Introduction:
Love Is All, a song that cemented Engelbert Humperdinck’s status as a romantic ballad icon, was released in 1973. The song falls under the genre of Easy Listening, a smooth and sophisticated style of pop music that dominated the airwaves in the 1960s and 1970s. Easy Listening music prioritized soft vocals, mellow instrumentation, and often conveyed themes of love and sentimentality – all of which are hallmarks of Love Is All.
While Engelbert Humperdinck delivered the unforgettable vocals that propelled Love Is All to success, the songwriting team behind the ballad deserves recognition. Les Reed and Barry Mason crafted the song’s melody and lyrics, weaving a tapestry of romantic devotion.
Love Is All was not composed by Humperdinck himself, and unlike some of his previous hits, it wasn’t produced by his longtime collaborator Tony Hatch. Instead, Roy Clark, an established country music artist and record producer, took the helm for Love Is All. Clark’s background in country music may seem like an odd fit for a quintessential Easy Listening ballad, but his production choices undoubtedly contributed to the song’s widespread appeal.
Love Is All became a breakout hit for Engelbert Humperdinck. The song topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, a clear indication of its resonance with listeners who favored the smooth sounds of Easy Listening. Love Is All also achieved significant mainstream success, reaching number two on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart. This dual-chart dominance solidified Humperdinck’s place as a popular singer and brought Love Is All to a wider audience.
The song’s impact extended beyond the United States. Love Is All climbed the charts in numerous countries around the world, showcasing its universal themes and Humperdinck’s global appeal.
Even today, Love Is All endures as a beloved classic. Its timeless melody and message of love continue to resonate with listeners, and Engelbert Humperdinck’s powerful vocals remain unforgettable. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring power of Easy Listening and the enduring magic that Humperdinck brought to the genre.
Video:
Lyrics:
Yesterday, I knew the games to playI thought I knew the way life was meant to beBut now there’s you, my foolish games are throughNow at last I have found just what makesThis whole world turn around
Love is all I have to giveLove is all as long as I shall liveSo take it all and I’ll always be thereWhen you call my nameI know, know that love is all
Every night I longed to hold you tightUntil the morning light shines in your eyesSo love me now, we’ll get along some howWon’t you please take my hand?And together, forever we’ll stay
Love is all I have to giveLove is all as long as I shall liveSo take it all and I’ll always be thereWhen you call my nameI know, know that love is all