Barry White, Standing in the Shadows of Love | COVERS

In the 37^th edition of COVERS (2024), Barry White delivers a compelling rendition of “Standing in the Shadows of Love” originally performed by Four Tops.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 37th edition of COVERS (2024),Barry Whitedelivers a compelling rendition of“Standing in the Shadows of Love”originally performed by Four Tops.

“Standing in the shadows of love (love, love, love) / Waiting for my heartaches to come.” “Standing in the Shadows of Love” was penned by the iconic songwriting team of Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, and Lamont Dozier.  It originally appeared on the iconic Four Tops album, Reach Out, released in 1967.  Since then, many musicians have covered the top-10-hit, including the late, two-time, Grammy-winning, soul icon, Barry White (1944 – 2003). In the hands of White, “Standing in the Shadows of Love” runs north of eight minutes in duration, more than five minutes longer than the original. “Standing…” is the opening track on his five-track, 1973 debut album, I’ve Got So Much To Give. White produced the cover.  Take one listen and it’s clear, this is a Barry White record, PERIOD!

One of the biggest selling points of this eight-minute tour de force is the extended, picturesque instrumental introduction.  Among the highlights are the piano, percussion (early on, cymbal), and the orchestral touches (pizzicato strings, oboe).  White is accompanied by the Love Unlimited Orchestra.  The orchestration is utterly sublime (Gene Page), characteristic of White’s lush funk/soul from the ‘70s. The intro is no rush, gradually building bigger and more dynamic.  The first vocals don’t enter the mix until after the two-and-a-half-minute mark.  These are the background vocals (not White), singing the chorus, led by the titular lyric. White first sings after the three-minute mark, during an utterly delicious unique vamp (the percussion and overall intensity are incredible). The first notable lyrics sung by White occur at the 3:45 mark – the first verse:

“I wanna run but there’s nowhere to go
Heartaches will follow me I know
Without your love, the love I need

It’s the beginning of the end for me.”

Aside from the background vocals singing the chorus, this is the first time “Standing in the Shadows of Love” sounds like the original, Motown staple.  White brings a dynamic, assertive lead vocal, matching the late, great Levi Stubbs (the Four Tops’ iconic lead singer).  With White showing off the powerful middle range of his baritone, he still sneaks some of those sexy, irresistible low notes in (spoken word).  After showcasing ample innovative spirit during the first half of this long-running cut, “Standing in the Shadows of Love” settles in as an awesome, updated version of the beloved original.  Barry White put his foot into this one.

Barry White // I’ve Got So Much To Give // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1973

Barry White, Standing in the Shadows of Love: Covers No. 37 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; UMG Recordings, Inc.; Alan Cordero, Ba Tik, Kampus Production, Matteo Milan, SHVETS production from Pexels; OpenClipart-Vectors, StockSnap, Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay]