15 Songs Where LOVE is the Name of the Game | Playlist

15 Songs Where LOVE is the Name of the Game features songs by Ariana Grande, David Archuleta, Laufey, Madonna, Mary J. Blige, and Peabo Bryson.

Noted, Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter. As for the muy caliente David Archuleta, he asserts, “You can have my love / But you can’t have my love for free,” adding, “I run expensive / I’ll give it all if I know that you can spend it.” Ooh-wee, hottie! Mary J. Blige has lots to say about L-O-V-E: “My man, my friend, my rider, my nigga / Way more way more than a lover.” SHE SAID WHAT SHE SAID!  The common thread between Madge, Archie, and MJB is LOVE ❤️!

Aww, love, the perfect fuel for the fire! It can impact nearly everything else, either positively or negatively. A broad topic, there are tons of love songs.  Many love songs don’t feature the universal four-letter word in their song title. Then again, many love songs DO use the word in their title. Picking up where Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE left off, the word love graces EVERY song on 15 Songs Where LOVE is the Name of the Game. 15 Songs Where LOVE is the Name of the Game features songs by Ariana Grande, David Archuleta, Laufey, Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, Mary J. Blige, and Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack.  So, without further ado, let’s embrace the L-O-V-E, shall we?!

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1. Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, “Bring Your Love”	2. David Archuleta, “Love For Free”	3. Ariana Grande, “hate that i made you love me”
4. Jawsh 685 & Jason Derulo, “Savage Love (Laxed — Siren Beat)”	5. Mary J. Blige, “More Than A Lover”	6. Four Tops, “Baby, I Need Your Loving”
7. Suki Waterhouse, “Back in Love”	8. Charli xcx, “Chains of Love”	9. Laufey, “Lover Girl”
10. Michael Bolton, “How Can We Be Lovers”	11. Céline Dion, “The Power of Love”	12. Tears For Fears, “Sowing The Seeds Of Love”
13. William Bell, “Tryin’ To Love Two”	14. Captain & Tennille, “Love Will Keep Us Together”	15. Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack, “Tonight I Celebrate My Love”

 

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1. Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, “Bring Your Love”

CONFESSIONS II » Boy Toy Inc. / Warner Records Inc. » 2026

Ooh-wee! Madonna (Madonna Louise Ciccone, b. 1958) and Sabrina Carpenter (b. 1999) collaborating on a track? Yes, ma’am/sir!  It’s iconic old-school versus the new school of pop music. “Bring Your Love” marks the lead single from Madge’s first album in seven years, CONFESSIONS II. The enjoyable, three-and-a-half-minute track was written by Madonna, Stuart Price, Roy Holman, Shanna Jackson, and Kevin Saunderson.  Madonna and Stuart Price produced it.

“Bring Your Love” begins with Madonna singing in a breathy, sultry fashion, with echo and reverb vocal effects (“Ask yourself this / What are you doing it for?”).  She sets the tone on this dance-pop record, introducing Sabrina. Sabrina follows up, addressing ‘Madonna,’ and giggling. Meanwhile, a strong groove, readymade for the dance floor, accompanies.  Post-introduction, this old/new school duet kicks off, with the ladies duetting consistently.  They trade lines in both verses and pre-choruses.  Madonna leads the charge in the first verse and pre-chorus (“Don’t comment on my ideas / I don’t want your judgment or your expectations”), while Sabrina takes the reins in the second verse and pre-chorus (“Don’t rely on my moral compass / Or my discretion, I have a confession”).  In the chorus, the centerpiece, where the love is brought, both get their time to shine.

“Bring your love ‘cause you cannot shake me

Bring your love (Bring it) ‘cause you’ll never break me

Bring your love (Bring it) ‘cause you cannot take me down.”

The bridge distinguishes itself from the rest of the song. Madge and Sabrina continue to collaborate, concluding, “I DID IT ALL FOR LOVE.” YASS! Ultimately, these two pop superstars bring it on “Bring Your Love”.  Both sing well, infusing attitude and personality.  The song is catchy; a crowd-pleaser by all means.  Furthermore, it’s well-produced, and there’s no way you can listen to this one without moving your body.  THEY ATE AND LEFT NO CRUMBS!

