SoulTracks Looks Back: George Benson added it up on “Love x Love”

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    Was there anyone hotter with adult soul fans in the late 70s and early 80s that guitarist and vocalist George Benson? Beginning with his 1976 cover of Leon Russell’s “This Masquerade,” Bad Benson ran off a string of hits that crossed generational boundaries and made him the kind of star with soul audiences that he had already achieved in the jazz world.

    Benson’s Imperial Period peaked in 1981 with his collaboration with producer Quincy Jones and the now classic album, “Give Me The Night.” And while most fans remember that album for its hit title cut, it is chock full of other winners, including our latest SoulTracks Lost Gem.

    Was there anyone hotter with adult soul fans in the late 70s and early 80s that guitarist and vocalist George Benson? Beginning with his 1976 cover of Leon Russell’s “This Masquerade,” Bad Benson ran off a string of hits that crossed generational boundaries and made him the kind of star with soul audiences that he had already achieved in the jazz world.

    Benson’s Imperial Period peaked in 1981 with his collaboration with producer Quincy Jones and the now classic album, “Give Me The Night.” And while most fans remember that album for its hit title cut, it is chock full of other winners, including our latest SoulTracks Lost Gem.

    “Love x Love” was written by legendary songwriter Rod Temperton (Heatwave, Michael Jackson), and opens with signature Benson guitar solo. With a steady disco beat, the song tells the story of a couple that has survived the bad times and have come out of it with their love multiplied into something truly special. The song is danceable, but never breaks a sweat, and Benson is as cool as ever as he serenades his woman.

    “Love x Love” sounds as good now as it did back then. Check it out below and tell us what you think.

    By Chris Rizik