of a tune".[3] Leesa Daniels from Smash Hits gave it two out of five, adding, "Not very original, but a hit all the same."[4]
"Reach" became a massive club hit in Europe after its first release in 1994. It debuted at its highest position as number 17 on the UK Singles Chart on May 1, 1994. The following weeks the song dropped to number 23, 45, 70 and 97, with a total of 5 weeks in the chart. In the Netherlands, it reached number 13 on the Dutch Top 40 Tipparade and number seven on the Dutch Single Tip. On the BillboardHot Dance Club Play chart in the US, it reached its best position as number 21 on June 25, 1994. It stayed within the chart for 8 weeks.[5] In Canada, "Reach" peaked at number nine on the RPM Dance/Urban chart. In 1996, the song was remixed by Dancing Divaz (an alias of UK music producer Ian Bland) and peaked at number 22 in the UK on January 7. Then it dropped to number 34 and 53, before leaving the chart. But on Music Week's RM Club Chart, it peaked at number-one on December 23, 1995.