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from May 2026 Bring: 5 Gems No. 18 (2026) Best Songs of 2026 (So Far)

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2. David Archuleta, “Love For Free”

“Love For Free” » Archie Music » 2026

Our favorite Latino hottie, David Archuleta, said what he said on his single “Love For Free”.  My boi needs I-N-T-E-N-T-I-O-N-S when it comes to that four-letter word! “Love For Free” was written by Archuleta, Jackson Chant, and Tyler Redman. LEVÉ produced it. In “Love For Free,” regarding love and relationships, David prioritizes himself – his happiness and well-being. He isn’t being selfish, either.  He ensures that he doesn’t get heartbroken, hurt, or taken advantage of. “I run expensive,” he asserts in the first verse, and continues, “I’ll give it all if I know that you can spend it.” Not money, of course, but true love and investment in him. He’s not willing to settle, per the chorus: “If you can’t keep up, it’s not for me.” Word! In the second verse, he’s sick of mind games and red flags. He even throws an ‘oh, shit!’ into the mix!  If that’s what this boy (or girl) is on, he advises them to “stay in your lane,” and that he’s “Not really tryna wait on a heartbreak / I want space, I can’t lie.” Ooh-wee. Accompanied by modern, sleek, and rhythmic production, David Archuleta sounds sensational on “Love For Free”.  As always, the voice is T-E-A!

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from June 2026

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3. Ariana Grande, “hate that i made you love me”

petal » Babydoll Music / Republic Records » 2026

Those are some descriptive, poetic, and powerful lyrics that Ariana Grande sings in the first verse of “hate that i made you love me”, the promo single from her eighth studio album, petal. There are plenty of ear-catching, unforgettable lyrics, brought to life by the high-flying, prodigious pipes of Grande. “Hate that i made you love me” was written and produced by Grande, ILYA, and Max Martin. Once again, Ari strikes gold.

“Hate that i made you love me” excels for many reasons.  First and foremost, the gifted Ariana Grande is the lead artist.  She has one of the best voices ever.  She shines, once more, as she brings the tuneful melodies and memorable, thought-provoking lyrics to life.  “You studied my crown and borrowed my body,” she asserts in the second verse, and adds, “Warm kissed by the sun, then cold like the wind / A bee stuck in honey.” Oh, snap! The pre-chorus is intriguing in its own right, where Ari sees through things and declares, “It’s all bad news.” The chorus, unsurprisingly, is the crème de la crème, highlighting the titular lyric.

“Yeah, I, I, I hate that I made you love me

Sorry if I made me your type

Yeah, I, I hate that I made you love me

‘Cause I barely tried, yeah, I, I, I.”

Word. Like many a great pop song, there is a sublime bridge connected to the verses and chorus, affirming Grande’s stance.  Further affirming the excellence of “Hate that i made you love me” is the mellow yet vibrant musical accompaniment. I love the coolness and smoothness of the synths and keys, which suit Ari’s sophisticated pipes. While this song is a bummer thematically because of forced love, there is nothing to hate about it – it’s quality pop.

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from June 2026

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4. Jawsh 685 & Jason Derulo, “Savage Love (Laxed — Siren Beat)”

“Savage Love (Laxed — Siren Beat)” » Columbia Records » 2020

Technically, Gen-Z New Zealand music producer Jawsh 685 (Joshua Christian Nanai) is a two-hit wonder.  Interestingly, both number one hits are remixes of his song “Laxed (Siren Beat)”: “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)”, a collaboration with the chiseled pop hitmaker extraordinaire Jason Derulo, and “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat) [BTS Remix]” featuring Derulo and BTS. Basically, the original remix and the remix of the remix both reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. No other songs from Jawsh 685 have caught the same pop fire, but a Recording Industry Association of America multiplatinum-certified single is nothing to hang one’s head about.  The original remix was written by Jawsh, Derulo, Phil Greiss, and Jacob Kasher. Jawsh produced it.

