The Love I Lost


"The Love I Lost" is a song by American R&B group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. Originally written as a ballad by Philly soul songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the song was transformed into a disco song and features drummer Earl Young. It was released from the Black & Blue album in late 1973. Selling more than a million copies, it peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart. It also reached number 21 in the United Kingdom in early 1974.
In the 21st century, the track has been the subject of extended re-edits by notable remixers Tom Moulton and Dimitri From Paris. A reimagining by R&B singer Sybil, credited as "West End featuring Sybil", was released in 1993, reaching number 18 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and number three in the United Kingdom.

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West End featuring Sybil version

In 1993 American R&B and pop singer–songwriter Sybil released a cover of "The Love I Lost" with West End. It was produced by Mike Stock and Pete Waterman. The cover reached number 3 in the United Kingdom, number 9 in Ireland and number 18 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Additionally "The Love I Lost" was also a Top 20 hit in Finland and the Netherlands. And it reached number 9 on the Eurochart Hot 100 in October 1993.

Critical reception

Billboard wrote, "While urban-ites continue to chew on the sweet "You're The Love Of My Life", popsters are served a sparkling pop/NRG rendition of a Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes classic. This timeless tune gains its current top 40 muscle by Sybil's lively and soulful vocal, and the distinct hand of producers Stock & Waterman. A top-five U.K. smash that should have little trouble making the grade here." AllMusic editor Justin Kantor described the song as a "vibrant, disco-styled cover" and noted further that Sybil's "high-energy delivery is soulful, spirited, and commanding".

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts