“I Need More of You”
The Bellamy Brothers
Written by David Bellamy
Radio & Records
#1 (1 week)
March 15, 1985
Billboard
#1 (1 week)
April 20, 1985
The Bellamy Brothers sound like they’re settling into middle age on “I Need More of You.”
For a pop act transitioning into country, that’s actually a compliment. There’s been a disconnect between the lyrics and the arrangements on many of their earlier country hits, but on “I Need More of You,” their subdued groove matches well with the sentiment that’s being expressed.
Their new approach was best captured by the follow up single, “Old Hippie,” which surprisingly missed the top spot on both charts. It’s endured quite a bit longer than either of the No. 1 singles that bookend it. That makes sense, given the unique perspective of that particular song.
“I Need More of You” is typical of the pleasant love ballad that keeps listeners from changing the radio station, even if it’s not interesting enough to make them want to tune in to it. I’m happy to hear them embracing their maturity here, and I look forward to that maturity being applied to more compelling material.
“I Need More of You” gets a B.
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I would definitely put this song in my top 3 favorite Bellamy Brothers songs. I actually like the verses better than the chorus, but I love the overall song.
Great tune for sure. I’d give it at least an A-.
The Bellamy’s catch up to their hearts with this hit.
Maybe their days of pick-up lines and chasing women are behind them, a less sacramental but no less significant evolution into more mature material not unlike what happened with the Statler Brothers.
They would produce some stunningly beautiful songs yet this decade that won’t top the charts. “Santa Fe” immediately comes to mind.
I will keep championing how effectively the Bellamy Brothers stayed in their lane, even as they matured.