Jason Derulo is the straw that stirs the drink on “Savage Love (Laxed — Siren Beat).” He brings it with his bright, exuberant tenor. Some of Jason’s best moments involve his head voice.  That falsetto is incredibly ripe! Beyond his skill as a singer, he infuses plenty of personality.  Part of that personality includes the timely f-bomb near the end of the crème de la crème, the chorus:

“Savage love

Did somebody, did somebody break your heart?

Lookin’ like an angel, but your savage love

When you kiss me, I know you don’t give two fucks

But I still want that.”

That kiss is nothing short of, dare I say, fucking incredible – see what I did there? The verses are a blast as well.  “You got a way of keepin’ me comin’ back-to-back,” he asserts in the first verse, and adds in the second, “Usually, don’t be fallin’, be fallin’, fallin’ fast / You got a way of makin’ me spend up all my cash.” Oh, lawd! Of course, it’s not all Jason! The production by Jawsh 685 matches Derulo’s vocal exuberance.  The breezy, tropical vibe is everything. The beat and bass line provide a firm foundation – a mighty anchor.  The hits are punchy, the rhythm guitars are chill, and that lead synth is infectious.  Whether “Savage Love (Laxed — Siren Beat)” or “Savage Love (Laxed — Siren Beat) [BTS Remix]” is your preferred flavor,  Jawsh 685 scored a mean, unforgettable remix.

Appears in 🔻:

Jawsh 685, Savage Love (Laxed — Siren Beat): 1 Hit WONDERful No. 24 (2026)

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5. Mary J. Blige, “More Than A Lover”

“More Than A Lover” » Beautiful Life Productions » 2026

Mary J. Blige sings in the first verse of her love-oriented single, “More Than A Lover”.  She continues, “But he trippin’ ‘cause he feelin’ the same way.” Ooh-wee! Blige penned “More Than A Lover” alongside Camper (Darhyl Camper Jr.), Joshua Green, James Burns, and Jocelyn Donald. “More Than A Lover” commences with warm, rhythmic piano, robust bass, and a potent, soulful groove. As always, Blige delivers in the vocal department.  She sounds authentic, fabulous, and nuanced to the nth degree.  She excels singing the rhythmic melodies during both verses. “He came in and around, started rocking with me automatic,” Blige asserts in the second verse, and continues, “Chemistry did something to me / He give satisfaction, that’s his guarantee.” The pre-chorus and chorus mark the most tuneful moments. “And right now, I’m invested in the both of us,” she sings in the pre-chorus.  In the chorus, he’s her everything!

“My man, my friend, my rider, my nigga, my lover (My lover)

So tight, so real, my family, way closer than a brother (Oh)

And no matter what it is, I can come running for some comfort (Yeah, babe)

My man, my friend, my rider, my nigga

Way more way more than a lover.”

Mary J. Blige brings it on “More Than A Lover”. The love is indisputable! Post-vocals, there is an extended, ultra-classy piano solo, which gives off lounge vibes. Post-extended piano solo, there is a brief outro that further confirms the love.  All told, this is a fine R&B joint.

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from March 2026

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6. Four Tops, “Baby, I Need Your Loving”

Four Tops » Motown » 1965

Agreed, universally, Four Tops! Levi Stubbs (1936 – 2008), Abdul “Duke” Fakir (1935 – 2024), Renaldo “Obie” Benson (1936 – 2005), and Lawrence Payton, Sr. (1938 – 1997) were the legendary lineup of one of the greatest vocal groups of all time.  Among their greatest songs is their debut Motown single, “Baby, I Need Your Loving”, the opening track from Four Tops, released in 1965. Iconic songwriting trio Holland-Dozier-Holland – Brian Holland (b. 1941), Eddie Holland (b. 1939), and Lamont Dozier (1941 – 2022) – penned this unforgettable Motown classic.  Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier produced it. “Baby, I Need Your Loving” reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

