Eddie Kendricks – “Tell Her Love Has Felt the Need”: A Soulful Plea for Forgiveness and Reconciliation
In the realm of soul music, Eddie Kendricks stands as a true icon, his voice imbued with a raw emotion that continues to captivate listeners. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “Tell Her Love Has Felt the Need” stands out as a poignant ballad, a heartfelt plea for forgiveness and reconciliation amidst the wreckage of a broken relationship.
Released in 1974 as the title track of his album of the same name, “Tell Her Love Has Felt the Need” marked a turning point in Kendricks’ career, showcasing his songwriting prowess and his ability to deliver emotionally charged performances. The song reached number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 5 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, cementing its place as a soul classic.
The song’s narrative follows a man who has wronged his beloved, seeking her forgiveness and a chance to rekindle their love. His plea is laced with regret and desperation, as he acknowledges his mistakes and vows to change his ways.
Kendricks’ vocals are the heart and soul of the song, his voice soaring with passion and vulnerability as he delivers lines like “I know I’ve been wrong, I’ve done you wrong/But I’ll do anything to get you back where you belong.” His emotive delivery perfectly captures the protagonist’s remorse and longing for reconciliation.
The lyrics, penned by Kendricks himself, are simple yet profound, capturing the essence of love, loss, and the hope for redemption. The song’s title phrase, “Tell her love has felt the need,” serves as a recurring refrain, a poignant expression of the protagonist’s deep-seated desire for his lover’s forgiveness and renewed affection.
The song’s chorus is particularly powerful, with Kendricks’ voice echoing as he sings:
Tell her love has felt the need Tell her love’s been running wild Tell her love has lost its way And needs her sweet smile
“Tell Her Love Has Felt the Need” has become an enduring soul classic, its message of love, loss, and redemption resonating with listeners across generations. Kendricks’ heartfelt performance and the song’s poignant lyrics have cemented its place in the annals of soul music, a testament to the power of music to express the complexities of human emotion.
Video
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by Eddie Kendricks.
- It was released in 1974 as the title track of his album Tell Her Love Has Felt the Need.
- The song reached number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 5 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart.
- “Tell Her Love Has Felt the Need” has been covered by numerous artists, including Luther Vandross, Gerald Levert, and Mary J. Blige.
[…] See More: The Isley Brothers – This Old Heart of Mine […]