FEATURE:
Groovelines
Joan Armatrading - Love and Affection
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I was keen to include…
PHOTO CREDIT: Joel Anderson
Joan Armatrading’s Love and Affection in this Groovelines as its author turns seventy-five on 9th December. Appearing on her 1976 eponymous album, I think that this is the song that people associate with Armatrading above all others. The iconic and legendary songwriter has written more than her fair share of timeless songs. However, there is something especially stirring and important about Love and Affection. One of the all-time great songs, in honour of the upcoming seventy-fifth birthday of Joan Armatrading, I want to spend some time with her masterpiece from 1976. There are a couple of interviews/features I want to introduce. However, last year, The Guardian spoke with Joan Armatrading and took questions from their readers. A couple related to Love and Affection:
“What are your memories of your legendary performances on the BBC’s Old Grey Whistle Test? VerulamiumParkRanger
I remember being very nervous – I’m always nervous! – and it would have been one of the first times people would have seen me playing on television. Before that, John Peel would play me and he would come to the sessions, so people had an inkling of me, but you wonder: “What will people think?” I remember meeting [presenter] Bob Harris – his big smiley face hasn’t changed. I introduced Love and Affection by saying “Track four, album three, side one, Joan Armatrading”, because I tend to do stuff like that.
How did Lester Freamon from The Wire (actor Clarke Peters) come to sing the deep baritone vocals on Love and Affection? GaryDonner
His name was Pete Clarke then but he had to change it because in [actors’ union] Equity there was another Pete Clarke. We were both in [rock musical] Hair so I knew him, and when I wrote Love and Affection I wanted a bass voice. Pete wasn’t a session singer but not many people can sing that low, so he also did the bass voice on another song of mine, Opportunity”.
There may be some overlap in terms of information and details about the song. However, I wanted to bring in this PRS for Music interview from back in 2011. Joan Armatrading discussing the recording of and legacy of Love and Affection. A song that I know she has performed a lot live, it has been covered by other artists. Reaching ten on the U.K. chart, this song has been covered by, among others, Sheena Easton, Sly Stone and Martha Davis, Courtney Pine, and Kele le Roc:
“Love and Affection was Joan Armatrading’s first chart success. Released in 1976, it reached number 10 in the UK charts and has since been covered by Sheena Easton, Sly Stone and Martha Davis, Courtney Pine and Kele le Roc.
M spoke to the Ivor and Gold Badge award winner to find out how she wrote her most enduring ballad.
M: Do you remember where and when the song came to you?
Well, it came out in 1976, and I wrote it in 1975. Such a long time ago!
M: What first triggered you to write the song?
So far I’ve never told anyone, but it’s obvious in terms of its opening line, ‘I’m not in love, but I’m open to persuasion’. It’s really a song about love and friendship and about not being fickle. There’s a line in there that says, ‘I’ve got all the friends that I want, I may need more, but I’ll stick to the ones I’ve got’. Sometimes people get caught up thinking that having lots of friends means they’ve got lots of acquaintances, instead of just a handful of people that they are close to. It’s pretty important and special to have close friends, because you know if anything happens, or you are really down on your luck, there are people there to help you. That’s really what the song is about.
M: Was it a lyric, melody or something else that first popped into your head?
It’s actually two songs that I put together. I can’t remember exactly what started it all off because I don’t have a definite way of writing. I don’t write words first, or music first. Sometimes a verse will trigger me off, sometimes it's music and words together. Sometimes everything comes from a guitar I’ve picked up, and sometimes I go to the piano. Love and Affection came from my 12-string guitar. It started and ended with that guitar, it didn’t migrate onto anything else.
How did you develop the song from those two original ideas?
There is one part of Love and Affection that is the dominant bit, but I used a part from another song near the end. If you have something like that and you put things together, you really don’t want to be thinking in terms of two separate songs or it won’t work. For me, it had to quickly become one song. I don’t even remember how much of the second song went now.
M: When and where did you first record it?
I recorded it at Olympic Studios in London. I wrote it in 1975, and when I was touring that year I sang it on stage. I had it all worked out before I recorded it. I had all the parts ready, and knew what I wanted. Glyn Johns was the producer, but even when I have a producer I’m very much involved with what’s going on with the song. I write in a range. I think about what’s going to be in the song and tend to think about the whole of it as opposed to parts.
M: So did you record it all at home first?
Absolutely. I’ve always had a tape recorder at home. I started out with just a cassette, then I got a two-track, followed by a four-track, eight-track, 16-track. Right from the beginning I’ve always demo-ed everything myself and played everything myself. So with Love and Affection it was a case of layering stuff up at home. For my last four albums I’ve recorded and played everything myself; it’s just an extension of what I’ve always done. But instead of doing it on analogue tape I do it on a computer now, with Logic.
M: The song is still really popular today. Why do you think it has resonated with so many people?
