Though not released as a single, the song received general acclaim from critics. Andrew Hamilton of Allmusic expressed, 'Mica Paris' original rendition of Rod Temperton's ballad supreme [...] shames Tamia's more successful rendition'. Hamilton also described the tone of her voice as 'glorious', writing, it 'never pales; it glows like a warm fire as the devastating British woman squeezes the last drop of soul from the lyrics.'[1]
Whilst Entertainment Weekly writer James Earl Hardy described the song as 'sexy R&B', Daryl Easlea of the BBC called it 'beautiful and passionately delivered' he also expressed, 'you long for it being recorded at a different time, not with Paris in front of a keyboard with an orchestra setting button and a drum machine'.[2][3]
In 1994, Canadian singer Tamia performed at a multiple sclerosis benefit in Aspen, Colorado when she met music manager, Lionel Richie's ex-wife Brenda Richie, who was co-sponsoring the event and introduced herself to Tamia after the show.[4] A few months later, Tamia, who was being courted by Warner Bros. Records at the time, called Richie to say that she was coming to Los Angeles for a photo session, resulting in her lasting stay and a management deal with Richie.[4]
Weeks later, Richie arranged for her to perform at a star-studded party that she held for singer Luther Vandross.[4] Her performance reportedly impressed all in attendance, including veteran producer Quincy Jones, who later offered her the chance to appear on his album, Q's Jook Joint (1995).[4] Overwhelmed by his offer, Tamia recorded vocals for "You Put a Move on My Heart", which Jones later selected as the album's first single.[5] A moderate commercial success, the collaboration earned acclaim from critics; it was later nominated for a Grammy Award.[6]