A killer drum riff commences “Baby, I Need Your Loving.” Fabulous background vocals featured during the intro. The arrangement and production are sound – the expectation from the Holland-Dozier tandem.  The string orchestration stands out. Levi Stubbs ‘brings the heat’ with his smooth, refined lead vocals.  The chorus is the centerpiece – the section to beat.  Notably, it changes keys compared to the verse, which is ear-catching and cool.  Although the chorus gets ample shine, the verses deserve recognition, too. After uttering the titular lyric in the first verse, Stubbs asserts, “Although you’re never near (I really need you) / Your voice I often hear (I really need you) / Another day, another night (I really need you) / I long to hold you tight (I really need you) / ‘Cause I’m so lonely.” In the second verse, Stubbs doesn’t mind being considered weak by begging to attain her love. In the third and final verse, he informs her, “Darling, I can’t go on without you /… This loneliness inside me, darling / Makes me feel half alive.” Oh, snap! The thing that cures all ails is her love.  “Baby, I Need Your Loving” is a 60-year-old song, yet it remains as magical and as potent as it was when it first arrived. Four Tops ‘put their foot’ into this one!  

Appears in 🔻:

Four Tops, Baby, I Need Your Loving: Throwback Vibez No. 26 (2025)  13 Randomly Curated Your, Yours, or Yourself Songs (2025) Babe, Here are 15 More Baby Songs (2025)

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7. Suki Waterhouse, “Back in Love”

Loveland » Confidence River, Inc. / Island Records » 2026

Have truer words ever been spoken? Love hits differently, PERIOD. English singer, songwriter, and actress Suki Waterhouse (Alice Suki Waterhouse) came back strong in 2026. What fueled her? Perhaps it was that power of love, judging by the title of her single, “Back in Love”. Waterhouse composed “Back in Love,” the opener from her album, Loveland, with Jules Apollinaire and Findlay. Apollinaire produced it.

“Back in Love” is a bop from the start. Suki Waterhouse brings the vocals and personality consistently. The songwriting is also sweet, including the likes of “Loneliness is a feather bed / Sleeping on the couch instead,” and “Oh, you’re swinging to my body in time /… You know it’s been a hard day’s night.” Ooh-wee!  Of course, the chorus is where Suki’s bread is buttered:

“Oh, I’m loving my lust for life

Turning the dark to light

Happiness hits me when

I’m back in love again

Back to jazz on the radio

Back to beaches, away we go

Taking the long way home

Back in love again.”

Sweet! Also, sweet is the musical accompaniment supporting Suki.  Jules and Findlay hold down on the standard instrumentation (rhythm section, programming, etc.), while Sam Ewens accentuates with those exuberant, biting horns. If “Back in Love” is, indeed, the soundtrack to being back in love and being happy again, it is a fitting one.  I say it far too often, but Suki Waterhouse ate and left no crumbs on this one!

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from April 2026

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8. Charli xcx, “Chains of Love”

Wuthering Heights » Charli XCX, Inc. / Atlantic Recording Corporation » 2026

Grammy-winning pop singer-songwriter Charli xcx (Charlotte Emma Aitchison) gets dramatic, goth, and poetic on the intriguing “Chains of Love”. “Chains of Love” is the fifth track from her ninth studio album, Wuthering Heights. “Chains of Love” commences enigmatically, setting the tone for a distinct record.  Charli shines, bringing plenty of emotion to her vocal performance.  Those dark lyrics, excerpted from the first verse, are brought to life superbly.  She does a fabulous job of conveying the melodies as well.  The biggest moment should come as no surprise: the chorus. It’s dynamic, gargantuan, and powerful! We buy what Charli sells, as those chains of love feel unbreakable!

“Shattering like glass

Yes, they’re breaking up my heart

The chains of love are cruel

I shouldn’t feel like a prisoner

My face is turning blue

Can’t breathe without you here

The chains of love are cruel

I shouldn’t feel like a prisoner.”

