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LOVE X LOVE

from GIVE ME THE NIGHT
Written by Rod Temperton

Given his superior talents, David Foster became a fixture on all the Quincy Jones’ productions released between 1978 and 1983. The Hitman co-wrote, arranged and/or played on chart-toppers like Off The Wall and Thriller by the late Michael Jackson (1958-2009), Q’s own The Dude, Patti Austin’s Every Home Should Have One, the late James Ingram’s (1952-2019) debut album It’s Your Night, The Brothers Johnson’s Blam and the late Donna Summer’s (1948-2012) self-titled release.

George Benson’s milestone record, Give Me The Night, was released August 9, 1980. Give Me The Night had Foster’s name in the liner notes. The Canadian Wizard arranged two tracks for that record, “Midnight Love Affair,” written by “Hawk” Wolinski of Rufus and Chaka fame, and the pick for this week, the breezy and irresistible “Love x Love.”

Written by the late, great composer Rod Temperton (1949-2016), “Love x Love” was a gorgeous mid-tempo that was the second single off Give Me The Night after the huge success of the title-track. The personnel on the song included giants like Greg Phillinganes on keyboards, John Robinson on drums plus Jerry Hey on trumpet and horn arrangements. Foster and Hey styled the silky strings while Temperton crafted the spectacular instrumental and vocal tracks. George Benson was in his prime and delivered one masterful performance after another on the entire album. His vocals and guitar dominate Give Me The Night by verging on perfection. The complete creation was one of Jones’ best productions ever. “Love x Love” became a solid top ten hit in the UK and was in the top ten on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles. For some unknown reason, “Love x Love” didn’t perform well on Billboard’s Hot 100 and only reached #61. Its parent album was quickly certified platinum. Give Me The Night was a crossover hit by reaching the top position on the Jazz, Soul and Pop charts.


Listen

 


  • Lead Vocals & Guitar: George Benson
  • Keyboards: Greg Phillinganes
  • Bass: Abraham Laboriel & Louis Johnson
  • Drums: John Robinson
  • Percussion: Paulinho da Costa
  • Trumpet: Jerry Hey
  • Saxophones: Larry Williams & Kim Hutchcroft
  • Background Vocals: Diva Gray, Jim Gilstrap, Jocelyn Allen, Patti Austin & Tom Bahler
  • Strings Arranged by David Foster & Jerry Hey
  • Horns Arranged by Jerry Hey

Lyrics

Remember the days when we never had a dime
And our dreams seemed a million miles away
But we made it baby
Facin’ the bad times with a smile
Here we are and we’re growin’ stronger day by day

Cause we got love times love
It’s always there for us to share
And girl it sure feels good to know
You’re by my side
Cause we’re just two high hearts
That beat as one forever on
With love times love to keep us satisfied every night

So my lady whisper the words I love to hear
Cuddle up and I’ll make you feel all right
Cause I need you baby to carry me on through all the years
So come on baby close the door and dim the lights

Cause we got love times love
It’s always there for us to share
And girl it sure feels good to know
You’re by my side
Cause we’re just two high hearts
That beat as one forever on
With love times love to keep us satisfied every night

And there ain’t no one in this world tonight
Can change my point of view
So come on girl and hold me tight
The way you always do with love times me and you

Cause we got love times love
It’s always there for us to share
And girl it sure feels good to know
You’re by my side
Cause we’re just two high hearts
That beat as one forever on
With love times love to keep us satisfied every night