Background
“Love Is What We Make It” is a country-pop song recorded by American singer Kenny Rogers. It was released in June 1985 as the first single from his album The Heart of the Matter. The song was written by David Foster, Paul Gordon, and Jeremy Lubbock. Foster, known for his work with numerous pop and rock artists, brought a more polished, adult contemporary sound to the track, a slight departure from Rogers’ more traditional country roots. The song’s production was lush, featuring prominent keyboards, synthesizers, and a driving drum beat. It was recorded at Foster’s own studio, known for its state-of-the-art equipment and meticulous attention to detail. This recording environment, coupled with Foster’s production expertise, contributed significantly to the song’s overall polished and sophisticated sound.
Musical Style
“Love Is What We Make It” exemplifies the country-pop crossover sound that was prevalent in the 1980s. While Rogers’ vocals retained their characteristic country warmth and storytelling quality, the instrumentation and production leaned heavily towards pop sensibilities. The prominent use of synthesizers, electric guitars, and a driving drum beat created a more contemporary feel compared to traditional country music. The song’s melody is catchy and memorable, featuring a strong hook that is easy to sing along to. The song’s structure is verse-chorus based, with a bridge that provides a slight change of pace before returning to the chorus. The overall arrangement is dynamic and builds in intensity towards the end, culminating in a powerful vocal performance by Rogers. The sophisticated production techniques, including the use of layered vocals and reverb, added depth and richness to the sound, further enhancing its pop appeal. The blend of Rogers’ country vocals with the pop-oriented instrumentation and production resulted in a commercially successful formula that appealed to a broad audience.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Love Is What We Make It” explore the theme of commitment and the active role individuals play in shaping their romantic relationships. The song emphasizes that love is not a passive emotion but requires effort, understanding, and continuous nurturing to thrive. Lines like “Love is a promise whispered in the dark, a silent prayer that’s offered from the heart” highlight the intimate and deeply personal nature of love. The lyrics also acknowledge the challenges that relationships face, with lines such as “Love is a fragile thing, handle it with care, once it’s broken, it may never repair.” This suggests that love is not always easy and requires careful attention and dedication to maintain. The chorus, “Love is what we make it, it can be heaven or hell, it’s up to you and me, babe, to rise above and do it well,” reinforces the central message that the success of a relationship depends on the choices and actions of both partners. The song’s message resonates with listeners because it speaks to the universal human experience of love and relationships. Its themes of commitment, responsibility, and the importance of working together to build a strong and lasting love are timeless and relatable across cultures and generations. The straightforward and honest language used in the lyrics contributes to the song’s emotional impact, making it easily understood and appreciated by a wide audience.
Cultural Impact
“Love Is What We Make It” became one of Kenny Rogers’ signature songs and a major hit in the mid-1980s. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and crossed over to the pop charts, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. This crossover success further solidified Rogers’ status as a major force in both country and pop music. The song’s popularity was fueled by its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and Rogers’ charismatic vocal performance. It received significant airplay on both country and pop radio stations, exposing it to a vast audience. The song’s message of commitment and the importance of working at love resonated with listeners of various backgrounds and ages. Its popularity extended beyond the United States, with the song charting in several countries internationally. “Love Is What We Make It” became a staple in Rogers’ live performances and was often included in his concert setlists. It has endured as one of his most beloved and recognizable songs, solidifying its place in popular culture. The song has been covered by other artists and has been featured in various media, including television shows and films, further cementing its cultural impact.
The song’s enduring popularity also led to its use in various forms of media, further solidifying its place in popular culture. It was featured in television shows and films, often used in scenes depicting romantic relationships or moments of emotional significance. Its inclusion in these media platforms exposed the song to new generations of audiences, contributing to its lasting legacy. Additionally, “Love Is What We Make It” became a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions, its message of commitment and enduring love resonating with couples embarking on their own journeys together. The song’s broad appeal and timeless message have ensured its continued relevance and popularity for decades.
Conclusion
“Love Is What We Make It” stands as a testament to Kenny Rogers’ ability to deliver heartfelt and commercially successful music that transcends genre boundaries. Its blend of country and pop elements, coupled with its powerful message about love and commitment, resonated with a wide audience, making it one of the defining songs of Rogers’ career. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its timeless themes and its ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level. It remains a beloved classic that continues to be enjoyed by fans of country music, pop music, and Kenny Rogers himself. The song’s impact extends beyond its commercial success, as its message of taking responsibility for the success of a relationship continues to inspire and resonate with listeners today. “Love Is What We Make It” serves as a reminder that love is a journey, not a destination, and that building a strong and lasting relationship requires continuous effort, understanding, and commitment from both partners. It remains a powerful and enduring testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of nurturing relationships.
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