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| format =
| format =
| recorded = 2016
| recorded = 2016
| studio = [[Jungle City Studios|Jungle City]] (New York City)
| studio = * No Excuses (Santa Monica)
* [[Jungle City Studios|Jungle City]] (Manhattan)
| venue =
| venue =
| genre = * [[Pop rap]]
| genre = * [[Pop rap]]
* [[New-age music|new-age]]
* [[New-age music|new-age]]<!-- Sourced in "Composition" -->
| length = {{Duration|m=3|s=33}}
| length = {{Duration|m=3|s=33}}
| label = * [[Top Dawg Entertainment|Top Dawg]]
| label = * [[Top Dawg Entertainment|Top Dawg]]
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}}
}}


"'''Love'''" (stylized as "'''LOVE.'''") is a song by American rapper [[Kendrick Lamar]] featuring American singer [[Zacari]]. Taken from Lamar's fourth studio album ''[[Damn (Kendrick Lamar album)|Damn]]'' (2017), it was sent to [[rhythmic contemporary]] radio stations as the third and final single from the album on October 2, 2017. Lamar and Zacari wrote the song with its producers [[Teddy Walton]], [[Sounwave]], [[Greg Kurstin]], and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith. A [[pop rap]] and [[New-age music|new-age]] [[Sentimental ballad|ballad]], "Love" features delicate [[Synthesizer|synthesizers]] and thundering [[Trap music|trap]] [[Drum beat|drum beats]] in its vast production. Through its lyrics, Lamar expresses his [[unconditional love]] for his significant other using a fragmented [[stream of consciousness]], [[In-joke|inside jokes]], and [[nostalgia]].
"'''Love'''" (stylized as "'''LOVE.'''") is a song by American rapper [[Kendrick Lamar]] featuring American singer [[Zacari]], released by [[Top Dawg Entertainment]], [[Aftermath Entertainment]], and [[Interscope Records]] to US [[rhythmic contemporary|rhythmic contemporary radio]] on October 2, 2017 as the third and final [[Single (music)|single]] from the former's fourth studio album, ''[[Damn (Kendrick Lamar album)|Damn]]'' (2017). Lamar and Zacari wrote the song with its producers [[Teddy Walton]], [[Sounwave]], [[Greg Kurstin]], and Top Dawg label founder Anthony Tiffith.


Titled after the [[Love|emotion]] it addresses, "Love" is a [[Sentimental ballad|ballad]] that finds Lamar expressing his [[unconditional love]] for his significant other. Its lyricism incorporates a fragmented [[stream of consciousness]], [[In-joke|inside jokes]] and [[Nostalgia|nostalgic]] experiences. Musically, it is a 1980s-inspired [[pop rap]] and [[New-age music|new-age]] song that features delicate [[synthesizer]]s and thundering [[Trap music|trap]] [[drum beat]]s in its vast production. The track was complimented by [[Music journalism|music critics]] for its intimate songwriting, [[catchiness]] and comforting tone, although some found it to be lackluster and out of place on ''Damn''.
⚫
[[Music journalism|Music critics]] complimented the track's intimate songwriting, [[catchiness]] and comforting tone, although some found it to be lackluster and out of place on ''Damn''. "Love" peaked at number 11 on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and topped the [[R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay]] and [[Rhythmic (chart)|Rhythmic Airplay]] charts. An accompanying [[music video]] for "Love", directed by [[Dave Meyers (director)|Dave Meyers]] and the Little Homies, was released on December 21, 2017. The song has been certified [[RIAA certification#Singles|four times platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA). Lamar has performed "Love" on three of his concert tours: [[the Damn Tour]] (2017–2018), [[the Championship Tour]] (2018), and [[the Big Steppers Tour]] (2022–2023).


⚫
"Love" peaked within the top 40 of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Portugal, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the song reached number 11 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and topped the [[R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay]] and [[Rhythmic (chart)|Rhythmic Airplay]] charts. An accompanying [[music video]] for "Love", directed by [[Dave Meyers (director)|Dave Meyers]] and the Little Homies, was released on December 21, 2017. The song has been certified [[RIAA certification#Singles|four times platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA). Lamar has performed "Love" on three of his concert tours: [[the Damn Tour]] (2017–2018), [[the Championship Tour]] (2018), and [[the Big Steppers Tour]] (2022–2023).
⚫
== Background ==
⚫
During his cover story with ''[[T (magazine)|T]]'' on March 1, 2017, [[Kendrick Lamar]] confirmed that he was in the middle of finishing a new album.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mason |first=Wyatt |date=2017-03-01 |title=Three Iconic Musicians on Artistic Creation — and Its Importance Now |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/01/t-magazine/beck-tom-waits-kendrick-lamar.html |access-date=2023-09-11 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> He released the promotional single "[[The Heart Part 4]]" on March 23, and further hinted at a new album with the line: "Y'all got 'till April the 7th to get y'all shit together."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reiff |first=Corbin |date=2017-03-24 |title=Kendrick Lamar’s Takedown ’The Heart Part 4’ Blew Up The Internet |url=https://uproxx.com/music/kendrick-lamar-the-heart-part-iv-reactions-2/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=UPROXX |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brandle |first=Lars |date=2017-03-24 |title=Kendrick Lamar Gets Blood Pumping With New Track ‘The Heart Part 4’ |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kendrick-lamar-new-single-the-heart-part-4-7736471/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> A then-secret project was made available for [[pre-order]] on April 7.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sacher |first=Andrew |date=2017-04-07 |title=Kendrick Lamar releasing his new album next week |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/kendrick-lamar-releasing-his-new-album-next-week/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=BrooklynVegan |language=en-US}}</ref> Lamar formally announced his fourth studio album, ''[[Damn (Kendrick Lamar album)|Damn]]'', on April 11, with a scheduled release date of April 14.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lockett |first=Dee |date=2017-04-11 |title=Kendrick Lamar Officially Announces His Next Album, DAMN., and U2 Is on It |url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/04/kendrick-lamar-officially-announces-new-album-damn.html |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}</ref> Its artwork, tracklist and featured artists were revealed on the same day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yuscavage |first=Chris |date=2017-04-11 |title=Kendrick Lamar Reveals Cover Art and Tracklist for New Album 'DAMN.' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/chris-yuscavage/kendrick-lamar-reveals-cover-art-tracklist-damn-album |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Complex |language=en-us}}</ref>


⚫
== Background and production ==
⚫
[[Zacari]] and Lamar first appeared on a song from [[Isaiah Rashad]]'s debut album ''[[The Sun's Tirade]]'' (2016), but did not meet in person until after the album was released. Before their meeting, Zacari was working with [[Teddy Walton]] on material for his own project.<ref name="Pitchfork">{{Cite web |last=Hogan |first=Marc |date=2017-04-13 |title=Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. Collaborator Zacari Talks New Song "LOVE." and More |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/72851-kendrick-lamars-damn-collaborator-zacari-talks-new-song-love-and-more/ |access-date=April 21, 2017 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref> He was promised by his manager, Anthony "Moosa" Tiffith Jr., that he would join Lamar for a recording session towards the end of 2016. When they met, Watson played about four of the songs he was working on with Zacari for Lamar. He was animated for the first three tracks, but went quiet when the final song was played.<ref name="Pitchfork" /> The following day, Lamar asked for the [[Stem (audio)|stems]] of the last record to serve as the foundation of "Love". He completed the song at [[Jungle City Studios]] in New York City with [[Sounwave]], [[Greg Kurstin]], and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith. Zacari did not learn that the song was going to be included on ''Damn'' until three months before it was set to be released.<ref name="Pitchfork" />
⚫
During his cover story with ''[[T (magazine)|T: The New York Times Style Magazine]]'' on March 1, 2017, [[Kendrick Lamar]] confirmed that he was in the middle of finishing a new album.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mason |first=Wyatt |date=2017-03-01 |title=Three Iconic Musicians on Artistic Creation — and Its Importance Now |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/01/t-magazine/beck-tom-waits-kendrick-lamar.html |access-date=2023-09-11 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> He released the promotional single "[[The Heart Part 4]]" on March 23, and further hinted at a new album with the line: "Y'all got 'till April the 7th to get y'all shit together."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reiff |first=Corbin |date=2017-03-24 |title=Kendrick Lamar's Takedown 'The Heart Part 4' Blew Up The Internet |url=https://uproxx.com/music/kendrick-lamar-the-heart-part-iv-reactions-2/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=UPROXX |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Brandle |first=Lars |date=2017-03-24 |title=Kendrick Lamar Gets Blood Pumping With New Track 'The Heart Part 4' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kendrick-lamar-new-single-the-heart-part-4-7736471/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> After an untitled project was made available for [[pre-order]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sacher |first=Andrew |date=2017-04-07 |title=Kendrick Lamar releasing his new album next week |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/kendrick-lamar-releasing-his-new-album-next-week/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=BrooklynVegan |language=en-US}}</ref> Lamar formally announced his fourth studio album, ''[[Damn (Kendrick Lamar album)|Damn]]'', on April 11, with a scheduled release date of April 14.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lockett |first=Dee |date=2017-04-11 |title=Kendrick Lamar Officially Announces His Next Album, DAMN., and U2 Is on It |url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/04/kendrick-lamar-officially-announces-new-album-damn.html |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}</ref> Its artwork, tracklist and featured artists were revealed on the same day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yuscavage |first=Chris |date=2017-04-11 |title=Kendrick Lamar Reveals Cover Art and Tracklist for New Album 'DAMN.' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/chris-yuscavage/kendrick-lamar-reveals-cover-art-tracklist-damn-album |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Complex |language=en-us}}</ref>

