"Ain't That Just the Way" is a song written by Bruce Belland, Glen Larson and Stu Phillips. Barbi Benton originally recorded it for release as the B-side of her 1975 single "The Reverend Bob". It became a major hit in Scandinavia, especially in Sweden, topping the Swedish singles chart for 10 weeks in 1977. It also topped the charts in Finland. In 1978, it appeared on her album with the same name, released only in Scandinavia. The song was performed in the McCloud TV series. In 1996 Lutricia McNeal's cover of "Ain't That Just the Way" became a hit in Europe and New Zealand.
American singer Lutricia McNeal released her version of "Ain't That Just the Way" as her debut single in 1996. It was included on her debut album, My Side of Town, in 1997. The single became a big hit in Europe, topping the Swedish Singles Chart on the week of November 15, 1996, and reaching the top five in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. It also found major success in New Zealand, peaking at number two for four weeks and becoming her highest-charting single in the country until 1999, when "My Side of Town" reached number one.
Background and release
first came to notice as the lead singer of Swedish dance actRob'n'Raz. Their 1993-hit "In Command" went to number one in Sweden. In 1995 their manager, Jonas Siljemark, convinced McNeal to try some solo recordings for his own Siljemark label. She recorded an cover on Barbi Benton's 1975 song "Ain't That Just the Way", which topped the Swedish Singles Chart for 10 weeks in 1977. After peaking at number one in Sweden in 1996, "Ain't That Just the Way" was picked up by Dutch radio programmers early in 1997. It sold 55,000 units there, then the record broke into neighboring Germany. Later, it gained popularity in Belgium, Austria and Switzerland. In November 1997 "Ain't That Just the Way" debuted and peaked at number six on the UK Singles Chart, and in April 1998 it reached number two on the New Zealand Singles Chart for four consecutive weeks. McNeal won the Best Newcomer award for "Ain't That Just The Way" at the 1997 Swedish Dance Awards.
Critical reception
from Billboard wrote that McNeal "earns high marks on her first single if only for not falling into the trap of mimicking Mary J. Blige or Brandy like nearly every other jeep-soul diva in waiting. Instead, she aims to forge her own original path, belting with little attitude and absolutely no affectation. The result is a wonderfully charming, instantly infectious recording that leaves you hankering for more. For trend followers, the groove chugs at a spirited hip-hop pace, blossoming into a full-bodied pop sing-along at the chorus. It's anyone's guess which format will climb aboard first—and it hardly matters since this smacks with across-the-board appeal." Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report commented that American-born Lutricia McNeal "had to travel over-seas to follow her star, but based on this debut single, that star is about to follow her home. Originally from Oklahoma City, she wound up in Sweden where she fell in love, got married, and also hit the top of the charts. That success has since spread to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This song is next set to hit the streets in the U.S.A. and the UK. It's easy to get caught up in the flow of this cool entry." Music & Media noted that McNeal's cover "features an urban soul sound which is finding favour in playlist meetings at CHR, rock and dance stations alike." Dave Fawbert from ShortList noted the song as a "great little tune".
Music video
The music video for "Ain't That Just the Way" was directed by Swedish director and photographer Patric Ullaeus.
Ingela "Pling" Forsman wrote lyrics in Swedish, "Är det inte så", and in that language it was recorded by Wizex on the 1977 album Som en sång and by Friends on the 2002 album Dance with Me
Lutricia McNeal re-recorded his vocals for Ain't That Just the Way in 2020, and were used in new version of this song, recorded by German DJ :de:Charming Horses|Charming Horses and released on 13 March 2020.
