Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 5

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Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 5 features songs by Elliot James Reay, JENNIE x Dominic Fike, Jerry Butler, Jonas Brothers, Lizzo, and Selena Gomez x benny blanco.

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. Following up Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 1 (2024), Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 2 (2024), Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 3 (2024), and Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 4 (2024) is Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 5 (2025) which features songs by Elliot James Reay, JENNIE x Dominic Fike, Jerry Butler, Jonas Brothers, Lizzo, and Selena Gomez x benny blanco. So, without further ado, let’s embrace the L-O-V-E, shall we?!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Lizzo, “Love in Real Life”	2. Jonas Brothers, “Love Me To Heaven”	3. JENNIE & Dominic Fike, “Love Hangover”	4. Stephanie Mills, “Never Knew Love Like This Before”
5. Selena Gomez & benny blanco, “Scared of Loving You”	6. The Jackson 5, “The Love You Save”	7. Japanese Breakfast, “Orlando in Love”	8. Ty Myers, “Drunk Love”
9. Céline Dion, “Because You Loved Me (Theme from ‘Up Close and Personal’)”	10. Elliot James Reay, “Boy in Love”	11. Elton John, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”	12. Jordan Suaste, “Scary to be Loved”
13. The Persuaders, “Peace in the Valley of Love”	14. Nina Simone, “To Love Somebody”	15. Jerry Butler, “Just Because I Really Love You”

1. Lizzo, “Love in Real Life”

“Love in Real Life” // Nice Life Recording Company / Atlantic Recording Corporation // 2025

Following a quiet year in 2024, Grammy-winner Lizzo (Melissa Jefferson) returned in 2025 with “Love in Real Life”. The singer/songwriter explores a different sound. She penned “Love” alongside Blake Slatkin, Eric Frederic, and Theron Thomas. Slatkin and Ricky Reed produced the pop cut. “Love in Real Life” commences with rhythmic guitar. Once the groove kicks in, the song has a rock vibe. I love the tone of the drums, which have a hard-hitting sound. As for the different sound and vibe for Lizzo, “Love” is giving off Prince vibes, with a dash of alternative rock thrown in. As always, Lizzo brings the heat vocally. She sounds expressive and nuanced. The melodies are tuneful. The songwriting is also intriguing, with the artist getting personal and searching for real love. In the first verse, she shares fright: “Wipe my eyes, comb my hair / There’s a lot of shit out there, and I feel safer in my bathroom.” By the second verse, however, she has become comfortable, asserting, “Flashing lights, I’m so hot / This is better than I thought, am I dancing like a thot.” The section to beat is the funky chorus, where Lizzo memorably sings:

“Hey, ho, hey, ho

Give me something with a little tempo

Hey, ho, hey, ho

Give me something I can throw it back for

By the end of the world, by the end of the night

Baby, come over here, I need love in real life.”

Ultimately, “Love in Real Life” is another enjoyable record from the talented singer/songwriter. The contrast is appreciated.

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2025

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2. Jonas Brothers, “Love Me To Heaven”

“Love Me To Heaven” // Jonas Brothers Recording, Limited Liability Company / Republic // 2025

“I could be down, but you love me to heaven / Love me to heaven, babe.” Believe it or not, the Jonas Brothers are in their 30s with children. Their sound is more mature than when they were kids. “Love Me To Heaven” marked the pop collective’s first single of 2025 attributed solely to them. It was written by Nick Jonas, Sara Boe, Ferras, Justin Tranter, Ryland Blackinton, and producer, Josh Murty. “Heaven” features an infectious drum groove from the onset. The sound is pop/rock with some 80x influence. Nick Jonas ‘draws first blood,’ singing the first verse. His tone is beautiful, his voice is nuanced, and his melody is lovely, too. “Almost holy, how this feeling never rests,” he sings, “It should be a crime how you take me so, so high.” Word. The first pre-chorus is performed by Joe, who sings about “Microdosin’, gettin’ off on pure emotion.” Woo! Ah, love! The section to beat, of course, is the chorus, which is the most tuneful, thriving off a marvelous melodic contour:

“Could give me everything, but it ain’t enough

You can’t put a price on the human touch

I could be down, but you love me to heaven

Love me to heaven babe…”

The post-chorus is celestial too, with its prevalence of falsetto. Joe Jonas sings the brief second verse. Flip-flopping, Nick sings the second pre-chorus before the formidable chorus and post-chorus return to conclude the song. Ultimately, “Love Me To Heaven” is a pleasant, tuneful, well-rounded pop offering.

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3. JENNIE & Dominic Fike, “Love Hangover”

Ruby // Columbia // 2025

“We say it’s over (uh) / But I keep fucking with you (Yeah) / And every time I do, I wake up with this love hangover.” Wow, JENNIE. They say, ‘honesty is the best policy,’ and the pop singer is honest AF throughout “Love Hangover”, a highlight from her debut album, Ruby. She collaborates with the talented Dominic Fike, where ending a relationship for good doesn’t happen. When she says, “I keep fucking with you,” she’s not lying! Fike, Blaise Railey, Cary Gibert, Devin Workman, Ido Zmishlany, and Megan Bülow penned “Love Hangover.” JENNIE and Ido Zmishlany produced it.

The groove and instrumental riffs on “Love Hangover” are incredibly funky. The bass line is the sugar honey iced tea. An uncertain JENNIE excels with her breathy, upper register, and sexy vocals. “Fight me, fight me, fight me / You made me so unlike me,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “I don’t really mind when you play me / Wanna switch it up, go crazy / I ain’t gonna leave ‘til you hate me.” Wow. Interestingly, the melody has some bluesy moments, which are C-O-O-L. Dominic raps instead of singing, spitting ‘real talk’:

“I had woke up in a daze, my sweat was cold, my lip was cracked

I can’t leave this bitch, I had to single, double triple back

She gon’ leave me, but she wants to keep me on, what’s up with that?”

The chorus, excerpted at the top, is quite catchy, speaking to them continuing to be tethered. Even though it is somewhat quirky, “Love Hangover” is an enjoyable, fun song by JENNIE and Dominic Fike.

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2025

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4. Stephanie Mills, “Never Knew Love Like This Before”

Gold // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2006

“I never knew love like this before / Now I’m lonely never more / Since you came into my life.” Stephanie Mills adds In the first verse of “Never Knew Love Like This Before”, “Once I was lost and now I’m found / Then you turned my world around / When I need I call your name.” Ooh-wee! “Never Knew Love Like This Before” is the seventh track from Mills’ 1980 gold-certified album, Sweet Sensation. The gold-certified track is most readily available on multiple greatest hits compilations, including Gold from 2006. Her highest charting hit, “Never Knew Love Like This Before” peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. It also won the Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song. James Mtume and Reggie Lucas penned and produced the R&B gem.

“Never Knew Love Like This” is sublime in every facet. The musical accompaniment is groovy and lush, characteristic of the R&B of the early 80s. We expect no less with James Mtume involved! The cool yet energetic sounds marvelously fuel Mills’ vocal fire. Mills sings with ease. For much of the song, she sounds as if she never breaks a sweat. Even with a cool, calm, and collected performance, the authenticity, energy, and passion are still piping hot. This person is extra special to Mills, undoubtedly. In the second verse, she asserts, “You are my sunlight, and my rain / And time could never change / What we share forevermore.” Word. The chorus sums up the impenetrable love:

“‘Cause I never knew love like this before

Open my eyes

Cause I never knew love like this before

What a surprise

Cause I never knew love like this before.”

By the outro, Mills ‘lets it rip’ with sickening vocal ad-libs and riffs. “Never Knew Love Like This Before” is a timeless R&B song and the ‘ace-in-the-hole’ in Mills’ catalog.

Appears in :

Stephanie Mills, Never Knew Love Like This Before: Throwback Vibez 193 (2024)

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5. Selena Gomez & benny blanco, “Scared Of Loving You”

I Said I Love You First // SMG Music LLC / Friends Keep Secrets / Interscope // 2025

“Would you take my side? Would you hold my hand? / If they sell a lie, don’t let ‘em send me back.” Selena Gomez and benny blanco released a couple’s album, I Said I Love You First. The sub-two-minute “Scared Of Loving You” marked the first single and 14^th/ final track. “‘Cause I’m not scared of lovin’ you / I’m just scared of losin’ you,” Gomez sings in the chorus, the section to beat. Beyond the chorus, “Scared Of Loving You” thrives off its thoughtful, love-driven lyrics. “When I was young, I would love too fast,” Selena sings in the first verse, concluding, “Hope I don’t repeat my past.” Word. “Scared” benefits from its memorable melody. The production by Blanco alongside FINNEAS is a selling point. Musical sounds include guitars, keyboards, and strings. Also, I cannot neglect to mention the sweet background vocals (Lucy Healey and FINNEAS). Although relatively simple and short, “Scared of Loving You” is pleasant and comes from the heart. Gomez, often criticized for her vocals, sounds great here.