⚫
[[Zacari]] and Lamar first appeared on a song from [[Isaiah Rashad]]'s debut album ''[[The Sun's Tirade]]'' (2016), but did not meet in person until after the album was released. Before their meeting, Zacari was working with [[Teddy Walton]] on material for his own project.<ref name="Pitchfork">{{Cite web |last=Hogan |first=Marc |date=2017-04-13 |title=Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. Collaborator Zacari Talks New Song "LOVE." and More |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/72851-kendrick-lamars-damn-collaborator-zacari-talks-new-song-love-and-more/ |access-date=April 21, 2017 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref> He was promised by his manager, Anthony "Moosa" Tiffith Jr., that he would join Lamar for a recording session towards the end of 2016. When they met, Watson played about four of the songs he was working on with Zacari for Lamar. He was animated for the first three tracks, but went quiet when the final song was played.<ref name="Pitchfork" /> Following the meeting, he asked for the [[Stem (audio)|stems]] to the last record.<ref name="Pitchfork" /> Matt Schaeffer and James Hunt recorded "Love" at No Excuses in [[Santa Monica, California]], with additional recording handled by Zeke Mishanec and Brendan Silas Perry. [[Derek Ali|Derek "MixedByAli" Ali]] [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixed]] the song with assistance from Tyler Page and Cyprus Nois Taghipour. Additional vocals provided by [[Kid Capri]] were recorded at [[Jungle City Studios]] in [[Manhattan]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lockett |first=Dee |date=2017-04-24 |title=A Deep Dive Into How Kendrick Lamar Made DAMN. |url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/04/a-deep-dive-into-how-kendrick-lamar-made-damn.html |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}</ref> Zacari did not learn that the song was going to be included on ''Damn'' until three months before it was set to be released.<ref name="Pitchfork" />


== Composition ==
== Composition ==
"Love" is the tenth track on the standard version of ''Damn'', and the fifth track on its [[Special edition|collector's edition]].<ref name="Collectors">{{cite web|last1=India|first1=Lindsey|title=Kendrick Lamar Surprises Fans With 'Damn.' Collector's Edition|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2017/12/kendrick-lamar-surprises-fans-damn-collectors-edition/|website=[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]|accessdate=December 9, 2017|date=December 8, 2017}}</ref> It has a length of three minutes and 33 seconds. The song is set in the key of [[F major]] with a fairly slow [[tempo]] of 63 beats per minute. It implements a [[Tonic (music)|tonic]]–[[subdominant]] [[chord progression]] that Mitch Findlay from ''[[HotNewHipHop]]'' noted is not often used in hip hop songwriting.<ref name=":0" /> The "wandering quality" of the progression enhances the song's "detached whimsy."<ref name=":0" /> Lamar and Zacari's vocals span from [[F (musical note)|F]]<sub>3</sub> to [[C (musical note)|C]]<sub>6</sub>.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duckworth |first=Kendrick |author-link=Kendrick Lamar |last2=Kurstin |first2=Greg |author-link2=Greg Kurstin |last3=Pacaldo |first3=Zacari |author-link3=Zacari |last4=Spears |first4=Mark |author-link4=Sounwave |last5=Tiffith |first5=Anthony |last6=Walton |first6=Travis |author-link6=Teddy Walton |date=2018-01-04 |title=LOVE. |url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0180404 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Musicnotes |language=en}}</ref>
"Love" is the tenth track on the standard version of ''Damn'', and the fifth track on its [[Special edition|collector's edition]].<ref name="Collectors">{{cite web|last1=India|first1=Lindsey|title=Kendrick Lamar Surprises Fans With 'Damn.' Collector's Edition|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2017/12/kendrick-lamar-surprises-fans-damn-collectors-edition/|website=[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]|accessdate=December 9, 2017|date=December 8, 2017}}</ref> It has a length of three minutes and 33 seconds. The song is set in the key of [[F major]] with a fairly slow [[tempo]] of 63 beats per minute. Walton, [[Sounwave]], [[Greg Kurstin]] and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith produced the song and composed its instrumentals with Lamar and Zacari. It implements a [[Tonic (music)|tonic]]–[[subdominant]] [[chord progression]] that Mitch Findlay from ''[[HotNewHipHop]]'' noted is not often used in hip hop songwriting.<ref name=":0" /> The "wandering quality" of the progression enhances the song's "detached whimsy."<ref name=":0" /> Lamar and Zacari's vocals span from [[F (musical note)|F]]<sub>3</sub> to [[C (musical note)|C]]<sub>6</sub>.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Duckworth |first1=Kendrick |author-link=Kendrick Lamar |last2=Kurstin |first2=Greg |author-link2=Greg Kurstin |last3=Pacaldo |first3=Zacari |author-link3=Zacari |last4=Spears |first4=Mark |author-link4=Sounwave |last5=Tiffith |first5=Anthony |last6=Walton |first6=Travis |author-link6=Teddy Walton |date=2018-01-04 |title=LOVE. |url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0180404 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Musicnotes |language=en}}</ref>


