Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 1

Reading Time: 16 min read

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 1 features music courtesy of Ariana Grande, Benedict Cork, Joe Simon, Ricky Dillard, ROLE MODEL, and Tems.

LOVE ❤️ is the perfect fuel for most fire 🔥. No, love won’t fuel your car. But, love can affect just about everything else, adversely or positively. FACTS! 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. On the multi-volume musical compendium, Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, love, the word, appears in EVERY song. Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 1 features music courtesy of Ariana Grande, Benedict Cork, Joe Simon, Ricky Dillard, ROLE MODEL, and Tems. So, without further ado, let’s embrace the L-O-V-E, shall we?!

~ Table of Contents ~

1.Ariana Grande, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”

2.Joe Simon, “Drowning in the Sea of Love”

3.Tems, “Love Me JeJe”

4.ROLE MODEL, “Deeply Still in Love”

5.The Emotions, “Best of My Love”

6.Ricky Dillard, “I Love The Lord (Live)”

7.Bette Midler, “Chapel of Love”

8.Benedict Cork, “Reasons I Loved You (I Can’t Think of One)”

9.Zach Benson, “I’m in love, I’m in love”

10.Silk Sonic, “Love’s Train”

11.Darren Haynes, “Let’s Try Being in Love”

12.Gus Dapperton, “What You Won’t Do For Love”

13.Percy Sledge, “When a Man Loves a Woman”

1. Ariana Grande, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”

eternal sunshine // Republic // 2024

“I don’t wanna tiptoe, but I don’t wanna hide / But I don’t wanna feed this monstrous fire,” Ariana Grande sings in the first verse of “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” a juggernaut from her stupendous seventh studio album, eternal sunshine. She continues singing in the first verse of the second single from the LP, “Just wanna let this story die / And I’ll be alright.” I love the subtlety of the thudding beat (four on the floor), which is part of the tasteful nature of the production. In the chorus, the thuds and the intensity of the backdrop become more dynamic, fitting given the rise to the occasion. “We can’t be friends” features colorful synths and a driving bass line – always a winning formula for the accompaniment! Another part of the winning formula is the violins, which appear at the end. With her elite vocals being her calling card, Grande delivers an honest and memorable chorus:

“We can’t be friends

But I’d like to just pretend

You cling to your papers and pens

Wait until you like me again.”

Lyrically, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” marks one of the cleverest songs of eternal sunshine, making you question if she’s referencing her ex-husband (Dalton Gomez), the media, or both simultaneously.

~ Table of Contents ~

2. Joe Simon, “Drowning in the Sea of Love”

Drowning in the Sea of Love // Ace // 1972

The introduction, with its recurrent riffs, signals a legendary soul classic. One of the biggest hits of the late, great Joe Simon is “Drowning in the Sea of Love”. “Drowning in the Sea of Love” commences his 1972 album, Drowning in the Sea of Love. Writing and producing this hit is the dynamic tandem of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, renowned for being proponents of the Philly soul movement of the 1970s. The instrumental is lush and refined. The symphonic elements (horns and strings) are everything. Combined with the rhythm section – rhythmic guitar, robust bass, colorful keys, and the drum groove – “Drowning in the Sea of Love” is ear-catching to the nth degree. Simon was born in the South and fits into Southern soul circles instead of Northern soul. Simon delivers an awesome vocal performance, showing off his deep, masculine, and soulful pipes. He easily sings on the verses, yet packs a punch, nonetheless. “I’ve been down one time / I’ve been down two times,” he asserts, confirming “But now, I’m drowning, drowning in the sea of love.” In the chorus, he gets a lift from sensational backing vocals, in addition to the dynamic, illustrious backdrop. In the verses, he sings ‘the blues’ regarding love. “Baby, when you came my way, I thought I’d found my protection,” he asserts, adding, “But a strong wind came into my life, surely took me by surprise / And I can’t seem to control these tears that’s falling from my eyes.” Bummer! He adds, “But now you gone and deserted me, can’t you see that I’m in desperation.” Love will make you feel a range of emotions, which Simon captures superbly. The love can “Make me feel alright,” as well as “Make me cry all night long.” The greatness of “Drowning in the Sea of Love”, which reached no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, speaks for itself.

Appears in 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

3. Tems, “Love Me JeJe”

“Love Me JeJe” // RCA / Since 93’ // 2024

“Hold me in your arms, in your love and your light.” Ooh-wee! Nigerian Afrobeats and R&B singer Tems is back with her first single of 2024, “Love Me JeJe”. Of the songs attributed solely to the Grammy-winning musician, “Love Me JeJe” follows the 2023 singles “Me & U” and “Not An Angel”. Notably, the record samples the 1997 song, “Love Me JeJe” by Seyi Sodimu featuring Shafy Bello. “Love Me JeJe” is a pleasant, well-rounded song. So, what makes “Love Me JeJe” ‘the stuff’? The production by GuiltyBeatz is a selling point. The repurposing of the Seyi Sodimu song bodes in Tems’ favor. The sound is chill and smooth. Furthermore, the rhythmic groove that anchors is lit. As for Tems, she delivers beautiful, easygoing vocals. Does she ever break a sweat? Nope, it doesn’t seem like it! The melodies and the verses are tuneful making the ears perk up. Matters of the heart drive the narrative – not surprising given the song title. “I need your lovin’, so fresh, so clean / Love me in and out, unfailingly,” she sings in the first verse, asserting in the pre-chorus, “Because I love, and I love, and I love, and I love you only.” That’s a lot of love! The section to beat comes as no surprise – the chorus!

“I’m on your wave right now (wave)

I’m on your wave right now, yeah (wave)

I’m on your vibe now, you got me on your side now, yeah

I’m on your wave right now, woah, woah, woah, yeah.”

All told, “Love Me Jeje” is a V-I-B-E.

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4. ROLE MODEL, “Deeply Still in Love”

Kansas Anymore // Interscope // 2024

“Go tell your mother / That she did nothing wrong / ‘Cause you seem happier since I’ve been gone.” Oh, snap, ROLE MODEL (Tucker Pillsbury). The Maine-born and bred singer/songwriter is honest with his pen and vocal performance on “Deeply Still in Love”, the second single from his sophomore album, Kansas Anymore. A tone of excellence is set early thanks to a thrilling, pummeling drum riff, driving rhythm guitar, and electrifying tempo. “Deeply Still in Love” was written by Pillsbury, Two Inch Punch (Ben Ash), and producer, Noah Conrad.

“Well, I heard you might’ve found somebody new / I still can’t swallow it / But I think I’m proud of you,” ROLE MODEL asserts in the second verse. Notably, the vocals are playful in both verses, with a hint of tongue-in-cheek and ample personality. Less melodic, this is part of the charm of “Deeply Still in Love.” He continues, “And I went out tonight / Shit don’t feel the same / I try and bury it ‘til I called her by your name.” Oh, snap! The pre-chorus and chorus are melodic. In the chorus, Pillsbury admits, “I’m sorry, but I’m deeply still in love / In love with you.” It was obvious without the pop artist explicitly singing it. “Deeply Still in Love” has some folksy-pop and classic pop/rock vibes contrasting previous songs he’s released. The change of pace is welcome. The bridge marks another winning moment featuring the most rhythmic intensity. Lovely piano at the end of the final chorus, which spills into the outro, concludes this engaging four-minute record.

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: May 2024

~ Table of Contents ~

5. The Emotions, “Best of My Love”

Rejoice // Columbia // 1977

“Demonstrating love and affection / That you give so openly, yeah / I like the way you make me feel about you, baby / Want the whole wide world to see.” Woo! When it comes to renowned R&B/soul collective The Emotions, the first song that comes to mind is… “Best of My Love”. Most often, The Emotions were a trio, originally comprised of siblings Wanda, Sheila, and Jeanette Hutchinson. Notably, their younger sister, Pamela (1958 – 2020), joined beginning with the collective’s best-known album, Rejoice (1977). Why is the platinum-certified LP their best-known album? Because it features the Grammy-winning, platinum-certified, no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. “Best of My Love” spent five weeks in the penthouse on the pop charts, and four weeks atop the R&B charts. Impressive!

It should be noted that the infectious “Best of My Love” was written by Al McKay and Maurice White. White, who also produced the track, is famous in his own right as a member of an iconic funk/R&B/soul collective: Earth, Wind & Fire. With his work behind the boards, catchy songwriting, and tuneful melodies, The Emotions thrived. The minute the bombastic, exuberant introduction is played, “Best of My Love” is instantly recognizable – one of the biggest soul records of the 1970s. The groove is electrifying, the horns sound incredibly ripe on the hits and riffs, while the rhythm section is DEFINITELY ‘in the pocket’ as they say. The vocals are elite, bringing plenty of attitude as the sisters celebrate L-O-V-E. The chorus is the section to beat – DUH! Sing it with me: “Whoa, whoa, you got the best of my love.” The verses are epic too, showing off the best of the group. “Best of My Love” is the crème de la crème of the soul catalog.