Unsurprisingly, “Chains of Love” draws inspiration from the Emily Brontë (1818 – 1848) novel, Wuthering Heights. Charli xcx stated this song was made for the 2026 Emerald Fennell film adaptation.  Written alongside Justin Raisen and producer Finn Keane, “Chains of Love” exhibits the artistic range of this talented musician.

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9. Laufey, “Lover Girl”

A Matter of Time: The Final Hour » Vingoff Recordings / AWAL Recordings America, Inc. » 2026

The girl is in L-O-V-E, PERIODT! Grammy-winning Icelandic singer-songwriter Laufey (Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir) delivered a surefire, love-driven traditional pop bop with “Lover Girl”. “Lover Girl” is the second track and third single from Laufey’s Grammy-winning, third studio album, A Matter of Time (2025). An expanded edition of the album, A Matter of Time: The Final Hour, arrived in 2026. “Lover Girl” was written and produced by Laufey and Spencer Stewart.  Notably, the single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.

“Lover Girl” is like a little slice of heaven.  Laufey delivers expressive, nuanced, and incredibly refined vocals.  She doesn’t sound as if she breaks a sweat. Her phrasing is impeccable.  She masterfully brings the melodies to life, in all their tuneful glory.  Likewise, the songwriting is superb. “Twenty-seven days alone / Means twenty million ways to cope without you,” she sings in the first verse. The crème de la crème should come as no surprise: the chorus.

“I’m in a reckless fever, love-struck girl, I’d tease her

Thought I’d never be her

Quite the job you’ve done on me, sir

You’ve been hosting parties in my mind

I’m working overtime to have you in my world

Oh, what a curse it is to be in love.”

The bridge distinguishes itself from everything else and is another high-flying moment for Laufey. “I wait by the phone like a high school movie / Dream at the shows, you’ll come runnin’ to me,” she admits, backed by the dreamlike, lush backdrop, and continues, “Think I see you in the wings, God / I’m hallucinating.” Wow! Beyond the marvelous singing, striking melodies, and memorable lyrics, the production and musical accompaniment are utterly sublime.  The jazzy, retro, and traditional pop cues sound refreshing; never anachronistic. The percussive, bossa nova groove is electrifying.  There are also alternative pop vibes that showcase Laufey’s musicianship and versatility. All told,  “Lover Girl” slaps… in the most elegant and sophisticated way possible.

Appears in 🔻:

Laufey, Lover Girl: Bangerz N Bopz No. 39 (2026) Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 3 (2026)

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10. Michael Bolton, “How Can We Be Lovers”

Soul Provider » Sony Music Entertainment Inc. » 1989

Those are legitimate questions asked by the Grammy-winning pop/rock singer-songwriter Michael Bolton (b. 1953) on “How Can We Be Lovers”. In the intro and eventual chorus, Mr. Bolton continues, “How can we make love if we can’t make amends? / How can we be lovers if we can’t be, can’t be friends?” Word. “How Can We Be Lovers” is the fifth track from Bolton’s 1989 multi-platinum album, Soul Provider.  Soul Provider was filled with hits. “Lovers” was one of them, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The number three peak marked the third-best showing of Bolton’s entries on the pop charts. Bolton wrote “Lovers” with Hall of Fame songwriters Desmond Child (b. 1953) and Diane Warren (b. 1956).  Bolton and Child produced it as well.

“How Can We Be Lovers” commences with warm, ‘adult contemporary’ keyboards (Walter Afanasieff, b. 1958, and Greg Mangiafico). As the accompaniment fills out, there are bombastic drums (Bobby Chouinard, 1953 – 1997), acoustic guitar and beefy electric guitar (John McCurry, b. 1957), and a robust bass line (Hugh McDonald, b. 1950).  The busy arrangement and big sound are part of the charm of this record.  Of course, the biggest charm is Michael Bolton.  Bolton brings it with a lovely, nuanced, and powerful vocal performance.  “Oh, when there’s no communication / Oh, it’s a no-win situation,” he asserts in the first verse.  In the second, Bolton suggests, “Let’s break these chains; our love can free us.” Woo! As great as the verses are, the crème de la crème is the chorus, which features gang vocals.  There are lots of credited background vocalists, which is pretty cool. The bridge distinguishes itself from the verses and chorus, adding to the engaging nature.  By the end, with a timely modulation, Bolton soars, doing a little of everything with his vocal ad-libs.  Beyond the arrangement, production, vocals, and songwriting, the harmonic progression of “How Can We Be Lovers” deserves a huge shout-out. It is adventurous, not necessarily going where you’d expect.  Gotta love music theory!  Most of all, you’ve gotta love the Michael Bolton masterpiece that is “How Can We Be Lovers”. This is a classic that never grows old.

