"I Want Your Love" is a song by American band Chic from their second studio album C'est Chic (1978). Featuring a solo lead vocal by Alfa Anderson, the song became a very successful follow-up to their hit single "Le Freak". According to Kathy Sledge, the song was originally slated to be recorded by Sister Sledge; their background vocals were kept on the final track. Sister Sledge ended up recording "He's the Greatest Dancer", which was supposed to be recorded by Chic. In the United States, "I Want Your Love" reached number one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in November 1978 and number five on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in April 1979. It also peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1979 and remained on the chart for 19 weeks. In the United Kingdom, it reached number four on the UK Singles chart (the highest position of any Chic singles) and spent 11 weeks on the chart. In 2015 the song was performed in a new version by Lady Gaga, for a fashion campaign by Tom Ford.

Critical reception

"[The song] swirls around a tricky horn-and-strings riff that builds and builds until the track practically levitates", Rolling Stone wrote. AllMusic's Jason Birchmeier called the song a "timeless floor-filler" and a "dancefloor anthem." Amy Hanson of AllMusic described it as a "sonic masterpiece" that is often better than "Le Freak," dominated by a four note riff and a repeated "slightly melancholy refrain" of "I want your love, I need your love." Billboard rated the song as a strong follow-up to "Le Freak" with a "catchy, rhythmic hook." Cash Box said it has "funky rhythm guitar work, a sophisticated arrangement of horns, strings, piano and tubular bells, rippling bass work and excellent female vocals." Record World said it was "more laid back [than 'Le Freak'] without compromising [Chic's] distinctive sound."

Track listing and formats

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications and sales

Jody Watley version

Singer/musician Jody Watley recorded "I Want Your Love" as part of her 2006 album The Makeover. Watley's version was released as a single in 2007 and reached number 1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for the week of June 16, 2007. The Watley cover was produced by DJ Spinna and featured Nile Rodgers on guitar. Bernard Edwards, Chic's co-founder (and co-writer of "I Want Your Love"), had previously produced a massive hit for Watley in the form of her 1987 single "Don't You Want Me".

Track listings

Charts

Weekly charts