"Willing to Forgive" is a song by Aretha Franklin from her album, Greatest Hits: 1980–1994. The song was released as the compilation's second single in May 1994 by Arista Records. It was written and produced by Babyface and Daryl Simmons, it became a hit in the U.S. in 1994. The single reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the R&B chart. It also charted in the United Kingdom, reaching number 17.[1] On the Eurochart Hot 100, "Willing to Forgive" peaked at number 49.
Jose F. Promis from AllMusic deemed the song an "assembly-line ballad".[2] A reviewer from Billboard said it is "superb" and "infectious".[3] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report commented, "Close to beginning her fourth decade as the reigning Queen Of Soul, it's a special song like this one, penned by Babyface and Daryl Simmons, that really allows Aretha to utilize her amazing vocal range. Her finest effort in many a moon should put her back on Top 40 in a big way."[4] Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote, "Whereas most contemporary dance singers give everything at the wrong time, Aretha wonderfully restrains herself on this entrancing ballad. It's all about dosing your vocal power."[5] Alan Jones from Music Week stated, "A powerful R&B ballad draws a scorching performance from Aretha, whose commitment and attack do her credit."[6]James Hamilton from the magazine's RM Dance Update described it as a "pleasant enough 76bpm radio ballad".[7]
^Hamilton, James (June 18, 1994). "Dj directory"(PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). p. 7. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
