The Love You Save

The Love You Save is a song by The Jackson 5, written and produced by The Corporation, a team composed of Berry Gordy, Alphonzo Mizell, Deke Richards, and Freddie Perren. The song was recorded at Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit, Michigan, with The Funk Brothers providing instrumentation, including James Jamerson on bass guitar and Benny Benjamin on drums. The song features lead vocals by Michael Jackson and Jermaine Jackson, with backing vocals by Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson, and Marlon Jackson.

Background

The song was part of a string of successful singles by The Jackson 5, following I Want You Back and ABC, and preceding Mama's Pearl and Never Can Say Goodbye. The group's success was managed by Berry Gordy and Motown Records, with Suzanne de Passe and Frankie Crocker playing important roles in their career. The Jackson 5 were also influenced by other Motown artists, such as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Supremes, and The Temptations, and were often compared to other popular groups of the time, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Composition

The song's composition is credited to The Corporation, a team of songwriters and producers at Motown Records that included Berry Gordy, Alphonzo Mizell, Deke Richards, and Freddie Perren. The song features a catchy melody and lyrics that focus on the theme of saving one's love for the right person, with Michael Jackson and Jermaine Jackson sharing lead vocal duties. The song's arrangement was influenced by the work of other Motown producers, such as Norman Whitfield and William Stevenson, and features a distinctive bass line and drum pattern.

Release and Reception

The song was released as a single on May 16, 1970, and was a major commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for two weeks. The song was also a hit on the Billboard R&B chart, reaching number one and staying on the chart for 12 weeks. The song received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the group's vocal performance and the song's catchy melody and lyrics. The song was also praised by other artists, including Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Paul McCartney, who have all cited The Jackson 5 as an influence.

Chart Performance

The song's chart performance was impressive, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for two weeks. The song also reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart and stayed on the chart for 12 weeks. The song was a hit internationally, reaching the top 10 in countries such as Canada, Australia, and United Kingdom. The song's success helped establish The Jackson 5 as one of the biggest pop acts of the early 1970s, alongside other groups such as The Osmonds and The Partridge Family.

Cultural Impact

The song's cultural impact was significant, helping to establish The Jackson 5 as one of the most popular and influential musical acts of the 1970s. The song's success also helped to launch the career of Michael Jackson, who would go on to become one of the most successful and influential musicians of all time, with hits like Thriller and Billie Jean. The song has been covered by numerous other artists, including Diana Ross, The Temptations, and Boyz II Men, and has been featured in various films and television shows, including The Simpsons and Family Guy. The song's influence can also be heard in the music of other artists, such as Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Chris Brown.

Category:1970 singles