Love Will Never Do (Without You)

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"Love Will Never Do (Without You)"
Janet Jackson Love Will Never Do Without You.png
Single by Janet Jackson
from the album Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814
B-side
  • "You Need Me"
  • "The 1814 Megamix"
ReleasedOctober 2, 1990 (1990-10-02)
Recorded1988–1989
StudioFlyte Tyme, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Genre
Length5:50 (Album Version/Video Mix)
4:35 (Single Version/Radio Edit)
LabelA&M
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
  • Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson singles chronology
"Black Cat"
(1990) 		"Love Will Never Do (Without You)"
(1990) 		"State of the World"
(1991)
Music video
"Love Will Never Do (Without You)" on YouTube

"Love Will Never Do (Without You)" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson. Composed by songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it was recorded for the singer's fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). As with all tracks for the album, recording took place at Lewis and Jam's Flyte Tyme Studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The song was released as the seventh commercial single from the album on October 2, 1990, by A&M Records. It topped the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1991, becoming the fifth number one hit of Jackson's career and the fourth number one single from Rhythm Nation 1814. This gave her the distinction of being the only recording artist in the history of the chart to have seven commercial singles from one album peak within the top five positions, surpassing a record held by Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen.[1] She also became the third woman in the chart's history to amass four number one hits from one album, following Paula Abdul and Whitney Houston.[2] Additionally, Jackson became the first artist to achieve Hot 100 number one hits from a single album across three separate calendar years, preceded by "Escapade" and "Black Cat" in 1990 and "Miss You Much" in 1989. The single also peaked with the top five position of the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Dance Club Songs charts, as well as becoming a top 40 hit across several international singles charts. It is certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting sales of 500,000 units in the US alone.

Lyrically, "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" speaks of love conquering all, despite negative perceptions about a tumultuous relationship. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis originally conceived the song as a duet, potentially featuring male vocalists such as their former employer Prince, or former New Edition members Johnny Gill or Ralph Tresvant. Jackson ultimately recorded the song solo, singing alternate verses in different octaves to simulate a duet. Music critics have praised the song as one of the highlights of Rhythm Nation 1814, with reviews focusing on the execution of Jackson's layered vocals and harmonies. Although released as a single in 1990, Pitchfork included it on their list of "The 200 Best Songs of the 1980s."[3]

A music video directed by Herb Ritts and featuring actors Antonio Sabàto Jr. and Djimon Hounsou was produced to promote the single. In contrast to Jackson's typical videography where she is part of a dancing troupe, the cinematography utilizes a minimalist aesthetic, absent of back-up dancers and elaborate choreography. Jackson, Sabàto Jr., and Hounsou appear along a desert landscape, with a visual emphasis on bare skin and physical intimacy. The video is frequently regarded as the first instance in which Jackson takes on a sexually mature persona, setting the tone for her future projects. Critical analysis in film, feminist and queer theory also examine the video's use of the female gaze through which Sabàto Jr. and Hounsou's bodies are given equal focus. It won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video at the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards and appears on the 100 all-time greatest music videos lists produced by MTV, Rolling Stone and VH1. It has been cited as an influence in the videography of other artists such as Britney Spears and Nicole Scherzinger.

Beginning with the Janet World Tour in 1993, Jackson has performed "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" live in each of her concert tours. She also included the song in the setlist for her first Las Vegas regency show, Janet Jackson: Metamorphosis. In 2001, a cover of the song was performed live by Macy Gray in tribute to Jackson as part of the television special MTV Icon, celebrating the singer. Covers have also been recorded by Sally Yeh and Sahara Hotnights. The song appears on two of Jackson's greatest hits compilations, Design of a Decade: 1986–1996 (1995) and Number Ones (2009).

Background and composition[]

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis considered the idea of making this song a duet. According to Fred Bronson's The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits, they thought about possibly getting Prince, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant, or someone else working with them at the time. However, there was no concrete plan. During the recording of the first verse, Jimmy Jam told Jackson, "Sing it low like some guy would sing it." As a result, they kept the idea of her singing the first verse in a low octave but go an octave up on the second verse.[4]

In 1996, the song was remixed by Roger Sanchez. The Single Edit was included on the international release of Jackson's 1995 greatest-hits compilation Design of a Decade: 1986–1996. Although being one of the album's last singles, it was one of the first songs recorded for Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814. The song's background vocals were recorded in late 1988, while Jackson recorded the lead vocals in January 1989. Herb Alpert plays trumpet on the track.[5]

"Love Will Never Do" is written in the key of A♭ major and has a tempo of 103 beats per minute[6] in common time. Jackson's vocals span from F3 to C6 in the song.[7]

Critical reception[]

Andy Healy from Albumism noted that "the slinky bassline" of "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" "seduces with ease as Jackson sings about the desire for a fulfilling love, even one against the odds." He added further, "With a shimmering arrangement beneath her, Jackson delivers one of her finest moments on record. Often characterized as having a whispering vocal, here Jackson sings with strength and confidence and layers the song in lush backing harmonies that glisten with every passing line."[8] Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Here's yet one more sparkling gem from La Jackson's bejeweled "Rhythm Nation 1814" epic. This time, she strikes a sexy swing-funk pose".[9] Music & Media described it as "a suspenseful, sparsely arranged dance-floor track sporting some great vocals and subtle licks."[10]

Music video[]

The video was directed by American photographer Herb Ritts, and choreographed by Ritts, Jackson and Tina Landon on September 13, 1990. Jackson originally planned to wear a dress for the video, but Ritts envisioned Jackson in nothing more than a black top, a pair of jeans, and light brown hair. The video features cameos by actors Antonio Sabàto Jr. and Djimon Hounsou.[11] Ritts commented,