Whatever answer I give won’t be the right one! I suppose you have to go and ask all those people what it is. They’ll all come up with something different, but one thing I think they might have in common is a connection to the opening line. People can relate to that. It’s such an opener for people to think about their own situation. If they are in love, at some point they weren’t in love. That can strike a chord. Then I think they like that big voice that comes in and they like the 12-string guitar. It’s got a few things going for it that really work with people”.
Let’s wrap up with Capitol FM and their feature around Love and Affection. This is a song that captivated the world. I hear it played frequently and widely to this day. A song that it is impossible not to be spellbound by, her eponymous album of 1976 is also a masterpiece. One of the greats. Go and listen to if you have not done so before:
“In 1976, Joan Armatrading released one of her most iconic songs, “Love and Affection.” This track, which became a hit worldwide, showcased her unique talent and cemented her place in music history.
Joan Armatrading’s “Love and Affection” remains a timeless global hit with universal appeal.
To understand the success of “Love and Affection,” it’s essential to delve into the song’s composition, its performance on global charts, and Joan Armatrading’s illustrious career before and after its release.
Composition of “Love and Affection”
“Love and Affection” is a soulful ballad that stands out for its heartfelt lyrics, rich melody, and Armatrading’s distinctive vocal delivery.
The song features a blend of folk, jazz, and pop elements, making it a timeless piece that resonates with listeners across generations.
The composition is characterized by its gentle acoustic guitar intro, smooth saxophone solos, and a powerful yet tender vocal performance by Armatrading. The lyrics speak to the complexities of love and the yearning for emotional connection, themes that are universally relatable.
Success in the UK
Upon its release, “Love and Affection” quickly climbed the UK charts, peaking at number 10. This success marked a significant milestone in Armatrading’s career, as it was her first top 10 hit in the UK.
The song’s popularity was bolstered by frequent radio play and television appearances, which helped introduce Armatrading’s music to a broader audience.
The track’s success in the UK was a testament to its wide appeal and the emotional depth of Armatrading’s songwriting.
Impact in the US and Europe
While “Love and Affection” did not achieve the same level of commercial success in the US as it did in the UK, it still managed to capture the attention of American audiences.
The song received considerable airplay on adult contemporary and soft rock radio stations, allowing Armatrading to build a dedicated fan base in the United States.
In Europe, the track was particularly well-received in countries like Germany and the Netherlands, where Armatrading’s blend of musical styles resonated with diverse audiences.
Reception in Asia and Australia
In Asia, “Love and Affection” garnered a niche following, especially in Japan, where Armatrading’s music was appreciated for its lyrical depth and unique sound.
The song also found success in Australia, where it was played on various radio stations, ranging from pop to adult contemporary formats.
The track’s universal themes and Armatrading’s soulful delivery helped it transcend cultural barriers and find an audience in these regions.
Joan Armatrading’s Career Before and After “Love and Affection”
Before the release of “Love and Affection,” Joan Armatrading had already established herself as a talented singer-songwriter with a distinctive voice.
Born in 1950 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts, and raised in Birmingham, England, Armatrading began her musical journey in the early 1970s. Her debut album, “Whatever’s for Us,” released in 1972, showcased her unique blend of folk, jazz, and pop influences.
However, it was her self-titled third album, released in 1976, that featured “Love and Affection” and catapulted her to international fame.
Following the success of “Love and Affection,” Armatrading continued to produce critically acclaimed albums throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. Tracks like “Willow,” “Drop the Pilot,” and “Me Myself I” further solidified her reputation as a versatile and emotive songwriter.
Armatrading’s ability to convey deep emotions through her music earned her a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.
In the decades that followed, Armatrading’s career continued to flourish. She experimented with different musical styles, from rock and blues to jazz and classical, showcasing her versatility and enduring talent.
Her extensive discography and continued relevance in the music industry have made her a respected figure and a trailblazer for female singer-songwriters.
Radio Play and Enduring Appeal
“Love and Affection” remains a staple on various radio formats, including adult contemporary, soft rock, and oldies stations. Its timeless quality and emotional resonance ensure that it continues to be played and appreciated by new generations of listeners. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its beautiful composition, relatable lyrics, and Armatrading’s powerful vocal performance.
In concerts, “Love and Affection” often serves as a highlight, drawing enthusiastic responses from audiences.
Joan Armatrading’s live performances of the song are noted for their emotional intensity and connection with the audience, further cementing the track’s status as a classic”.
I shall end here. Because the phenomenal Joan Armatrading turns seventy-five on 9th December, it provided this opportunity to explore her most popular and played song. Her twenty-first studio album, How Did This Happen and What Does It Now Mean, was released last year. There is no sign of Armatrading slowly any time soon! Just as well, as she is one of our all-time greatest songwriters. A single from her 1976 eponymous album, it has been great spotlighting…
THE extraordinary Love and Affection.