Appears in 🔻:

Michael Bolton, How Can We Be Lovers: Throwback Vibez No. 23 (2026)

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11. Céline Dion, “The Power Of Love”

The Colour Of My Love » Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc. » 1993

Aww, you know what it is? “The Power of Love”! Céline Dion (b. 1968) struck gold with this high-flying, powerful love ballad.  Although it sounds original in her hands, “The Power of Love” was originally performed by Jennifer Rush in 1984. Dion’s cover arrived in 1993, nine years later. It is the opener from her album, The Colour Of My Love, released the same year. David Foster (b. 1949) produced Dion’s ultra-successful rendition. How successful is ultra-successful? Well, “The Power of Love” spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Furthermore, it was nominated for the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.   

“The whispers in the morning / Of lovers sleeping tight / Are rolling by like thunder now / As I look in your eyes.”  Oh, the amour! And so begins “The Power of Love,” abruptly, with cool, calm, collected, and sophisticated vocals by Céline Dion. Dion is supported by gorgeous production. I love the colorful keys and rhythmic programming.  After wowing with the first verse, she delivers the crème de la crème, the chorus.  Initially, we only hear the main chorus (it expands later): “‘Cause I’m your lady / And you are my man / Whenever you reach for me / I’ll do all that I can.” During the first chorus, Dion digs in more, showing off the pureness of her prodigious instrument. Her tone is angelic. Also upping the ante during the chorus are bombastic, hard-hitting drums.  During the second verse, Dion brings it back down, supported by a fuller accompaniment. As the second verse progresses, she lets loose more, leading into that inescapable powerhouse chorus, which expands, including the second chorus (post-chorus):

“We’re heading for something

Somewhere I’ve never been

Sometimes I am frightened

But I’m ready to learn

Of the power of love.”

Following the power showcased during the chorus, the bridge continues the excellence (“…The feeling that I can’t go on / Is light-years away”). During the third iteration of the chorus, there are selectively harmonized background vocals elevating “The Power of Love” to even higher heights. The extended post-chorus that follows is powerful, too. All told, Céline Dion put her foot into “The Power of Love”. This is one of the best covers that feels like it should be an original! Epic vocals and superb production, with the previously established, dedicated, love-driven songwriting and tuneful melodies, make this record truly timeless and unforgettable!

Appears in 🔻:

Céline Dion, The Power of Love: Covers No. 3 (2026) Jennifer Rush vs. Céline Dion: Face Off No. 4 (2026)

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12. Tears For Fears, “Sowing The Seeds Of Love”

The Seeds of Love » Mercury Records Limited » 1989

Flowers, love… word. Tears For Fears – Curt Smith (b. 1961) and Roland Orzabal (b. 1961) – have a lot of big hits.  Yes, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is the crown jewel, but “Sowing The Seeds Of Love” marks another gem from the English pop/rock band’s catalog. It is the third track from the duo’s 1989 album, The Seeds of Love. Smith and Orzabal composed it and produced it with David Bascombe (b. 1959). “Sowing The Seeds of Love” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.  While none of Tears For Fears’s music has been nominated for a Grammy, Bascombe, Smith, and Orzabal were nominated for their only Grammy for Producer Of The Year (Non-Classical) at the 32nd Annual GRAMMY Awards, which would be associated with their The Seeds of Love LP.

