Introduction:
For those of us who followed the pop and soft rock scene of the late 70s, the opening notes of Dr. Hook’s “Sharing The Night Together” (1978) evoke a sense of pure nostalgia. This infectious tune, nestled comfortably on their album Pleasure and Pain, wasn’t just another catchy song vying for radio airtime. It became an anthem for a generation yearning for connection and intimacy.
Dr. Hook, originally known as Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, was a bit of a musical oddity. Formed in New Jersey in the early 70s, they defied easy categorization. Their sound blended elements of bluesy rock, boogie woogie, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor. Fronted by the charismatic vocalist Dennis Locorriere, their music often explored themes of love, loss, and the lighter side of life’s challenges.
“Sharing The Night Together” was a departure from their earlier, more boisterous sound. Written by Ava Aldridge and Eddie Struzick, the song leaned decidedly towards soft rock, with a gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics. The production, overseen by Ron Haffkine, was tasteful and restrained, allowing the emotional core of the song to shine through.
Locorriere’s voice, a smooth tenor with a touch of rasp, perfectly complements the song’s message. The lyrics are a simple yet powerful declaration of devotion. The narrator isn’t interested in grand gestures or extravagant promises. His desire is for something more profound – to share the night, to connect on a deeper level with the one he loves. The repeated refrain, “Sharing the night together, yeah, that’s the way it ought to be” is a plea for intimacy, a desire for emotional connection that transcends the physical.
“Sharing The Night Together” wasn’t an instant smash hit. However, it steadily climbed the charts, eventually reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978. More importantly, it resonated with listeners. It became a staple on slow dance floors, a song for whispered secrets and stolen glances. It captured the yearning for closeness that often accompanies young love, a sentiment that transcends generations.
The song’s success propelled Dr. Hook into the mainstream. It cemented their place as a band capable of crafting not just party anthems, but songs that touched the heart. “Sharing The Night Together” remains a cherished classic, a testament to the enduring power of a simple melody and heartfelt lyrics. It’s a song that reminds us of the importance of emotional connection, the magic that unfolds when we share a special night with someone we love.