Appears in 🔻:

The Emotions, Best of My Love | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 4 | Playlist 🎧

~ Table of Contents ~

6. Ricky Dillard, “I Love The Lord (Live)”

Choirmaster II // Capitol CMG, Inc. // 2024

“I love the Lord, I love the Lord, I love the Lord” – what a profession of faith! On “I Love The Lord (Live)”, Grammy-nominated gospel musician Ricky Dillard and his anointed choir give all the praise to The Lord. “I Love The Lord” commences Dillard’s 2024 live album, Choirmaster II. Dillard penned this thoughtful song alongside Terrence J Dooley. He also produces alongside Quadrius Salters. It’s hard not to be spiritually refreshed listening to this powerful affirmation of faith. The main lyrics continue, in all their glorious praise: “I love the Lord, I really, really love the Lord / I love the Lord, I love the Lord, I love the Lord.” Amen!

Beyond the core lyrics, Dillard and company further amplify the praise with variations. At one point, the Choir affirms, “He’s been so good, He’s been so good, He’s been so Good.” More frequently, they assert, with riffs by Ricky, “Yes I love Him / And I adore Him / I lift my hands / I bow before Him / Deep in my heart / I really, really love the Lord / I love the Lord, I love the Lord, I love the Lord.” THANK YA JESUS 🙌! Beyond the spirited lyrics and high-flying vocals, the instrumental is EVERYTHING! The jubilant sounds of the keys! The exalting trumpets! The robust bass line! It all contributes to the spiritual experience. Also, a lit, complex harmonic progression, multiple key changes, and vamps amplify the praise! The musical lift is epic on “I Love The Lord (Live)”!

Appears in 🔻:

Ricky Dillard, I Love The Lord (Live) | Music Lifts 🎶 🏋

11 Songs That Reference the Lord | Playlist 🎧

~ Table of Contents ~

7. Bette Midler, “Chapel of Love”

The Divine Miss M // Atlantic // 1972

The Divine Miss M can do no wrong! Bette Midler has had a terrific career, oozing talent with her acting skills and exceptional voice. In 1972, she released the platinum-certified LP nominated for the Grammy for Album Of The Year at the 16th Annual Grammy Awards. On The Divine Miss M, Midler covers the no. 1 hit famously covered by The Dixie Cups, “Chapel of Love”. With her electrifying pipes and big personality, you can be your dollar that The Divine Miss M slays! Bette is assertive, channeling the 60s soul style with ease. “Chapel of Love” is bubbly, cutesy, and tongue-in-cheek. Midler ‘leans in’ and is rewarded for doing so, selling the matrimony vibes superbly. “Bells will ring, and the sun is gonna shine,” she sings enthusiastically in the second verse, continuing, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m gonna be his, he’s gonna be mine.” Midler’s backing vocals do their job awesomely, channeling their inner Dixie Cups with those terrific, soulful harmonies. The harmonies pop most during the chorus, the centerpiece. The production bears many similarities to the original. Still, it’s been updated, differentiating it from the 60s. From a lead vocal perspective, Midler incorporates more ad-libs, taking more artistic license. Also, the ending is strikingly different, with Bette playfully commenting, “That is the pits ending to a really terrific song!” A man responds: “That is the worst ending I’ve ever heard!” The ending is a surprise, but that’s part of what makes “Chapel of Love” special in the hands of – wait for it – The Divine Miss M.

Appears in 🔻:

Bette Midler, Chapel of Love | COVERS

The Dixie Cups vs. Bette Midler | Head 2 Head 🗣️

~ Table of Contents ~

8. Benedict Cork, “Reasons I Loved You (I Can’t Think of One)”

Notes on a Hopeless Romance // Benedict Cork // 2024

“I made a list of the reasons I loved ya / And all of the shit that you did that was wrong.” Well, damn! English singer/songwriter Benedict Cork ‘comes out swinging’ on the marvelous “Reasons I Loved You (I Can’t Think of One)”, a single from his 2024 album, Notes on a Hopeless Romance. His lead vocals are radiant, characterized by ample expression and nuance. In the intro – the eventual chorus – he gets a lift courtesy of locked-in background vocals. He continues singing, “The bad came so easy, when I think of the reasons, I want ya, I can’t even think of one.” Word! The songwriting earns high marks, courtesy of Cork and Martin Luke Brown. Driving the narrative is those pesky matters of the heart. “You were kind, and I was young, how was I supposed to know? / I thought I was a fool to let you go,” Benedict sings in the first verse, later adding, “You were cruel, manipulating, every move we made / And I took it for love, it’s such a shame / Now I feel like a fool over again.” Love will make you do some stuff. Cork arrives at his senses, something captured superbly. Beyond the lyrics, the melodies are tuneful in the verses and the centerpiece, the chorus. The instrumental also earns high marks, particularly the warmth of the keys – that organ is epic! Cork produces alongside HOOST, yielding top-notch results. Cork ‘puts his foot’ into “Reasons I Loved You (I Can’t Think of One)”. Apologies for his love pain, but many thanks for turning that pain into music that makes me/us beam with pride!

Appears in 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

9. Zach Benson, “I’m in love, I’m in love”

music for you and your friends // Zach Benson // 2024

“Last call, they’re playing our song / We’re dancing to Britney,” Zach Benson sings on his infectious, queer love song, “I’m in love, I’m in love” from his 2024 album, music for you and your friends. Benson continues singing, enthusiastically, “And I flash back to every soundtrack / That played like a film scene / When I knew my feeling for you dear…” The love is potent in this Benson and Allen Miller-penned pop joint. Benson also produces this major-key, love-embracing record, impressing with an authentic and sweet vocal performance. Benson’s bread is buttered in the best section of the song, the chorus. He asserts, “I knew it on the way home / Knew it in the night time runner’s high / I knew it in your bedroom (😈) / I’m in love, I’m in love.” He has a point. When you love someone, it feels and ‘hits different.’ “I’m in love, I’m in love” feels like the perfect, summer love song. He reflects on his experiences and feelings with this person in the verse, noting a missing piece in the second verse: “Crash down, I broke your heart / When I moved to the city / Couldn’t find myself / But knew something was missing / I couldn’t keep feeling empty there / You’re taking all those feelings when you’re near.” Love confirmed! Benson concocts a beautiful, relatable love song in “I’m in love, I’m in love”.

Appears in 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

10. Silk Sonic, “Love’s Train”

An Evening with Silk Sonic // Aftermath Entertainment / Atlantic // 2021

In 2022, Silk Sonic – Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars – added a 10^th song to their 2022 LP, An Evening With Silk Sonic: “Love’s Train”. While many folks might’ve assumed this was an original song, it’s not. The original by R&B/funk band Con Funk Shun was released in 1982! Even though Silk Sonic didn’t write this gem, they put their all in on the sensational cover. Mars produces alongside D’Mile superbly capturing the essence of the 1982 classic.

After the ear-catching intro, which recalls 80s R&B in all its glory, Anderson .Paak delivers soulful vocals in the first verse. He channels his inner Michael Cooper excelling in his middle register. Paak plays it relatively straight here – few frills – which feels right for the opening verse. Bruno Mars contrasts with his entrance in the refrain, showing off his powerful, ripe upper register. He successfully matches the original, with the contrast being more pronounced with the lead being split between two artists. Paak returns, looser and more nuanced in the second verse. Additionally, he welcomes vocal harmonies. Following another sublime refrain by Mars, Paak gives us what we’ve all been waiting for – the beloved chorus!

“If you are that special lover

And love keeps you tied to another

That’s the way it goes on love’s train

Sometimes, heartstrings can be broken

But you just have to keep on goin’

That’s the way it goes on love’s train.”

In the third and final verse, there are slight instrumental contrasts, which maintain the engagement. The final refrain by Mars is his best and most powerful. Fittingly, the final chorus, which brings Mars into the mix, is terrific. There are more ad-libs with Silk Sonic introducing “Love’s Train” to a new generation of listeners.

Appears in 🔻:

Silk Sonic, Love’s Train | COVERS

Con Funk Shun vs. Silk Sonic | Head 2 Head 🗣️

~ Table of Contents ~

11. Darren Haynes, “Let’s Try Being in Love”

Homosexual // Powdered Sugar Productions Ltd. // 2022

“Am I five decades? Am I twenty-four /… Teenage passion, middle-aged despair / All the pregnant thoughts linger in the air,” Darren Hayes sings on the single, “Let’s Try Being in Love”, from his 2022 album, Homosexual. Hayes, who is openly gay (and married) never mentions sexuality explicitly on “Let’s Try Being in Love,” BUT it sounds very queer. The accompanying music video is G-A-Y!  From the beginning, “Let’s Try Being in Love” draws you in with its hypnotic beat (production courtesy of Matthew Rowbottom).  Danceable and groovy, Darren Hayes runs with it, emphasizing L-O-V-E.  The desire is legit, as Hayes sings in the first verse, “It’s in the air, bergamot and humidity / I’ve seen it before in your eyes, adolescent dreams.” Woo! In the second verse, the sensuality is lit too, as Hayes asserts, “I absolve all my responsibilities / If I take your hand in my mouth will I taste the sea? / Eros evolves by the pool, skin inviting me.” It all leads to the centerpiece, the chorus, where Darren states, “Let’s try being in love.” The second time Hayes sings the chorus, he ascends an octave – a welcome musical touch.  As referenced earlier, the bridge finds Hayes reflecting, playing to the theme and extending, referencing his age, etc.  Hayes may be in his 50s, but he proves he’s ‘still got it’ on “Let’s Try Being in Love”. 

Appears in 🔻:

Darren Hayes, “Let’s Try Being in Love” | LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶

Try | 3 to 5 BOPS

11 Songs That Make You Wanna Try | Playlist 🎧

~ Table of Contents ~

12. Gus Dapperton, “What You Won’t Do For Love”

“What You Won’t Do For Love” // Gus Dapperton, LLC / Warner // 2024

“I came back to let you know / Got a thing for you and I can’t let go.” Fascinating musician Gus Dapperton covered the Bobby Caldwell classic, “What You Won’t Do For Love” in 2024. Dapperton successfully makes Caldwell’s sole top-40 hit his own.

“What You Won’t Do For Love” commences with lovely background vocals during the introduction, setting the tone of this classic (“Do for love…”). The production (Dapperton and Asa Taccone) is more contemporary than the original. Gone are the horns, replaced with guitar covering the famous, melodic riff. Even without the 70s musical cues, there are still fine musical touches in play, including the prominent bass line, played by Gus. Of course, the cover is more about the coverer than the instrumental. Dapperton serves up strong vocals, bringing command and bite to his performance. Adding to the bite of the performance are vocal effects, specifically distortion, which proves to be effective. Gus still brings the magic out of the tuneful melodies of this 1970s gem, particularly in the chorus. Ultimately, Gus does Bobby justice with his take on “What You Won’t Do For Love”.

Appears in 🔻:

Gus Dapperton, What You Won’t Do For Love | COVERS

Bobby Caldwell vs. Gus Dapperton | Head 2 Head

~ Table of Contents ~

13. Percy Sledge, “When a Man Loves a Woman”

When a Man Loves a Woman // Atlantic // 1966

“When a man loves a woman / Can’t keep his mind on nothin’ else / He’d change the world for the good thing he’s found.” Those lyrics hail from one of soul’s greatest songs, “When A Man Loves a Woman” (When a Man Loves a Woman). The Percy Sledge classic is among the most recognizable songs regardless of genre. The 1966 gem peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Sledge’s sole top-10 hit. While his expressive, powerful vocals make “When A Man Loves a Woman” a masterpiece, the songwriting is credited solely to Andrew Wright and Calvin Lewis. However, according to Sledge, he is a co-writer… the narrative and heartbroken nature of this soul staple were based on Sledge’s own experiences, with the raw draft of the song, performed in Quin Ivy’s sound studio/record store, being improvised and impromptu. Even when reworking the record as the song we know, the late soul singer may be an uncredited writer.

Also interesting is the recording itself. The production is superb and benefits from being non troppo. The accompaniment suits him perfectly, with its soulful stylings. The instrumental includes organ, guitar, bass, drums, backing vocals, and glorious, articulated horns. According to Rhino, two versions were recorded, due to out-of-tune horns. Ultimately, the tapes were mixed up and the first version, with those out-of-tune horns, was the version released. No harm, no foul, all told! Regardless, the backdrop never overshadows Sledge, who is always the focal point, sharing love pain marvelously.

“When a man loves a woman

He can do her no wrong

He can never want

Some other girl.”

“When A Man Loves a Woman” – a soul joint for all time!

Appears in 🔻:

Percy Sledge, When a Man Loves a Woman | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 1 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Ace, Aftermath Entertainment, Atlantic, Benedict Cork, Columbia, Gus Dapperton, LLC, Powdered Sugar Productions Ltd., Republic, Since 93’, Warner, Zach Benson; ]

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 1 | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on June 17, 2024June 17, 2024