Appears in :

13 More Songs Where YOU Are the Focus (2025)

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6. The Jackson 5, “The Love You Save”

ABC // Motown // 1970

“Stop! Na na na! You’d better save it / Stop, stop, stop, you’d better save it.” Yes sir! Grammy-nominated and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-inducted brother group, The Jackson 5 – Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009), Jackie Jackson (1952 – ), Marlon Jackson (1957 – ), Tito Jackson (1953 – 2024), and Jermaine Jackson (1954 – ) – were one of Motown’s legendary collectives. “The Love You Save”, the opening track from their 1970 album, ABC, is one of their four number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100. The Corporation – Alphonso “Fonce” Mizell, Berry Gordy, Deke Richards, and Freddie Perren – composed and produced The three-minute gem.

“The Love You Save” is an enduring 1970s pop/R&B bop. Musically, the accompaniment is fire. The groove is funky to the nth degree, while the bass line is awesome given its big, robust sound. Michael Jackson, who was only 11 years old, was electrifying in handling most of the lead vocals. His performance is spirited and filled with ample personality. “When we played tag in grade school / You wanted to be it,” Jackson sings innocently, continuing, “But chasing boys was just a fad / You crossed your heart you’d quit.” As fun as the verses are, with rhythmic, tuneful melodies, it is the infectious chorus, also sung by Michael, that is the section to beat:

“Stop! The love you save may be your own

Darling, take it slow

Or someday, you’ll be all alone

You’d better stop! The love you save may be your own

Darling, look both ways before you cross me

You’re headed for a danger zone.”

The Jackson 5 emphasizes not rushing in the four-letter, universal word. “S is for ‘Save it’ / T is for ‘Take it slow’ / O is for ‘Oh, no!’ / P is for ‘Please, please, don’t go!’” In the last line, however, he does want her to stay, even if she’s moving too fast. Ultimately, “The Love You Save” is a surefire classic that never grows old!

Appears in :

The Jackson 5, The Love You Save: Throwback Vibez  28 (2025)

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7. Japanese Breakfast, “Orlando in Love”

For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) // Dead Ocean // 2025

“Orlando in love / Writes 69 cantos / For melancholy brunettes and sad women.” Word. Those are ear-catching lyrics. Furthermore, Michelle Zauner sings them beautifully in “Orlando in Love”. “Orlando in Love” is the promo single and second track from the Japanese Breakfast album, For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women). Notably, Zauner mentions the title of the alternative band’s album in the lyrics. Although the song is relatively brief at two-and-a-half minutes in duration, it is S-W-E-E-T.

It commences with rhythmic guitar accompaniment. Eventually, gorgeous strings enhance the accompaniment. Other colorful instrumental touches enter the mix, making “Orlando” sound even lovelier and more picturesque. Zauner brings this gem to life with awesome vocals, radiant melodies, and poetic songwriting. Another example of lyricism in all its glory: “The breeze carries salt / And sipping milky broth / He casts his gaze toward the sea out the Winnebago.” Classy and enigmatic, “Orlando in Love” is utterly sublime.

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8. Ty Myers, “Drunk Love”

The Select // RECORDS Label, LLC / Columbia // 2025

“All our clothes scattered on the floor / Do not disturb sign posted on the door,” country singer/songwriter Ty Myers sings in the first verse of his self-penned song, “Drunk Love”. He adds, “Cuervo has a way of cloudin’ minds / It wasn’t supposed to go this way.” Uh-oh! Alcohol and matters of the heart make for an intriguing listening experience. What makes “Drunk Love” even more special and impressive is that Myers is still a teenager! He sounds much more mature than 17. “Drunk Love” is the 13^th track from his debut album, The Select. Brandon Hood produced this four-minute gem.

Another reason why it is hard to believe that Ty Myers is so young is the traditional sound of “Drunk Love.” The country instrumentation is standard: rhythmic, acoustic guitars, electric guitar, pedal steel, etc. While the sound is excellent, the ‘star of the show’ is Ty, who delivers authentic, dynamic, and expressive vocals. With his twang and robust tone, you buy what he’s selling. The chorus is the centerpiece:

“I’m tired of drunk love

You can only feel the lust when your body’s numb

Another one leads to keepin’ the lights on

Clothes off, decisions you regret

When the sun comes up

Cause it’s nothin’ to speak of

I’m tired of drunk love.”

