The Miracles' frontman Smokey Robinson wrote "More Love" (1967) for his wife and fellow bandmate, Claudette, who had joined the band in 1958. Quite simply, they'd had a tough time trying to start a family and maintain a marriage while also keeping up their hectic touring schedule. The rigors of being on the road took a huge toll on Claudette's health, leading to a series of eight miscarriages and a set of twins who were stillborn. As a result, Claudette retired from the road in 1964, even though she continued to record with the band.
Ultimately, Claudette confided to Smokey that she felt she had let him down with each miscarriage. He replied with the song "More Love," which expressed that he would love her forever, no matter what:
More love, and more joy
Than age or time could ever destroy
My love will be so sound
It would take about a hundred lifetimes
To live it down, wear it down, tear it down...
It's not only a classic Motown recording, but one of the best, most sincere love songs ever recorded.
One thing I do want to point out is the production on this track. It was a rare instance of The Miracles recording without the help of Motown's house backing band, The Funk Brothers. In fact, the music track was recorded with session musicians in Los Angeles, which is where Motown would relocate in 1972.
Although subtle, the feel of the track is different from the group's Detroit sessions from around that same time. For example, take a listen to "I Second That Emotion," also from 1967, but cut with The Funk Brothers at Hitsville USA. The groove is just a little more in-your-face, with the snare drums and bass pushed way up in the mix. By comparison, "More Love" is more orchestral with hints of West Coast jazz and Southern California sunshine. I usually prefer the rawer Detroit sound; however, the lush LA feel works exceptionally well for this timeless song.
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