About The Song
Background
Released in 1969 as part of the album Home Cookin’, “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” quickly became one of Junior Walker & The All Stars’ most successful singles. The song was penned by a trio of talented songwriters: Johnny Bristol, Harvey Fuqua, and Vernon Bullock. This power trio was known for crafting soulful and infectious tunes that captured the essence of the Motown era.
Junior Walker, a skilled saxophonist, was a prominent figure in the soul and R&B scene. His distinctive saxophone style, combined with the energetic backing of The All Stars, made him a beloved figure among music fans.
Musical Style
“What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” is a classic example of the Motown sound, blending elements of soul, R&B, and funk. The song features a driving rhythm section, punctuated by Walker’s soulful saxophone solos that serve as the centerpiece of the arrangement. The backing vocals add a layer of harmony, creating a rich and textured sound.
The song’s arrangement is characterized by its upbeat tempo and infectious groove, making it a perfect choice for dance floors. The combination of Walker’s expressive vocals and the band’s tight musicianship results in a truly memorable performance.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” explore the universal theme of longing for love and the challenges of romantic relationships. Walker’s vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and desperation as he pleads with his lover to reciprocate his feelings. The lyrics are straightforward and relatable, making the song resonate with listeners on a personal level.
Cultural Impact
Upon its release, “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” quickly climbed the charts, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a number-one hit on the R&B chart. The song’s popularity helped to solidify Junior Walker & The All Stars’ status as one of the leading acts in the Motown era.
The song’s enduring appeal is evident in its continued presence in popular culture. It has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it remains a staple of classic soul radio stations. “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” is considered a timeless classic that has influenced generations of musicians.
Conclusion
“What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” is a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting and musicianship. Junior Walker & The All Stars’ infectious performance, combined with the song’s relatable lyrics, has made it a beloved classic. The song’s impact on popular culture is undeniable, and it continues to be celebrated by music fans around the world.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Chorus]
What does it take (What does it take)
To win your love for me? (To win your love for me)
How can I make (How can I make)
This dream come true for me? (Come true for me)
[Verse 1]
Woah, I just got to know (Have to know)
Ooh, baby, ’cause I love you so
Gonna blow for you
[Instrumental Break]
[Chorus]
I tried, I tried, I tried, I tried
In every way I could (Any way I could)
To make you see how much I love you (See how much I love you)
Woo, I thought you understood (Thought you understood)
[Verse 2]
So, you gotta make me see (Make me see)
What does it take to win your love for me?
Gonna blow again for you
[Outro]
(What does it take to win your love for me?)
(What does it take to win your love for me?)
(What does it take to win your love for me?)
(What does it take to win your love for me?)