What makes I Call It Love by Lionel Richie notable?

This album achieved commercial success, reaching the top ten on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. It also featured a remix that contributed to its popularity on radio stations, illustrating Richie's adaptability in an ever-changing music landscape. By 2006, Lionel Richie had established himself as a longstanding figure in music since his days with the Commodores. 'I Call It Love' marked his return to mainstream attention after a five-year hiatus following the release of 'Louder Than Words', showcasing his enduring appeal as an artist capable of evolving with contemporary sounds.

How many songs are on I Call It Love?

I Call It Love has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

I Call It Love

Lionel Richie · 2006

6 min · 2 tracks · funk

A smooth blend of R&B and pop, infused with infectious grooves and romantic lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Call It Love — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics about love's simplicity, showcasing Richie's signature vocal style.
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I Call It Love (Ernie Lake Sunset Beach remix) — This remix enhances the original track with a modern dance vibe, demonstrating how Richie's music can transcend genres and appeal to a younger audience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

42 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The single showcases Richie's smooth style but lacks depth and variety across its limited tracks.

What we noticed

The title track features a steady mid-tempo groove with a prominent bass line that drives the rhythm.
Richie's vocal delivery alternates between smooth melodic lines and rhythmic phrasing, enhancing the song's romantic theme.
The remix adds layers of electronic elements and a faster tempo, creating a different feel while maintaining the core melody.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked Richie's return to mainstream attention after a hiatus, boosting his visibility.
Themes: romantic nostalgia· smooth summer evenings
Career context: By 2006, Lionel Richie had established himself as a longstanding figure in music since his days with the Commodores. 'I Call It Love' marked his return to mainstream attention after a five-year hiatus following the release of 'Louder Than Words', showcasing his enduring appeal as an artist capable of evolving with contemporary sounds.
Stylistic neighbors: Earth, Wind & Fire· Stevie Wonder· Prince