Yes, the elephant in the room is how drunk the youngster has been, not to mention the details of his drunk love. Regardless, forget about the age, and embrace the musical excellence and relatability, and “Drunk Love” is nothing short of terrific.

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9. Céline Dion, “Because You Loved Me (Theme from ‘Up Close and Personal’)”

Falling Into You // Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc. // 1996

In 1996, Grammy-winning pop superstar Céline Dion released one of the biggest songs of her career, “Because You Loved Me (Theme from ‘Up Close and Personal’)”. “Because You Loved Me” is the second track from her 1996 diamond-certified album, Falling Into You. It was written by master songwriter Diane Warren. David Foster produced it. “Because” was nominated for four Grammys at the 39^th Annual Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best Song Written Specifically For A Motion Picture Or For Television. Warren won her sole career Grammy (!) for the Best Song Written Specifically For A Motion Picture Or For Television. “Because You Loved Me” spent six weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified double platinum by the RIAA.

So, what makes “Because You Loved Me (Theme from ‘Up Close and Personal’)” so epic? First and foremost, it is the beautiful vocals of Céline Dion. Dion gives an authentic, honest, and sincere vocal performance. She hits some impressive notes and slaughters (positively) the vocal runs.

“For all the love I found in you

I’ll be forever thankful, baby

You’re the one who held me up

Never let me fall

You’re the one who saw me through, through it all.” (verse one)

Dion gets awesome support courtesy of multiple background vocalists. The melodies she brings to life are gorgeous. She’s backed by warm, adult contemporary production. The backdrop is not particularly innovative, but it is characteristic of the late 1990s sound. A tuneful, uplifting chorus is the centerpiece where Dion’s bread is buttered.

“You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn’t speak

You were my eyes when I couldn’t see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach

You gave me faith ‘cause you believed

I’m everything I am

Because you loved me

Ooh, baby.”

Beyond the chorus, there is great musical contrast provided during the bridge section. It separates itself from the verses and chorus. The theme of love remains the same (“Through the lies, you were the truth / My world is a better place because of you”). Ultimately, “Because You Loved Me (Theme from ‘Up Close and Personal’)” is among the crème de la crème of the Céline Dion catalog.

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10. Elliot James Reay, “Boy in Love”

“Boy In Love” // Elliott James Reay LTD / Interscope / EMI // 2024

“I didn’t think I could care, but now I wait by the phone / She got me good, I feel like a boy in love.” Gen-Z British singer/songwriter Elliot James Reay sings about the effects and power of love in “Boy In Love”. All the things he didn’t do as a bachelor, he does now thanks to being taken with her. That includes whistling along to Sam Cooke. After all, “Darling you, send me”. Reay, Annielle Lisiuk, Josh Noble, and Karl Ziegler penned “Boy in Love.” SOAP produced it.

“I used to act like a man, but what did I ever know? / She got me good, I feel like a boy in love.” I love this lyric because far too often, men are overly concerned with masculinity, which can be hella toxic. Here, Reay suggests his girlfriend has ‘softened him up’ which is not a bad thing. The centerpiece of “Boy in Love” is the chorus:

“Mercy please

Suddenly, I’m crawling to her on my knees

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, mercy please

Suddenly, I need her like a harmony

She is the subject of all my desire

Until I found her, I was merely a liar

Oh, she got me good, I feel like a boy in love.”

Beyond the relatable, well-rounded lyrics, Elliot James Reay sings sensationally, bringing the tuneful melodies to life. His voice is distinct, rich, and ‘old-school.’ That’s right, Reay gives off this vintage, retro vibe that separates him from most musicians his age. Likewise, the sound of “Boy In Love”, a sickening song, is retro, hearkening back to the 1960s with its music cues. The timbre of the guitars, from the onset, and the classic, Motown-like groove make this 2024 gem incredibly special.