Described as a "[[Psychedelic music|psychedelic]] concoction" by ''[[Rap-Up]]'' and "a whole new genre" by Zacari,<ref name="RapUp">{{Cite web |last=Tardio |first=Andrés |date=2017-04-20 |title=14 Times Kendrick Lamar Made Us Say 'DAMN.' on His Album |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2017/04/20/14-times-kendrick-lamar-made-us-say-damn-on-his-album/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Rap-Up |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Pitchfork" /> "Love" is a [[pop rap]] and [[New-age music|new-age]] [[Sentimental ballad|ballad]] with strong elements of [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]].<ref name="HipHopDX">{{Cite web |last=Fairfax |first=Jesse |date=2017-04-19 |title=Review: Kendrick Lamar's "DAMN." Pads His Generational GOAT Status |url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.2933/title.review-kendrick-lamars-damn-pads-his-generational-goat-status |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}</ref><ref name="USAToday">{{Cite web |last=McDermott |first=Maeve |date=2017-04-14 |title=Kendrick Lamar's 'DAMN.': A track-by-track instant review |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2017/04/14/kendrick-lamar-damn-track-by-track-instant-review/100452644/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> Gliding [[Synthesizer|synthesizers]] and stuttering [[Trap music|trap]] rhythms magnify its "atmospheric" soundscape and touches the borders of [[cloud rap]], according to Findlay.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> [[Rolling Stone|''Rolling Stone'']] journalists noted that gentle synth [[Volume swell|swells]] were incorporated in its "spacious" and "tender" production.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leight |first=Elias |last2=Reeves |first2=Mosi |last3=Lee |first3=Christina |date=2017-04-14 |title=Kendrick Lamar's 'Damn.': A Track-by-Track Guide |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kendrick-lamars-damn-a-track-by-track-guide-114407/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> Some critics believed the song's vocal melodies and [[Pop Airplay|mainstream radio]] appeal were similar to the works of [[Drake (musician)|Drake]], while others were reminded of [[Enya]]'s instrumentations.<ref name="USAToday" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Maura |date=2017-04-17 |title=Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. Proves He's the Most Important Rapper in America |url=https://time.com/4741238/kendrick-lamar-damn-review/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Time |language=en}}</ref> The song's production is evocative of a "high school dance in the mid-[[1980s]]."<ref name=":0" />
Described as a "[[Psychedelic music|psychedelic]] concoction" by ''[[Rap-Up]]'' and "a whole new genre" by Zacari,<ref name="RapUp">{{Cite web |last=Tardio |first=Andrés |date=2017-04-20 |title=14 Times Kendrick Lamar Made Us Say 'DAMN.' on His Album |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2017/04/20/14-times-kendrick-lamar-made-us-say-damn-on-his-album/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Rap-Up |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Pitchfork" /> "Love" is a [[pop rap]] and [[New-age music|new-age]] [[Sentimental ballad|ballad]] with strong elements of [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]].<ref name="HipHopDX">{{Cite web |last=Fairfax |first=Jesse |date=2017-04-19 |title=Review: Kendrick Lamar's "DAMN." Pads His Generational GOAT Status |url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.2933/title.review-kendrick-lamars-damn-pads-his-generational-goat-status |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}</ref><ref name="USAToday">{{Cite web |last=McDermott |first=Maeve |date=2017-04-14 |title=Kendrick Lamar's 'DAMN.': A track-by-track instant review |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2017/04/14/kendrick-lamar-damn-track-by-track-instant-review/100452644/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> It is evocative of a "high school dance in the mid-[[1980s]]."<ref name=":0" /> Gliding [[synthesizer]]s and stuttering [[Trap music|trap]] rhythms magnify its "atmospheric" soundscape and touches the borders of [[cloud rap]], according to Findlay.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> As Zacari uses a "soaring" [[falsetto]] in the [[refrain]], Lamar uses his "unconventional" [[cadence]] as an additional instrument to "build on the existing harmony."<ref name=":0" /> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' journalists noted that gentle synth [[Volume swell|swells]] were incorporated in its "spacious" and "tender" production.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Leight |first1=Elias |last2=Reeves |first2=Mosi |last3=Lee |first3=Christina |date=2017-04-14 |title=Kendrick Lamar's 'Damn.': A Track-by-Track Guide |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kendrick-lamars-damn-a-track-by-track-guide-114407/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> Some critics believed the song's vocal melodies and [[Pop Airplay|mainstream radio]] appeal were similar to the works of [[Drake (musician)|Drake]], while others were reminded of [[Enya]]'s instrumentations.<ref name="USAToday" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine |last=Johnston |first=Maura |author-link=Maura Johnston |date=2017-04-17 |title=Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. Proves He's the Most Important Rapper in America |url=https://time.com/4741238/kendrick-lamar-damn-review/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |magazine=Time |language=en}}</ref>


"Love" is the successor to "[[Lust (Kendrick Lamar song)|Lust]]", the ninth track on the standard version of ''Damn''. Its opening line ponders on the [[Love|emotions]] and [[Lust|desires]] that the two tracks delve into.<ref name="RapUp" /> As Zacari uses a "soaring" [[falsetto]] in the [[refrain]], Lamar uses his "unconventional" [[Cadence (poetry)|cadence]] as an additional instrument to "build on the existing harmony."<ref name=":0" /> Findlay pointed out that throughout the song, Lamar is "not looking to impress, but rather to express" his [[unconditional love]] towards his significant other.<ref name=":0" /> His fragmented [[stream of consciousness]] implements [[In-joke|inside jokes]] and [[nostalgia]] to paint a "series of personal snapshots".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Findlay |first=Mitch |date=2020-02-14 |title=Kendrick Lamar's "LOVE." Found Romance In Ambiguity |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/271184-kendrick-lamars-love-found-romance-in-ambiguity-news |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref> The lyrics includes references to [[Mike Tyson]], [[50 Cent]]'s "[[21 Questions]]" (2003), and [[Young Dro]]'s "[[Shoulder Lean]]" (2006).<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Yoh |date=2017-04-13 |title=Kendrick Lamar 'DAMN.' 1 Listen Album Review |language=en |work=DJBooth |url=https://djbooth.net/features/2017-04-13-kendrick-lamar-damn-album-review |access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref> "Love" is presumed to be a dedication to Lamar's life partner, beautician Whitney Alford.<ref name="Vulture">{{Cite news|url=http://www.vulture.com/2017/04/best-new-songs-of-the-week-kendrick-lamar-waxahatchee.html|title=9 Best New Songs of the Week: Kendrick Lamar, Waxahatchee, Chris Stapleton, More|last=Lockett|first=Dee|work=Vulture|access-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref> The lyrics, "I want your body, your music / I bought the big one to prove it", have been alluded to the couple's engagement, which was announced in April 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Alexis Paige |date=April 14, 2017 |title=Kendrick Lamar's "Love" Is Almost Certainly About Whitney Alford, His Longtime Partner |work=Bustle |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/kendrick-lamars-love-is-almost-certainly-about-whitney-alford-his-longtime-partner-51250 |access-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref> Lamar used his teenage experiences of understanding the concepts of love and attraction for the first time as the inspiration behind "Love", while Zacari's writing was stemmed from [[Platonic love|platonic]] relationships.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mester |first=Amanda "Bonita" |date=2017-04-21 |title=Kendrick Lamar Explains His New Album Song By Song |url=https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2017/04/kendrick-lamar-album-interview-video/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Ambrosia for Heads}}</ref><ref name="Pitchfork" /> [[Kid Capri]] provides additional vocals in the refrain.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lockett |first=Dee |date=2017-04-24 |title=A Deep Dive Into How Kendrick Lamar Made DAMN. |url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/04/a-deep-dive-into-how-kendrick-lamar-made-damn.html |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}</ref>
"Love" serves as the successor to "[[Lust (Kendrick Lamar song)|Lust]]" on the standard version of ''Damn'', and its precursor on the collector's edition. Its opening line ponders on the accompanying [[emotion]]s the two tracks further address.<ref name="RapUp" /> The songwriting was inspired by Lamar's teenage experiences of understanding [[love]] and [[Interpersonal attraction|attraction]] for the first time, while Zacari's writing was influenced by previous [[Platonic love|platonic]] relationships.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mester |first=Amanda "Bonita" |date=2017-04-21 |title=Kendrick Lamar Explains His New Album Song By Song |url=https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2017/04/kendrick-lamar-album-interview-video/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Ambrosia for Heads}}</ref><ref name="Pitchfork" /> Findlay pointed out that throughout the song, Lamar is "not looking to impress, but rather to express" his [[unconditional love]] towards his significant other.<ref name=":0" /> His fragmented [[stream of consciousness]] uses [[In-joke|inside jokes]] and [[nostalgia|nostalgic]] experiences to paint a "series of personal snapshots;"<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Findlay |first=Mitch |date=2020-02-14 |title=Kendrick Lamar's "LOVE." Found Romance In Ambiguity |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/271184-kendrick-lamars-love-found-romance-in-ambiguity-news |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref> references used include [[Mike Tyson]], [[50 Cent]]'s "[[21 Questions]]" (2003), and [[Young Dro]]'s "[[Shoulder Lean]]" (2006).<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Yoh |date=2017-04-13 |title=Kendrick Lamar 'DAMN.' 1 Listen Album Review |language=en |work=DJBooth |url=https://djbooth.net/features/2017-04-13-kendrick-lamar-damn-album-review |access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref> "Love" is presumed to be a dedication to Lamar's life partner, beautician Whitney Alford.<ref name="Vulture">{{Cite news|url=http://www.vulture.com/2017/04/best-new-songs-of-the-week-kendrick-lamar-waxahatchee.html|title=9 Best New Songs of the Week: Kendrick Lamar, Waxahatchee, Chris Stapleton, More|last=Lockett|first=Dee|work=Vulture|access-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref> The lyrics, "I want your body, your music / I bought the big one to prove it", have been alluded to the couple's [[engagement]], which was announced in April 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Alexis Paige |date=April 14, 2017 |title=Kendrick Lamar's "Love" Is Almost Certainly About Whitney Alford, His Longtime Partner |work=Bustle |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/kendrick-lamars-love-is-almost-certainly-about-whitney-alford-his-longtime-partner-51250 |access-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref>


