Recorded - August 13, 1964
Released - September 17, 1964
#1 for weeks of October 31 and November 7, 14, and 21, 1964.
If you remember when I reviewed The Supremes first number one hit, "Where Did Our Love Go", I said that one other song of their's from this year manages to be even better. Well, this is that song: "Baby Love", written by the exact same guys (Holland-Dozier-Holland), and even containing many similar stylistic elements to "Where Did Our Love Go", but "Baby Love" is oh so much better. Why? I'll tell you -
First of all, one posthumous nitpick I can give to "Where Did Our Love Go" is that aside from the handclap rhythm and the "Baby Baby's", the rest of the song isn't as exciting musically or lyrically. This all changes in "Baby Love". There is some sparkling piano that underscores the familiar handclap rhythm. There is even a nice saxophone solo that happens in the middle, thus adding an almost rock and roll feel to the song.
Lyrically the song may be a bit sugary but in this case, I'm all for a sugar rush. With a music melody like the one contained in the vocals, It's hard not to at least find this song a little catchy. Plus, unlike their first #1 hit, "Baby Love" has a solid vocal melody throughout the entire song. Even the backing vocals sound a bit more energized than before.
All in all, "Baby Love" is proof that sometimes the smallest additional touches make a big difference to a song and artist's sound. While The Supremes will no doubt pop up on this list quite frequently, it is this song that remains one of my early favorites of theirs.
Final Verdict - "Baby Love" is pure pop, maybe even a bit bubblegummy, but it's performed and sung so virtuously that everyone from the casual pop fan to a music snob can appreciate it.
Coming Up Next - "Leader Of The Pack" by The Shangri-Las.
Until Next Time - Supremely yours, I'm Dr. Rock -
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