Commodores-Only You 11:3:25 4.55 PM

Photo: Carl Lender
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Story by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

Hello, Today's topic on Q Memors, "Only You".

In today's music news, we're spotlighting the R&B band Commodores and their heartfelt song "Only You." This track is part of their album "Commodores 13," released in 1983 by Motown Records. It managed to climb to No. 8 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and reached No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

"Only You" was significant as it marked the first single released after the band's famous member Lionel Richie had departed the group the year before. When I heard it, I listened for Lionel Richie. But there was another guy singing in the group. I recorded the song from radio still thinking of Lionel Richie. Back then, now that I think about it, I must of really liked the sound of the song, and now, I see how beautiful it really is.

As time passed, I have come to appreciate the beauty of this love song, which was penned by band member Milan Williams. Interestingly, radio programmers at the time were skeptical about the band's future without Richie. They felt that this track was an attempt to replicate the romantic ballads that Richie had made popular while with the band. This led to limited airplay and promotion for "Only You" as Motown tested the waters regarding the band's marketability.

Despite the challenges, the Commodores would go on to have just one more significant hit before they moved on to a different record label. Music evolves and artists can still shine, even in the face of change.

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