== Critical reception ==
== Critical reception ==
"Love" has received generally positive reviews from music critics. It was included in ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' and ''[[Complex Networks|Complex]]''{{'}}s lists of the best hip hop [[love song]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Turner-Williams |first=Jaelani |date=2023-02-14 |title=21 Best Hip-Hop Love Songs of All Time |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-hip-hop-love-songs-rap/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Frederick |first=Brendan |last2=Josephs |first2=Brian |last3=Rinder |first3=Grant |date=2020-02-14 |title=The Best Hip-Hop Love Songs |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/brendan-frederick/the-best-hip-hop-love-songs |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Complex |language=en-us}}</ref> Writing for ''[[PopMatters]]'', Dave Heaton described "Love" as a "delicate" and "lush" moment of comfort amidst the "extreme, dark emotions" of ''Damn''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heaton |first=Dave |date=2017-04-21 |title=Kendrick Lamar: DAMN. |url=https://www.popmatters.com/kendrick-lamar-damn-2495394301.html |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=PopMatters |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Clover Hope]] for ''[[Jezebel (website)|Jezebel]]'' praised how Lamar "endearingly embraces simplicity" with his songwriting and how [[Song structure|its structure]] represented the parent album's "smooth contours."<ref name="Jezebel">{{Cite news |last=Hope |first=Clover |author-link=Clover Hope |date=April 20, 2017 |title=Kendrick Lamar's Crucial Love Song |work=Jezebel |url=http://themuse.jezebel.com/kendrick-lamars-crucial-love-song-1794459483 |access-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref> [[NPR Music]]'s Daoud Tyler-Ameen was stunned to hear Lamar sound so "earnest and unguarded" throughout his "smooth and taunt" vocal performance. He hailed the song as ''Damn''<nowiki/>'s "revelation" that he keeps revisiting.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyler-Ameen |first=Daoud |date=2017-04-14 |title=Basking In Sin: Some Initial Thoughts On Kendrick Lamar's 'DAMN.' |url=https://npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/04/14/523976211/basking-in-sin-some-initial-thoughts-on-kendrick-lamars-damn |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=NPR Music}}</ref>
"Love" has received generally positive reviews from music critics. It was included in ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' and ''[[Complex Networks|Complex]]''{{'}}s lists of the best hip hop [[love song]]s.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Turner-Williams |first=Jaelani |date=2023-02-14 |title=21 Best Hip-Hop Love Songs of All Time |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-hip-hop-love-songs-rap/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Frederick |first1=Brendan |last2=Josephs |first2=Brian |last3=Rinder |first3=Grant |date=2020-02-14 |title=The Best Hip-Hop Love Songs |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/brendan-frederick/the-best-hip-hop-love-songs |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Complex |language=en-us}}</ref> Writing for ''[[PopMatters]]'', Dave Heaton described "Love" as a "delicate" and "lush" moment of comfort amidst the "extreme, dark emotions" of ''Damn''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heaton |first=Dave |date=2017-04-21 |title=Kendrick Lamar: DAMN. |url=https://www.popmatters.com/kendrick-lamar-damn-2495394301.html |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=PopMatters |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Clover Hope]] for ''[[Jezebel (website)|Jezebel]]'' praised how Lamar "endearingly embraces simplicity" with his songwriting and how [[Song structure|its structure]] represented the parent album's "smooth contours."<ref name="Jezebel">{{Cite news |last=Hope |first=Clover |author-link=Clover Hope |date=April 20, 2017 |title=Kendrick Lamar's Crucial Love Song |work=Jezebel |url=http://themuse.jezebel.com/kendrick-lamars-crucial-love-song-1794459483 |access-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref> [[NPR Music]]'s Daoud Tyler-Ameen was stunned to hear Lamar sound so "earnest and unguarded" throughout his "smooth and taunt" vocal performance. He hailed the song as ''Damn''<nowiki/>'s "revelation" that he keeps revisiting.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyler-Ameen |first=Daoud |date=2017-04-14 |title=Basking In Sin: Some Initial Thoughts On Kendrick Lamar's 'DAMN.' |url=https://npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/04/14/523976211/basking-in-sin-some-initial-thoughts-on-kendrick-lamars-damn |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=NPR Music}}</ref>

⚫
Christopher Hooton of ''[[The Independent]]'' found "Love" to be a "saccharine-synthed, straight up wet track" that "just makes no sense" being on ''Damn''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hooton |first=Christopher |date=2017-04-19 |title=Review: It's testament to Kendrick's mastery that 'great' isn't enough on DAMN |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/kendrick-lamar-damn-album-review-a7691601.html |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''{{'}}s Brian Josephs echoed his sentiments, describing the song's balladry as "out-of-place in its wistfulness."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Josephs |first=Brian |date=2017-04-17 |title=Review: On ''DAMN''., Kendrick Lamar Is Not Your Prophet |url=https://spin.com/2017/04/kendrick-lamar-damn-review/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Spin}}</ref> In a review for ''[[Exclaim!]]'', A. Harmony did not consider "Love" to be impactful enough to [[Replay value|warrant many listens]], which she finds to be "unusual" for Lamar: "Forgettable isn't typically his style."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harmony |first=A. |date=2017-04-18 |title=Kendrick Lamar, ''DAMN.'' |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/kendrick_lamar-damn |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Exclaim!}}</ref>