Appears in :

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11. Elton John, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”

The Lion King // The Walt Disney Company // 1994

“There’s a calm surrender to the rush of day / When the heat of a rolling wind can be turned away.” Those timeless, unforgettable lyrics hail from “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”, one of the truly great songs from the 1990s. Elton John recorded a masterpiece, plain and simple. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” is the 12^th and final track from The Lion King. The film version, penned alongside lyricist Tim Rice, appears as the fifth track. The more sophisticated end title runs a minute longer, featuring a slower, more relaxed tempo. Although the song is associated with The Lion King, one of Disney’s greatest animated films, it is a marvelous, standalone song. “Can” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified platinum by the RIAA in 2018. Impressive. Beyond sales, streams, and chart success, John won his first Academy Award for Best Original Song (beating his other compositions “Circle Of Life” and “Hakuna Matata”), and a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

Everything about “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” feels right. It features a gorgeous, adult contemporary sound. This sound was prevalent in the 1990s. The orchestration is top-notch. John delivers commanding, soulful vocals bringing Rice’s poetic, poignant lyrics to life. “There’s a time for everyone, if they only learn,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “That the twistin’ kaleidoscope moves us all in turn.” John didn’t compose the lyrics, but he penned the marvelous melodies and music. The musical underpinnings, specifically the harmonic progression, are part of the elite musicianship of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” The moment to beat is the chorus, among the most memorable of all time.

“And can you feel the love tonight? (Tonight)

It is where we are

It’s enough for this wide-eyed wanderer

That we got this far

And can you feel the love tonight? (Tonight)

How it’s laid to rest?

It’s enough to make kings and vagabonds

Believe the very best.”

“Can You Feel The Love Tonight” is nothing short of iconic. Elton John has written many hits. This Disney collaboration with Tim Rice is one of his greatest.

Appears in :

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12. Jordan Suaste, “Scary to be Loved”

maybe I already am // Jordan Suaste / Position Music // 2024

“Maybe one day / You’ll spread your / Wings and fly / And break the chains that tie you to the ground.” Living in fear, in a box, can make you feel chained down. It is more liberating to be fearless and take the plunge, as Jordan Suaste sings expressively, with the utmost sincerity in his ballad, “Scary to be loved”. Suaste adds, “You’ll shed your fears and meet me in the clouds.” Matters of the heart can be pesky. They can be even peskier when queer and not heterosexual or heteronormative. Suaste delivers the pitch-perfect ballad about embracing love with “Scary to be loved.” It takes courage, but it’s well worth it. He encourages this anxious, scared being to “let your guard down” and asserts, “I’ll help you get back up.” Notably, secrecy is mentioned in the final verse, which makes me wonder if being uncomfortable with sexuality plays a role. Regardless of what the fear is, in the chorus, the centerpiece, Suaste vows to ‘hold them down.’

“You, you

Let me wrap my arms around you

You, you

Keep you safe, these arms were made for you

You, you

Let me wrap my arms around you.”

Preach, Jordan! “Scary to be loved” is utterly gorgeous. It may indeed be scary to be loved but it is well worth the try.

Appears in :

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13. The Persuaders, “Peace in the Valley of Love”

The Persuaders // Atco // 1973

“(There is peace in the valley of love) / Everything’s alright now / (There is peace) Peace (in the valley of love) / Between me and my baby.” The Persuaders are best known for one of soul’s greatest songs: “Thin Line Between Love and Hate”. However, the New York City-based collective had other gems beyond their top 20, gold-certified single. “Peace in the Valley of Love” (not to be confused with the beloved Thomas A. Dorsey hymn) was another soulful single released by the vocal group that failed to break through on the pop charts. It did, however, impact the R&B (soul) songs chart, just missing the top 20. The single commenced their 1973 album, simply titled The Persuaders. “Peace in the Valley of Love” thrives off gospel vibes, gritty lead vocals, harmonized background vocals, and engaging songwriting (Jackie Members and Robert “Bobby” Poindexter).

Lead vocalist Douglas Scott (nicknamed “Smokey”), knows he must get home! Why? “When my baby’s all alone / I ain’t got time to hang out here talking about,” he sings, continuing, “Who’s running around with who’s old lady / And what foxy chick wanna get next to me.” Scott knows he’s got a good woman, and their love is growing. Hence, he needs to ensure the trajectory continues to be upward and stay out of drama, mess, and trouble. Love has made him, and the rest of The Persuaders changed! Even if folks talk about him, Scott asserts, “When it comes, when it comes to my woman / I don’t do nothing I’m ashamed of / Or afraid to let get out on the street /… Baby, all I know is what’s good for me and you.” Their relationship is S-T-R-O-N-G and nothing is going to come between them. Supported by a mean-sounding backdrop (rhythm section, horns, and strings), The Persuaders impress on the underrated “Peace in the Valley of Love”.