 

“Sowing The Seeds Of Love” is a gargantuan recording. It commences enigmatically with unique sound effects. These effects segue into a loud and totally ‘rad’ drum run.  This is the first hint that “Sowing” is epic to the nth degree.  This is progressive 1980s pop/rock at its finest. Following the unusual start, the record settles in with an infectious groove. It cannot be overstated that the big sounds within the musical accompaniment play a crucial role throughout. Beyond the standard rhythm section, there is a lot of keyboard, including organ (Ian Stanley), and programming.  Beyond the intricate arrangement, there is an intriguing harmonic progression, as well as key modulation.  Music theory isn’t the only thing that pops about “Sowing.” Roland Orzabal brings it with his powerful lead vocals. Curt Smith also sings, primarily during the choruses as well as the second bridge.  The songwriting is poetic and thought-provoking from start to finish. “Could you be, could you be squeaky clean / And smash any hope of democracy?” Orzabal sings, and continues, “As the headline says you’re free to choose / There’s egg on your face and mud on your shoes / One of these days they’re gonna call it the blues, yeah, yeah.” Yeah, indeed! The chorus, slightly varied each time, is quite memorable, where those seeds of love are, indeed, sown!

“Sowing the seeds of love, seeds of love
Anything is possible when you’re sowing the seeds of love
Sowing the seeds
Sowing the seeds of love.” 

Beyond three intriguing verses and multiple choruses, there is a pair of bridges, including the first, where Orzabal asserts, “Feel the pain, talk about it / If you’re a worried man, then shout about it.” All in all, “Sowing The Seeds Of Love” is quite the illustrious musical trip. The complexity and the depth of the music are part of the charm and intrigue of this classic.

Appears in 🔻:

Tears For Fears, Sowing The Seeds Of Love: Throwback Vibez No. 12 (2026)

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13. William Bell, “Tryin’ To Love Two”

‘70s Soul Number 1’s » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 2007

William Bell sings soulfully on his biggest hit, “Tryin’ To Love Two”. His assertion is correct, considering Bell is trying to manage his main squeeze and a side piece. The song appeared on Bell’s comeback album, Comin’ Back for More, released in 1977 via Mercury. “Tryin’ To Love Two” was Bell’s only top 40 hit. It peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It reached the top spot on the R&B songs chart. Bell wrote and produced this ‘70s gem with Paul Mitchell. 

William Bell has a gorgeous musical backdrop supporting him. It is lushly orchestrated with cool woodwinds, sophisticated strings, and articulated, exuberant brass.  Also, the rhythm section is locked in with an epic bass line, organ, and guitar. The groove cooks while the instrumental riffs are sickening. Meanwhile, Bell delivers buttery smooth vocals, specifically in the verses. “I got a soman at home / That’s sweet as can be / A woman on the outside / Crazy about me,” he sings, adding, “I’m caught in the middle / Of a three-way love affair / Caught up in this triangle / Can’t go nowhere.” Oh, snap! Adding insult to injury, Bell asserts, “I need to be three men in one.” The section to beat is the chorus, excerpted earlier in all its two-loving glory. Bell’s ad-libs are gritty ad-libs, steeped in southern soul. Beyond his vocals, he is assisted by gorgeous backing vocals. William Bell knows he’s dead wrong, but being dead wrong by “Tryin’ To Love Two” never sounded better than this unforgettable soul gem that screams unfaithfulness.

Appears in 🔻:

William Bell, Tryin’ To Love Two: Throwback Vibez No. 77 (2025) 15 Surefire Classics from the 1970s (2025) A Terrific Collection of T Songs (2026)

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14. Captain & Tennille, “Love Will Keep Us Together”

Love Will Keep Us Together » A&M Records » 1975

Former husband and wife duo Captain & Tennille – Daryl Dragon (1942 – 2019) and Toni Tennille (b. 1940) – thrived on the pop charts.  Their biggest hit, without a doubt, is “Love Will Keep Us Together”, which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  “Love Will Keep Us Together” is the opener from the 1975 album of the same name.  Neil Sedaka (1939 – 2026), who originally recorded “Love,” and Howard Greenfield composed the iconic pop song. Shout out the harmonic progression! Daryl Dragon produced the C&T cover.