⚫
Christopher Hooton of ''[[The Independent]]'' found "Love" to be a "saccharine-synthed, straight up wet track" that "just makes no sense" being on ''Damn''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hooton |first=Christopher |date=2017-04-19 |title=Review: It's testament to Kendrick's mastery that 'great' isn't enough on DAMN |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/kendrick-lamar-damn-album-review-a7691601.html |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''{{'}}s Brian Josephs echoed his sentiments, describing the song's balladry as "out-of-place in its wistfulness."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Josephs |first=Brian |date=2017-04-17 |title=Review: On ''DAMN''., Kendrick Lamar Is Not Your Prophet |url=https://spin.com/2017/04/kendrick-lamar-damn-review/ |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Spin}}</ref> In a review for ''[[Exclaim!]]'', A. Harmony did not consider "Love" to be impactful enough to [[Replay value|warrant many listens]], which she finds to be "unusual" for Lamar: "Forgettable isn't typically his style."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harmony |first=A. |date=2017-04-18 |title=Kendrick Lamar, ''DAMN.'' |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/kendrick_lamar-damn |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=Exclaim!}}</ref>
==Commercial performance==
==Commercial performance==
"Love" debuted at number 18 on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart in the first week of ''Damn''{{'}}s release.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mendizabal |first=Amaya |date=2017-04-24 |title=Kendrick Lamar Charts All 14 Tracks From ‘DAMN.’ on Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/kendrick-lamar-all-14-tracks-damn-hot-100/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> Following its release as a single, it re-entered the chart at number 41 for the week ending December 2, 2017,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=2017-11-20 |title=Post Malone’s ‘Rockstar’ Tops Hot 100, Camila Cabello’s ‘Havana’ Is Top Seller & Imagine Dragons’ ‘Thunder’ Rules Radio |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/hot-100-post-malone-rockstar-camila-cabello-havana-imagine-dragons-thunder/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> and moved up to number 27 the following week.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=2017-11-27 |title=Post Malone’s ‘Rockstar’ Rules Billboard Hot 100, Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ Hits Top Five |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/hot-100-post-malone-rockstar-ed-sheeran-perfect/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> After its accompanying music video was released, "Love" reached its peak at number 11.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Trevor |date=2018-01-04 |title=Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Love.’ Lifts to No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/kendrick-lamar-love-zacari-number-1-rb-hip-hop-airplay-chart/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> It has spent 40 weeks on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, before departing the chart on April 14, 2018. On the [[R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay]] chart, "Love" became Lamar's first number-one single as a lead artist.<ref name=":1" /> It also became his first number-one song on the [[Rhythmic (chart)|Rhythmic Airplay]] chart.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2017-12-30 |title=Rhythmic Airplay – December 30, 2017 |url=https://billboard.com/charts/rhythmic-40/2017-12-30/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>
"Love" debuted at number 18 on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart in the first week of ''Damn''{{'}}s release.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mendizabal |first=Amaya |date=2017-04-24 |title=Kendrick Lamar Charts All 14 Tracks From 'DAMN.' on Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/kendrick-lamar-all-14-tracks-damn-hot-100/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> Following its release as a single, it re-entered the chart at number 41 for the week ending December 2, 2017,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=2017-11-20 |title=Post Malone's 'Rockstar' Tops Hot 100, Camila Cabello's 'Havana' Is Top Seller & Imagine Dragons' 'Thunder' Rules Radio |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/hot-100-post-malone-rockstar-camila-cabello-havana-imagine-dragons-thunder/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> and moved up to number 27 the following week.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=2017-11-27 |title=Post Malone's 'Rockstar' Rules Billboard Hot 100, Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect' Hits Top Five |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/hot-100-post-malone-rockstar-ed-sheeran-perfect/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> After its accompanying music video was released, "Love" reached its peak at number 11.<ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine |last=Anderson |first=Trevor |date=2018-01-04 |title=Kendrick Lamar's 'Love.' Lifts to No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/kendrick-lamar-love-zacari-number-1-rb-hip-hop-airplay-chart/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> It has spent 40 weeks on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, before departing the chart on April 14, 2018. On the [[R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay]] chart, "Love" became Lamar's first number-one single as a lead artist.<ref name=":1" /> It also became his first number-one song on the [[Rhythmic (chart)|Rhythmic Airplay]] chart.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last= |date=2017-12-30 |title=Rhythmic Airplay – December 30, 2017 |url=https://billboard.com/charts/rhythmic-40/2017-12-30/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Music video==
==Music video==
[[Dave Meyers (director)|Dave Meyers]] and the Little Homies, composed of Lamar and [[Dave Free]], directed the [[music video]] for "Love". It was released on Lamar's [[Vevo]] channel on December 21, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kim|first1=Michelle|title=Watch Kendrick Lamar's Cinematic New "LOVE." Video|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-kendrick-lamars-cinematic-new-love-video/|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|accessdate=December 22, 2017|date=December 22, 2017}}</ref> The video chronicles a loving and "tense" relationship between Lamar and his lover.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Aisha |date=2017-12-22 |title=Watch Kendrick Lamar’s Stunning Video for “Love” |language=en-US |work=Slate |url=https://slate.com/arts/2017/12/the-video-for-kendrick-lamars-love-is-here-video.html |access-date=2023-09-15 |issn=1091-2339}}</ref> They are seen [[Sexual intercourse|making love]], talking, arguing, and separating from the perspective of a kitchen table; a reference to photographer [[Carrie Mae Weems]]' "Kitchen Table Series" (1990).<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=2017-12-22 |title=Kendrick Lamar Shows Romance's Highs and Lows in 'Love' Video |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kendrick-lamar-shows-romances-highs-and-lows-in-love-video-201192/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharp |first=Nathan |date=2018-03-15 |title=Top 5 Things You Missed From Kendrick Lamar Videos |url=https://www.watchmojo.com/articles/top-5-things-you-missed-from-kendrick-lamar-videos |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=WatchMojo}}</ref> Following their split, Lamar attempts to overcome lustful desires, such as being tempted by the presence of multiple women at a music video shoot, and reconcile with his lover.<ref name=":3" /> An [[Easter egg (media)|easter egg]] teasing Lamar's involvement on the [[Black Panther (soundtrack)|soundtrack album]] of the superhero film ''[[Black Panther (film)|Black Panther]]'' (2018) is shown on a [[clapperboard]] during the shoot.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lang |first=Cady |date=2017-12-22 |title=Kendrick Lamar Hid a 'Black Panther' Clue in His New 'LOVE.' Music Video |url=https://time.com/5077345/kendrick-lamar-love-music-video-black-panther/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=Time |language=en}}</ref>
[[Dave Meyers (director)|Dave Meyers]] and the Little Homies, composed of Lamar and [[Dave Free]], directed the [[music video]] for "Love". It was released on Lamar's [[Vevo]] channel on December 21, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kim|first1=Michelle|title=Watch Kendrick Lamar's Cinematic New "LOVE." Video|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-kendrick-lamars-cinematic-new-love-video/|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|accessdate=December 22, 2017|date=December 22, 2017}}</ref> The video chronicles a loving and "tense" relationship between Lamar and his lover.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Aisha |date=2017-12-22 |title=Watch Kendrick Lamar's Stunning Video for "Love" |language=en-US |work=Slate |url=https://slate.com/arts/2017/12/the-video-for-kendrick-lamars-love-is-here-video.html |access-date=2023-09-15 |issn=1091-2339}}</ref> They are seen [[Sexual intercourse|making love]], talking, arguing, and separating from the perspective of a kitchen table; a reference to photographer [[Carrie Mae Weems]]' "Kitchen Table Series" (1990).<ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=2017-12-22 |title=Kendrick Lamar Shows Romance's Highs and Lows in 'Love' Video |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kendrick-lamar-shows-romances-highs-and-lows-in-love-video-201192/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> Following their split, Lamar attempts to overcome lustful desires, such as being tempted by the presence of multiple women at a music video shoot, and reconcile with his lover.<ref name=":3" /> An [[Easter egg (media)|easter egg]] teasing Lamar's involvement on the [[Black Panther (soundtrack)|soundtrack album]] of the superhero film ''[[Black Panther (film)|Black Panther]]'' (2018) is shown on a [[clapperboard]] during the shoot.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lang |first=Cady |date=2017-12-22 |title=Kendrick Lamar Hid a 'Black Panther' Clue in His New 'LOVE.' Music Video |url=https://time.com/5077345/kendrick-lamar-love-music-video-black-panther/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |magazine=Time |language=en}}</ref>. The video also features a cameo from American rapper Travis Scott sitting on a flight of stairs during the second verse.