Appears in :

The Persuaders, Peace in the Valley of Love: Throwback Vibez 155 (2024)

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14. Nina Simone, “To Love Somebody”

To Love Somebody // Sony Music Entertainment // 1969

“You don’t know / What it’s like / Baby you don’t know / What it’s like / To love somebody / To love somebody / The way I love you.” The beloved classic “To Love Somebody” was originally recorded by the Bee Gees back in 1967. The trio scored a top 20 hit on Billboard Hot 100. Besides being performed by the Brothers Gibb, it was written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb. In 1969, music visionary Nina Simone covered “To Love Somebody” on her album, also titled, To Love Somebody. While Simone is renowned for her jazz leanings, throughout her illustrious career, she proved herself to be multifaceted and versatile. This dynamic cover of “To Love Somebody” is a prime example of Nina’s top-notch, world-class musicianship.

“What good does it bring / If I ain’t got you, if I ain’t got you?” Nina Simone is backed by a strong musical arrangement (Jimmy Wisner is an arranger and conductor). The groove is soulful, led by athletic, pummeling drums (Charles D. Alias). Beyond the drums, the rhythm section is tight, including a sickening bass line (Gene A. Perla is beastly), guitar (Al Schackman), and bluesy piano (Simone). Also, vibraphone adds color. Additionally, there are lush strings and mean-sounding horns that bite something fierce. With such an epic backdrop, Nina has plenty of fuel for her fire. Of course, Simone is a natural. She’s commanding from the onset with her distinct, nuanced pipes. Had Bee Gees not originally recorded this song, you could swear this was a Nina original. She sells it: “But I’m a woman / Can’t you see what I am / I live and breathe for you.” Oh, snap! Besides her compelling, expressive lead, Simone gets support from powerful female background vocals, singing in their upper register. Ultimately, Simone put in serious work on “To Love Somebody”. This cover is utterly sublime! Note: check out her version of the song, recorded Live in Antibes (1969) that contrasts the studio version .

Appears in :

Nina Simone, To Love Somebody: Covers No. 39 (2024)

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15. Jerry Butler, “Just Because I Really Love You”

The Ice Man Cometh // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1968

“Just because I really love you / I let you treat me bad, let you make me sad.” Love will make you do crazy things or allow yourself to be mistreated. That’s what Jerry Butler (1939 – 2025) asserts in his classic, “Just Because I Really Love You”. “Just Because I Really Love You” is the fifth track from his 1968 album, The Ice Man Cometh. Butler penned “Just Because…” alongside Kenneth Gamble, Mikki Farrow, and Thomas Randolph Bell. Notably, it was produced by the iconic duo Gamble & Huff (Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff). The instrumental arrangement and production are superb: articulated, biting horns, robust bass, sweet rhythm guitar, and glorious keys. As epic as the musical accompaniment is, the ‘star of the show’ is Jerry!

“Oh, little girl, I don’t think you mean / To hurt me the way you do,” Butler sings, adding, “So, I let you take a whole lot of liberties / A man in love should never do.” Word. He questions his decision to give her free reign, singing, “Tell me, isn’t a beautiful illusion / Holding a man in the palm of your little hand?” Food for thought. The lyrics are memorable throughout, brought to life masterfully by Butler. He gives his all from a vocal perspective. There is no shortage of authenticity and personality from the legendary musician. His ad-libs towards the end of the song are among his best, showing just how much he loves this woman. A non-single from The Ice Man Cometh, that doesn’t hold “Just Because I Really Love You” back from being the crème de la crème of the Jerry Butler catalog.

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~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 5 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atco, Atlantic Recording Corporation, Columbia, Dead Ocean, Elliott James Reay LTD, EMI, Friends Keep Secrets, Interscope, Jonas Brothers Recording, Limited Liability Company, Motown, Nice Life Recording Company, RECORDS Label, LLC, Republic, SMG Music LLC, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., The Walt Disney Company, UMG Recordings, Inc.; Gustavo Fring, J Sarkar, Jordan Bergendahl, Ketut Subiyanto, Los Muertos Crew, MC Production, Pavel Danilyuk, RDNE Stock Project, Satumbo 9, Uriel Mont from Pexels; AcatXIo, José Augusto Camargo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 5 | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on April 30, 2025April 30, 2025