Force M.D.’s - Tender Love

I'm trying to sort out how many versions, & ideally which version was played on the radio, of Force M.D.'s 1986 hit, "Tender Love."

Discogs is showing (& most if this timing info is from the labels, so take with a grain of salt):


(U.K.) promo - 3:40
(U.K.) long version - 3:54
Album version - 3:53 to 3:55 (according to Pat's database)
(12") Extended Vocal Remix - 4:10
(U.S.) 7" - 4:13 (according to Pat's database)


All differences between versions seem to be in the keyboard section starting at the two minute mark to the end of the song.

The 3:40 promo version edits the album version at 2:28 with an abrupt jump back to the chorus between 1:40 & 1:58, replays the keyboard up to 2:12, then jumps forward again to pick up three notes in place of the one on the 4th beat at 2:54. Chop the resulting edit at 3:40 & fade; VIOLA! You have the 3:40 promo version.

I can confirm the U.K. "long version" is the same as the album version.

I don't have access to the U.K. extended vocal remix, but I can only guess because of the time listings that this is likely to be the same as the U.S. 7" mix.

Those who have access to the various versions: does this sync up with what you know about this song?

Hopefully this helps somebody... it's yet another case where the 45" is longer than the album version, & I'd never have realized what was wrong or started on tonight's quest to sort out the differences had it not been for Pat's tireless efforts here!

Most likely, the 7" version was heard in most markets. Unless a top 40 radio station was playing their music from LPs, all single formats for "Tender Love" included the longer 4:13 version.

Well, it's just a hunch and not a definitive answer. But the US promo 45 and stock 45 both have the longer 4:13 version. Whether the "Extended Vocal Remix" on the 12" singles is the same as the 45s or not, I'm not sure. As far as I can tell, though, only the full-length LP in the US has the shorter 3:55 version. Doubtful any US stations played the UK edit.

What's the difference between the LP version and the "neither" version?

(The CD I have it on is not in the database--it's one of those Madacy releases called Love in the 80's.)