== Live performances and covers ==
== Live performances and covers ==
Lamar performed "Love" for the first time as an [[encore]] during his headlining performance at [[Coachella (festival)|Coachella]] on April 16 and April 23, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Mikael |date=2017-04-17 |title=Coachella 2017: Kendrick Lamar closes out Coachella with a simple, yet powerful performance |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-coachella-2017-updates-htmlstory.html |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Powers |first=Shad |date=2017-04-24 |title=Kendrick Lamar sends off Coachella weekend 2 on a high note |work=USA TODAY |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/04/24/kendrick-lamar-ends-coachella-weekend-2-on-a-high-note/100836666/ |access-date=April 25, 2017}}</ref> The song was included on the set list for [[the Damn Tour]] (2017–2018),<ref>{{cite web|last=Masley|first=Ed|title=Kendrick Lamar launches DAMN. Tour in Glendale with triumphant one-man show of force|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2017/07/12/kendrick-lamar-tour-launch-concert-review/463182001/|work=AZ Central|date=July 13, 2017|accessdate=October 30, 2017}}</ref> [[the Championship Tour]] (2018)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gospe |first=Andrew |date=2018-05-05 |title=Kendrick Lamar, SZA Shine at TDE Championship Tour Kickoff |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/kendrick-lamar-and-sza-shine-at-tde-championship-tour-kickoff-in-vancouver-629587/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[the Big Steppers Tour]] (2022–2023).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leas |first=Ryan |date=2022-08-06 |title=Kendrick Lamar Brings The Arty Rebirth Of The Big Steppers Tour To Brooklyn |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2195475/kendrick-lamar-brings-the-arty-rebirth-of-the-big-steppers-tour-to-brooklyn/reviews/concert-review/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Stereogum |language=en}}</ref> [[Synth-pop]] band [[Chvrches]] covered the song on [[Triple J]]'s ''[[Like a Version]]'' in July 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wicks |first=Amanda |date=2018-07-19 |title=Watch Chvrches Cover Kendrick Lamar’s “LOVE.” |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-chvrches-cover-kendrick-lamars-love/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref>
Lamar performed "Love" for the first time as an [[encore]] during his headlining performance at [[Coachella (festival)|Coachella]] on April 16 and April 23, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Mikael |date=2017-04-17 |title=Coachella 2017: Kendrick Lamar closes out Coachella with a simple, yet powerful performance |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-coachella-2017-updates-htmlstory.html |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Powers |first=Shad |date=2017-04-24 |title=Kendrick Lamar sends off Coachella weekend 2 on a high note |work=USA TODAY |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/04/24/kendrick-lamar-ends-coachella-weekend-2-on-a-high-note/100836666/ |access-date=April 25, 2017}}</ref> The song was included on the set list for [[the Damn Tour]] (2017–2018),<ref>{{cite web|last=Masley|first=Ed|title=Kendrick Lamar launches DAMN. Tour in Glendale with triumphant one-man show of force|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2017/07/12/kendrick-lamar-tour-launch-concert-review/463182001/|work=AZ Central|date=July 13, 2017|accessdate=October 30, 2017}}</ref> [[the Championship Tour]] (2018)<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Gospe |first=Andrew |date=2018-05-05 |title=Kendrick Lamar, SZA Shine at TDE Championship Tour Kickoff |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/kendrick-lamar-and-sza-shine-at-tde-championship-tour-kickoff-in-vancouver-629587/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[the Big Steppers Tour]] (2022–2023).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leas |first=Ryan |date=2022-08-06 |title=Kendrick Lamar Brings The Arty Rebirth Of The Big Steppers Tour To Brooklyn |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2195475/kendrick-lamar-brings-the-arty-rebirth-of-the-big-steppers-tour-to-brooklyn/reviews/concert-review/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Stereogum |language=en}}</ref> [[Synth-pop]] band [[Chvrches]] covered the song on [[Triple J]]'s ''[[Like a Version]]'' in July 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wicks |first=Amanda |date=2018-07-19 |title=Watch Chvrches Cover Kendrick Lamar's "LOVE." |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-chvrches-cover-kendrick-lamars-love/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Personnel ==
Credits adapted from the [[liner notes]] of ''Damn''.<ref>{{Cite AV media notes |others=Kendrick Lamar |title=[[Damn (Kendrick Lamar album)|Damn]] |year=2017 |publisher=[[Top Dawg Entertainment]], [[Aftermath Entertainment]], [[Interscope Records]] |id=00602557611755 |type=liner notes |last=Lamar |first=Kendrick |last2=Free |first2=Dave |author-link2=Dave Free |last3=Sepetov |first3=Vladimir}}</ref>
{{Div col begin|colwidth=30em}}
⚫
* Kendrick Lamar&nbsp;– primary vocals, songwriter
⚫
* Zacari&nbsp;– featured vocals, songwriter
⚫
* Kid Capri&nbsp;– additional vocals
⚫
* [[Teddy Walton]]&nbsp;– songwriter, producer
⚫
* Sounwave&nbsp;– songwriter, producer
⚫
* [[Greg Kurstin]]&nbsp;– songwriter, producer
⚫
* Anthony Tiffith&nbsp;– songwriter, producer
* [[Derek Ali]]&nbsp;– [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]]
⚫
* Tyler Page&nbsp;– assistant mixing engineer
⚫
* Cyrus Taghipour&nbsp;– assistant mixing engineer
* Matt Schaeffer&nbsp;– recording
* James Hunt&nbsp;– recording
⚫
* Zeke Mishanec&nbsp;– additional recording engineer
⚫
* Brendan Silas Perry&nbsp;– additional recording engineer


{{Div col end}}
== Credits and personnel ==
Credits adapted from the official ''Damn'' digital booklet.<ref name="Booklet">{{cite web|title=Digital Booklet - DAMN.|url=https://www.docdroid.net/rYHzAok/digital-booklet-damn-copy.pdf.html#page=6|website=DocDroid|accessdate=April 21, 2017}}</ref>
⚫
*Kendrick Duckworth – songwriter
⚫
*Zacari Pacaldo – songwriter
⚫
*Teddy Walton – songwriter, producer
⚫
*[[Sounwave|Mark Spears]] – songwriter, producer
⚫
*[[Greg Kurstin]] – songwriter, producer
⚫
*Anthony Tiffith – songwriter, producer
⚫
*[[Kid Capri]] – additional vocals
*Derek Ali – [[Mixing engineer|mixing]]
⚫
*Tyler Page – mix assistant
⚫
*Cyrus Taghipour – mix assistant, mixing
⚫
*Zeke Mishanec – additional recording
⚫
*Brendan Silas Perry – additional recording