“Love Will Keep Us Together” is a ray of sunshine from the get-go! The musical accompaniment is bouncy, funky, and playful. I love the brightness of the instrumentation – exuberant, honky tonk-ish keys, an active bass line, and heavy-handed, pummeling drums. The musical riffs are EVERYTHING. Also, everything is the playful vocals by Tennille.  While the Captain (Dragon), holds it down on the instrumental and production end, Tennille convincingly brings those melodies and unforgettable lyrics to life. “You / You belong to me now,” she sings in the second verse, and adds, “Ain’t gonna set you free now.” I love the addition of background vocals singing (“doo(s)”) during the second verse. The background vocals accentuate, adding to the overall vibrance.  The chorus marks another high-flying moment from “Love.”   

“Just stop

‘Cause I really love you

Stop, I’ll be thinking of you

Look in my heart

And let love keep us together.”

The bridge (“Young and beautiful / Someday your looks will be gone…”) marvelously distinguishes itself from the verses and chorus, using a different harmonic progression and stepping outside of the original key. I like the prominence of the keys during this section. There is also a great instrumental section, with background vocals intact.  So much could be said about how elite “Love Will Keep Us Together” is.  This is a special, special pop song that never grows old.  Captain & Tennille, you did that! 

Appears in 🔻:

Captain & Tennille, Love Will Keep Us Together: Throwback Vibez No. 31 (2026)

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15. Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack, “Tonight I Celebrate My Love”

Born To Love » Capitol Records, LLC » 1983

What happens when Peabo Bryson (1951 – 2026) and Roberta Flack (1937 – 2025) join forces? Sheer excellence, of course. Both musicians excel in the ‘duets department,’ winning Grammys for their collaborative efforts. Bryson, specifically, is a two-time Grammy winner thanks to high-flying Disney duets: “Beauty and the Beast” with Céline Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle.  Years before those duets materialized, he recorded an entire collaborative album with Flack: the gold-certified Born To Love.  The big fish from the LP is “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love”.  “Tonight” was a pop success, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Michael Masser and Gerry Goffin wrote it; Masser produced it.

Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack have plenty of solo and collaborative opportunities to shine throughout “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love.” Flack draws first, touting the love with the titular lyric, and adding, “It seems the natural thing to do.” Bryson takes the reins for the next couple of lines, still highlighting the time: “Tonight, no one’s gonna find us / We’ll leave the world behind us.” The duo links up for a key closing lyric: “When I make love to you.” Ooh-la-la! The second verse follows a similar pattern – Flack, Bryson, and both!  The centerpiece of the record is the chorus, excerpted earlier.  After both sing the most memorable lyrics, they split once more, beginning with Bryson and closing with Flack (“What I want most to do is to get close to you, tonight”).  Again, tonight is crucial! Our dynamic duo delivers one final verse and chorus, plus a sensational outro: “Tonight, I celebrate my love for you / Tonight.” Ooh-wee! Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack bring it on “Tonight I Celebrate My Love”.  Their voices are superb separately, while their synergy is exceptional. They never have to force things, singing just right. Beyond their marvelous voices, the musical backdrop is delightful, embracing the adult contemporary, sophisticated brand of R&B that dominated the 1980s. Oh, the power of those keyboards!

Appears in 🔻:

Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack, Tonight I Celebrate My Love: Dazzling Duets No. 17 (2026)

 

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15 Songs Where LOVE is the Name of the Game (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A&M Records, Archie Music, Atlantic Recording Corporation, AWAL Recordings America, Inc., Babydoll Music, Beautiful Life Productions, Boy Toy Inc., Capitol Records, LLC, Charli XCX, Inc., Columbia Records, Confidence River, Inc., Island Records, Mercury Records Limited, Motown, Republic Records, Sony Music Entertainment Inc., Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc., UMG Recordings, Inc., Vingoff Recordings, Warner Records Inc.; Nikolina, Ron Lach, Victoria Strelka_ph from Pexels; Anna, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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