"Because Janet is known for her instinctive talent for dance, as well as being an all around entertainer, Janet and I decided to try something innovative on the video. The video is a departure from her elaborate dance production routines and focuses, instead, on her alone, She is fresh, sensual, womanly and vulnerable as she reveals herself to the camera. We wanted to show this intimate and more personal side of Janet".[12]

The video begins with the shadows of Jackson and a dancer, leading to images of a man running through a desert. As she starts singing the song, accompanied by her love interest, a man doing stunts also appears. As the video advances, a black man is seen running in a large wheel, and also begins lip-synching to the song. He then appears on top of a white half circle. The video ends with Jackson sharing caresses with her lover. Calvin Thomas on his book Masculinity, Psychoanalysis, Straight Queer Theory noted a lightening of Jackson's skin tone and a notable transformation of the shape of her body in the music video.[13] Two versions of the video were produced, one in black-and-white, and the other colorized, both of which appear on the Design of a Decade: 1986–1996 video compilation.

The video won for Best Female Video and was nominated for Best Choreography and Best Art Direction at the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards. It ranked 13 on Rolling Stone's The 100 Top Music Videos, 72 on VH1's 100 Greatest Videos, and 88 on MTV's 100 Greatest Videos Ever Made. Britney Spears was inspired by the video for her "Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know" clip, saying "he did Janet Jackson-remember when she made her comeback?" she says, alluding to Janet's makeover, which was orchestrated by Ritts when he directed her "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" video."[14] American recording artist Nicole Scherzinger revealed that she was inspired by the video for her "Your Love" clip.[15]

Chart performance[]

The song became Jackson's fifth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, and the final of seven top five singles from the album, making her the only artist to achieve seven top five singles from one album. On the Radio & Records Airplay chart the song debuted at #24 on the November 23, 1990 issue, after four weeks it reached #1 staying at the top of the chart for three weeks and staying on the top 10 for seven weeks, the single remained on the chart for twelve weeks.[16] The success of "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" also helped the album to become the first in history to produce number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in three separate calendar years, those being "Miss You Much" in 1989, "Escapade" and "Black Cat" in 1990, and "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" in 1991.

The single was certified Gold by the RIAA, but achieved even greater airplay success, topping the Airplay Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks, becoming the longest-running airplay number one single at the time.[17]

Live performances[]

Jackson has performed the song on most of her tours including the janet. Tour, The Velvet Rope Tour, All for You Tour, Rock Witchu Tour, Number Ones, Up Close and Personal, Unbreakable World Tour, and State of the World Tour. It was included on her 2019 Las Vegas Residency Janet Jackson: Metamorphosis.

Legacy[]

Sally Yeh and Alex To covered the Cantonese version "信自己" (Believe Myself) in 1991 on Sally 14th album. Macy Gray sang the song live as a tribute to Jackson during MTV's MTV Icon special in 2001.[18] The song was recorded by Sahara Hotnights in 2009 on their album Sparks. Manilyn Reynes performed the song on the film, (1991). Carnie Wilson revealed to Billboard that while creating a song for a Trident commercial as a task for The New Celebrity Apprentice it was inspired by this song.[19]

Track listings[]

Official versions/remixes[]

Charts[]

Certifications[]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[56] Gold 707,479[55]

References[]

  1. ^ Caryn Rose (2014-06-04), Bruce Springsteen's 'Born In The U.S.A.' at 30: Classic Track-By-Track Album Review, Billboard, retrieved 2015-07-19
  2. ^ Craig Halstead, Chris Cadman (2003). Jacksons Number Ones. Authors On line. p. 78. ISBN 9780755200986.
  3. ^ "The 200 Best Songs of the 1980s". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  4. ^ The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits, p. 785, at Google Books
  5. ^ "Janet Jackson – Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2014-02-14.
  6. ^ "BPM for 'love will never do' by janet jackson | songbpm.com". songbpm.com. Retrieved 2016-02-29.
  7. ^ Lewis, Terry. "Love Will Never Do". www.musicnotes.com. Retrieved 2016-02-29.
  8. ^ Healy, Andy (2019-09-14). "Janet Jackson's 'Rhythm Nation 1814' Turns 30: Anniversary Retrospective". Albumism. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  9. ^ Flick, Larry (1990-11-17). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 77. Retrieved 2020-10-28.
  10. ^ "Previews: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. 1990-11-17. p. 16. Retrieved 2020-11-03.
  11. ^ Jackson, Janet (2011), True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself, Simon & Schuster, pp. 122, ISBN 978-1-4165-8724-8
  12. ^ Jet 10 dec. 1990, p. 36, at Google Books
  13. ^ Masculinity, Psychoanalysis, Straight Queer Theory, p. 13, at Google Books
  14. ^ "21st Century Girl". Teen People. 2000. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
  15. ^ Corner, Lewis (June 21, 2014). "Nicole Scherzinger interview: 'I've scrapped five whole albums'". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  16. ^ http://wweb.uta.edu/faculty/gghunt/charts/Songruns/J/Janet%20Jackson/love_will_never_do_without_you.htm
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  18. ^ Murphy, Gayl (2001-03-12). "MTV Names Janet Jackson an Icon". ABC News. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
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  20. ^ Janet Jackson - Love Will Never Do (Without You)
  21. ^ Janet Jackson - Love Will Never Do (Without You)
  22. ^ Janet Jackson - Love Will Never Do (Without You)
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  31. ^ Janet Jackson - Love Will Never Do (Without You) ('96 Mixes)
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External links[]

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