==Charts==
==Charts==
Line 101: Line 111:
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Australia|29|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 22, 2017}}
{{single chart|Australia|29|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 22, 2017}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Australia Urban ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/charts/urban-singles-chart|title=ARIA Urban Singles Chart|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|accessdate=April 30, 2017}}</ref>
! scope="row"| Australia Urban ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/charts/urban-singles-chart|title=ARIA Urban Singles Chart|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|accessdate=April 30, 2017}}</ref>
| 5
| 5
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Austria|62|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 27, 2017}}
{{single chart|Austria|62|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 27, 2017}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Canada|22|artist=Kendrick Lamar|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 25, 2017}}
{{single chart|Canada|22|artist=Kendrick Lamar|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 25, 2017}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Czechdigital|73|year=2017|week=16|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 25, 2017}}
{{single chart|Czechdigital|73|year=2017|week=16|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 25, 2017}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|France|88|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}
{{single chart|France|88|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Germany|86|songid=1653949|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}
{{single chart|Germany|86|songid=1653949|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Ireland ([[Irish Recorded Music Association|IRMA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://irma.ie/index.cfm?page=irish-charts&chart=Singles|title=IRMA - Irish Charts|publisher=[[Irish Recorded Music Association]]|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}</ref>
! scope="row"| Ireland ([[Irish Recorded Music Association|IRMA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://irma.ie/index.cfm?page=irish-charts&chart=Singles|title=IRMA - Irish Charts|publisher=[[Irish Recorded Music Association]]|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}</ref>
| 32
| 32
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Dutch100|58|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}
{{single chart|Dutch100|58|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|New Zealand|24|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}
{{single chart|New Zealand|24|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Portugal|26|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 28, 2017}}
{{single chart|Portugal|26|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 28, 2017}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Slovakdigital|43|year=2017|week=16|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 25, 2017}}
{{single chart|Slovakdigital|43|year=2017|week=16|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 25, 2017}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Sweden|58|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}
{{single chart|Sweden|58|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|song=Love.|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|UK|39|date=20170421|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}
{{single chart|UK|39|date=20170421|rowheader=true|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8085800/cardi-b-the-beatles-ashanti-hot-100-top-10|title=Cardi B Joins The Beatles & Ashanti With First 3 Hot 100 Hits in Top 10 Simultaneously; Ed Sheeran & Beyonce's 'Perfect' No. 1|last=Trust|first=Gary|work=Billboard|date=January 2, 2018|accessdate=January 2, 2018}}</ref>
! scope="row"| US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8085800/cardi-b-the-beatles-ashanti-hot-100-top-10|title=Cardi B Joins The Beatles & Ashanti With First 3 Hot 100 Hits in Top 10 Simultaneously; Ed Sheeran & Beyonce's 'Perfect' No. 1|last=Trust|first=Gary|magazine=Billboard|date=January 2, 2018|accessdate=January 2, 2018}}</ref>
| 11
| 11
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardrandbhiphop|6|artist=Kendrick Lamar|rowheader=true|accessdate=January 4, 2018}}
{{single chart|Billboardrandbhiphop|6|artist=Kendrick Lamar|rowheader=true|accessdate=January 4, 2018}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardrapsongs|5|artist=Kendrick Lamar|rowheader=true|accessdate=February 21, 2018}}
{{single chart|Billboardrapsongs|5|artist=Kendrick Lamar|rowheader=true|accessdate=February 21, 2018}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardpopsongs|18|artist=Kendrick Lamar|rowheader=true|accessdate=February 21, 2018}}
{{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|18|artist=Kendrick Lamar|rowheader=true|accessdate=February 21, 2018}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardadultrandbsongs|23|artist=Kendrick Lamar|rowheader=true|accessdate=February 21, 2018}}
{{single chart|Billboardadultrandbsongs|23|artist=Kendrick Lamar|rowheader=true|accessdate=February 21, 2018}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardrhythmic|1|artist=Kendrick Lamar|refname=rhythmichistory|rowheader=true|accessdate=December 19, 2017}}
{{single chart|Billboardrhythmic|1|artist=Kendrick Lamar|refname=rhythmichistory|rowheader=true|accessdate=December 19, 2017}}
|}
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
Line 161: Line 171:
! scope="col"| Position
! scope="col"| Position
|-
|-
! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2018/hot-100-songs|title=Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2018|work=Billboard|accessdate=December 4, 2018}}</ref>
! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2018/hot-100-songs|title=Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2018|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=December 4, 2018}}</ref>
| 50
| 50
|-
|-
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| 36
| 36
|-
|-
! scope="row"| US Rhythmic (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2018/rhythmic-songs|title=Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2018|work=Billboard|accessdate=August 26, 2019}}</ref>
! scope="row"| US Rhythmic (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2018/rhythmic-songs|title=Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2018|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=August 26, 2019}}</ref>
| 12
| 12
|}
|}
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==Certifications==
==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=single|award=Platinum|number=5|artist=Kendrick Lamar|title=Love (Ft. Zacari)|relyear=2017|certyear=2021|accessdate=March 25, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|number=5|relyear=2017|certyear=2023|access-date=December 23, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=single|artist=Kendrick Lamar|title=LOVE.|digital=true|award=Gold|relyear=2017|certyear=2020|accessdate=November 26, 2020}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|type=single|artist=Kendrick Lamar|title=Love.|award=Platinum|relyear=2017|relmonth=4|certyear=2024|access-date=June 29, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|type=single|artist=Kendrick Lamar|title=Love.|award=Gold|relyear=2017|certyear=2022|access-date=22 June 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=single|award=Platinum|number=5|artist=Kendrick Lamar|title=Love (ft. Zacari)|relyear=2017|certyear=2021|access-date=March 25, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|award=Platinum|artist=Kendrick Lamar|title=Love.|relyear=2017|certyear=2023|id=14887-3292-1|access-date=22 April 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=single|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|title=Love|award=Platinum|relyear=2017|certyear=2024|id=14312|access-date=August 28, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|award=Platinum|number=4|artist=Kendrick Lamar|title=Love.|relyear=2017|certyear=2018|digital=true|accessdate=June 7, 2018}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|type=single|artist=Kendrick Lamar|title=Love.|award=Gold|relyear=2017|certyear=2022|access-date=June 22, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|type=single|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|title=Love.|award=Gold|relyear=2017|certyear=2023|id=11643|access-date=December 9, 2023}}
⚫
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true | noshipments=true}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari|title=Love.|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2017|certyear=2024|access-date=April 17, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|award=Platinum|artist=Kendrick Lamar|title=Love.|relyear=2017|certyear=2023|id=14887-3292-1|access-date=April 22, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|award=Platinum|number=4|artist=Kendrick Lamar|title=Love.|relyear=2017|certyear=2018|access-date=June 7, 2018}}
⚫
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true|noshipments=true}}


==Release history==
==Release history==
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| [[Rhythmic contemporary|Rhythmic contemporary radio]]
| [[Rhythmic contemporary|Rhythmic contemporary radio]]
| rowspan="2" | {{hlist|[[Top Dawg Entertainment|Top Dawg]]|[[Aftermath Entertainment|Aftermath]]|[[Interscope Records|Interscope]]}}
| rowspan="2" | {{hlist|[[Top Dawg Entertainment|Top Dawg]]|[[Aftermath Entertainment|Aftermath]]|[[Interscope Records|Interscope]]}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="rc">{{cite web |last=Singh |first=Navjosh |date=October 4, 2017 |title=Kendrick Lamar Picks ‘LOVE’ As Next Single from ‘DAMN.’ |url=http://hiphop-n-more.com/2017/10/kendrick-lamar-love-next-single-from-damn/ |accessdate=October 9, 2017 |website=HipHop-N-More}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="rc">{{cite web |last=Singh |first=Navjosh |date=October 4, 2017 |title=Kendrick Lamar Picks 'LOVE' As Next Single from 'DAMN.' |url=http://hiphop-n-more.com/2017/10/kendrick-lamar-love-next-single-from-damn/ |accessdate=October 9, 2017 |website=HipHop-N-More}}</ref>
|-
|-
| November 21, 2017
| November 21, 2017
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[[Category:2017 singles]]
[[Category:2017 singles]]
[[Category:Aftermath Entertainment singles]]
[[Category:Aftermath Entertainment singles]]
[[Category:American contemporary R&B songs]]
[[Category:Interscope Records singles]]
[[Category:Interscope Records singles]]
[[Category:Kendrick Lamar songs]]
[[Category:Kendrick Lamar songs]]

Revision as of 03:56, 28 August 2024

"Love." redirects here. For the emotion, see Love. For other uses, see Love (disambiguation).

"Love"
Single by Kendrick Lamar featuring Zacari
from the album Damn
ReleasedOctober 2, 2017
Recorded2016
Studio
Genre
Length3:33
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Kendrick Lamar singles chronology
"New Freezer"
(2017) 		"Love"
(2017) 		"All the Stars"
(2018)
Zacari singles chronology
"Love"
(2017) 		"Don't Trip"
(2019)
Music video
"Love" on YouTube

"Love" (stylized as "LOVE.") is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar featuring American singer Zacari, released by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records to US rhythmic contemporary radio on October 2, 2017 as the third and final single from the former's fourth studio album, Damn (2017). Lamar and Zacari wrote the song with its producers Teddy Walton, Sounwave, Greg Kurstin, and Top Dawg label founder Anthony Tiffith.

Titled after the emotion it addresses, "Love" is a ballad that finds Lamar expressing his unconditional love for his significant other. Its lyricism incorporates a fragmented stream of consciousness, inside jokes and nostalgic experiences. Musically, it is a 1980s-inspired pop rap and new-age song that features delicate synthesizers and thundering trap drum beats in its vast production. The track was complimented by music critics for its intimate songwriting, catchiness and comforting tone, although some found it to be lackluster and out of place on Damn.

"Love" peaked within the top 40 of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Portugal, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the song reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay charts. An accompanying music video for "Love", directed by Dave Meyers and the Little Homies, was released on December 21, 2017. The song has been certified four times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Lamar has performed "Love" on three of his concert tours: the Damn Tour (2017–2018), the Championship Tour (2018), and the Big Steppers Tour (2022–2023).

