DEBARGE - RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT / ALL THIS LOVE

RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT

Released: February 23, 1985

Charted:  UK: #4    US: #3 

"Rhythm of the Night" is a song by American musical recording group DeBarge, written by Diane Warren and released on the Motown label as the first single from their 1985 fourth studio album “Rhythm of the Night”. The song jump-started the career of the prolific songwriter Warren. Richard Perry, the hit producer behind hit recordings for the Pointer Sisters, Harry Nilsson, and Carly Simon, among others, was appointed to produce the single.

Warren penned this song for the 1985 Motown-produced martial arts movie The Last Dragon, which starred the Prince ingenue Vanity in the female lead. Motown head Berry Gordy was the executive producer of the film, and DeBarge were signed to his Gordy label. Warren had the song in the works when she got the call to write a song for the film. She made a few tweaks, recorded a demo with a singer named Tommy Funderburk, and submitted "Rhythm Of The Night" for the soundtrack. It was accepted for the film and used in the trailer as well.

The song portrays a message of escapism and finding solace in music and dancing. The lyrics suggest that when the weight of the world becomes overwhelming and life feels chaotic, stepping out into the street and immersing oneself in the energy of the night can provide a much-needed reprise.

The street party sounds overdubbed onto the record included contributions from members of the DeBarge group. This idea was cribbed from the 1983 Lionel Richie song, "All Night Long (All Night)".

ALL THIS LOVE

Released: October 17, 1982

Charted:  US: #17 

"All This Love" is a single by DeBarge, released as the third and final single from their second studio album of the same title on the Gordy label. The single would help DeBarge rise to R&B stardom. The song was covered by Boyz II Men and released on their 2007 compilation album “Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA” of Motown hits.

The song is a heartfelt expression of love and gratitude towards a significant other. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist had faced some difficulties in life that seemed unsolvable until their partner came along. The partner's love and support transformed their perspective and offered them a solution. The singer acknowledges that their partner convinced them to take a chance on love and learn its ways. Through this experience, they discovered that love does not bring disappointment or pain but rather brings joy and fulfillment. The song emphasizes the immense love the singer feels for their partner, expressing that all their love is dedicated to them. They believe that their love is waiting patiently for their partner, emphasizing their commitment and devotion.

"All This Love" was immediately embraced by the R&B community while the group gained a pop fan base. In the US, the single reached number 5 on the Billboard R&B chart and number one on the Adult Contemporary chart.