Background and production

During his cover story with T: The New York Times Style Magazine on March 1, 2017, Kendrick Lamar confirmed that he was in the middle of finishing a new album.[1] He released the promotional single "The Heart Part 4" on March 23, and further hinted at a new album with the line: "Y'all got 'till April the 7th to get y'all shit together."[2][3] After an untitled project was made available for pre-order,[4] Lamar formally announced his fourth studio album, Damn, on April 11, with a scheduled release date of April 14.[5] Its artwork, tracklist and featured artists were revealed on the same day.[6]

Zacari and Lamar first appeared on a song from Isaiah Rashad's debut album The Sun's Tirade (2016), but did not meet in person until after the album was released. Before their meeting, Zacari was working with Teddy Walton on material for his own project.[7] He was promised by his manager, Anthony "Moosa" Tiffith Jr., that he would join Lamar for a recording session towards the end of 2016. When they met, Watson played about four of the songs he was working on with Zacari for Lamar. He was animated for the first three tracks, but went quiet when the final song was played.[7] Following the meeting, he asked for the stems to the last record.[7] Matt Schaeffer and James Hunt recorded "Love" at No Excuses in Santa Monica, California, with additional recording handled by Zeke Mishanec and Brendan Silas Perry. Derek "MixedByAli" Ali mixed the song with assistance from Tyler Page and Cyprus Nois Taghipour. Additional vocals provided by Kid Capri were recorded at Jungle City Studios in Manhattan.[8] Zacari did not learn that the song was going to be included on Damn until three months before it was set to be released.[7]

Composition

"Love" is the tenth track on the standard version of Damn, and the fifth track on its collector's edition.[9] It has a length of three minutes and 33 seconds. The song is set in the key of F major with a fairly slow tempo of 63 beats per minute. Walton, Sounwave, Greg Kurstin and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith produced the song and composed its instrumentals with Lamar and Zacari. It implements a tonic–subdominant chord progression that Mitch Findlay from HotNewHipHop noted is not often used in hip hop songwriting.[10] The "wandering quality" of the progression enhances the song's "detached whimsy."[10] Lamar and Zacari's vocals span from F3 to C6.[11]

Described as a "psychedelic concoction" by Rap-Up and "a whole new genre" by Zacari,[12][7] "Love" is a pop rap and new-age ballad with strong elements of R&B.[13][14] It is evocative of a "high school dance in the mid-1980s."[10] Gliding synthesizers and stuttering trap rhythms magnify its "atmospheric" soundscape and touches the borders of cloud rap, according to Findlay.[10][15] As Zacari uses a "soaring" falsetto in the refrain, Lamar uses his "unconventional" cadence as an additional instrument to "build on the existing harmony."[10] Rolling Stone journalists noted that gentle synth swells were incorporated in its "spacious" and "tender" production.[16] Some critics believed the song's vocal melodies and mainstream radio appeal were similar to the works of Drake, while others were reminded of Enya's instrumentations.[14][15]

"Love" serves as the successor to "Lust" on the standard version of Damn, and its precursor on the collector's edition. Its opening line ponders on the accompanying emotions the two tracks further address.[12] The songwriting was inspired by Lamar's teenage experiences of understanding love and attraction for the first time, while Zacari's writing was influenced by previous platonic relationships.[17][7] Findlay pointed out that throughout the song, Lamar is "not looking to impress, but rather to express" his unconditional love towards his significant other.[10] His fragmented stream of consciousness uses inside jokes and nostalgic experiences to paint a "series of personal snapshots;"[10] references used include Mike Tyson, 50 Cent's "21 Questions" (2003), and Young Dro's "Shoulder Lean" (2006).[10][18] "Love" is presumed to be a dedication to Lamar's life partner, beautician Whitney Alford.[19] The lyrics, "I want your body, your music / I bought the big one to prove it", have been alluded to the couple's engagement, which was announced in April 2015.[20]

Critical reception

"Love" has received generally positive reviews from music critics. It was included in Billboard and Complex's lists of the best hip hop love songs.[21][22] Writing for PopMatters, Dave Heaton described "Love" as a "delicate" and "lush" moment of comfort amidst the "extreme, dark emotions" of Damn.[23] Clover Hope for Jezebel praised how Lamar "endearingly embraces simplicity" with his songwriting and how its structure represented the parent album's "smooth contours."[24] NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen was stunned to hear Lamar sound so "earnest and unguarded" throughout his "smooth and taunt" vocal performance. He hailed the song as Damn's "revelation" that he keeps revisiting.[25]

Christopher Hooton of The Independent found "Love" to be a "saccharine-synthed, straight up wet track" that "just makes no sense" being on Damn.[26] Spin's Brian Josephs echoed his sentiments, describing the song's balladry as "out-of-place in its wistfulness."[27] In a review for Exclaim!, A. Harmony did not consider "Love" to be impactful enough to warrant many listens, which she finds to be "unusual" for Lamar: "Forgettable isn't typically his style."[28]

Commercial performance

"Love" debuted at number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in the first week of Damn's release.[29] Following its release as a single, it re-entered the chart at number 41 for the week ending December 2, 2017,[30] and moved up to number 27 the following week.[31] After its accompanying music video was released, "Love" reached its peak at number 11.[32] It has spent 40 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, before departing the chart on April 14, 2018. On the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, "Love" became Lamar's first number-one single as a lead artist.[32] It also became his first number-one song on the Rhythmic Airplay chart.[33]

Music video

Dave Meyers and the Little Homies, composed of Lamar and Dave Free, directed the music video for "Love". It was released on Lamar's Vevo channel on December 21, 2017.[34] The video chronicles a loving and "tense" relationship between Lamar and his lover.[35] They are seen making love, talking, arguing, and separating from the perspective of a kitchen table; a reference to photographer Carrie Mae Weems' "Kitchen Table Series" (1990).[36] Following their split, Lamar attempts to overcome lustful desires, such as being tempted by the presence of multiple women at a music video shoot, and reconcile with his lover.[36] An easter egg teasing Lamar's involvement on the soundtrack album of the superhero film Black Panther (2018) is shown on a clapperboard during the shoot.[37]. The video also features a cameo from American rapper Travis Scott sitting on a flight of stairs during the second verse.

Live performances and covers

Lamar performed "Love" for the first time as an encore during his headlining performance at Coachella on April 16 and April 23, 2017.[38][39] The song was included on the set list for the Damn Tour (2017–2018),[40] the Championship Tour (2018)[41] and the Big Steppers Tour (2022–2023).[42] Synth-pop band Chvrches covered the song on Triple J's Like a Version in July 2018.[43]

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Damn.[44]

  • Kendrick Lamar – primary vocals, songwriter
  • Zacari – featured vocals, songwriter
  • Kid Capri – additional vocals
  • Teddy Walton – songwriter, producer
  • Sounwave – songwriter, producer
  • Greg Kurstin – songwriter, producer
  • Anthony Tiffith – songwriter, producer
  • Derek Ali – mixing
  • Tyler Page – assistant mixing engineer
  • Cyrus Taghipour – assistant mixing engineer
  • Matt Schaeffer – recording
  • James Hunt – recording
  • Zeke Mishanec – additional recording engineer
  • Brendan Silas Perry – additional recording engineer

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[70] 5× Platinum 350,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[71] Platinum 60,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[72] 5× Platinum 400,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[73] Platinum 90,000‡
France (SNEP)[74] Gold 100,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[75] Gold 50,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[76] Gold 25,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[77] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[78] 4× Platinum 4,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Country Date Format Label Ref.
United States October 2, 2017 Rhythmic contemporary radio
[79]
November 21, 2017 Contemporary hit radio [80]

References

  1. ^ Mason, Wyatt (March 1, 2017). "Three Iconic Musicians on Artistic Creation — and Its Importance Now". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  2. ^ Reiff, Corbin (March 24, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar's Takedown 'The Heart Part 4' Blew Up The Internet". UPROXX. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  3. ^ Brandle, Lars (March 24, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar Gets Blood Pumping With New Track 'The Heart Part 4'". Billboard. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  4. ^ Sacher, Andrew (April 7, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar releasing his new album next week". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  5. ^ Lockett, Dee (April 11, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar Officially Announces His Next Album, DAMN., and U2 Is on It". Vulture. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  6. ^ Yuscavage, Chris (April 11, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar Reveals Cover Art and Tracklist for New Album 'DAMN.'". Complex. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Hogan, Marc (April 13, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar's DAMN. Collaborator Zacari Talks New Song "LOVE." and More". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
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  64. ^ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
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  74. ^ "French single certifications – Kendrick Lamar – Love" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  75. ^ "Italian single certifications – Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari – Love" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  76. ^ "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved April 17, 2024. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter Love. in the search box.
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  78. ^ "American single certifications – Kendrick Lamar – Love". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 7, 2018.
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