CHER - LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING

Released: May 21, 1991

Charted:  UK: #10    US: #17 

"Love and Understanding" from the album “Love Hurts”, was crafted by songwriter Diane Warren and producer Guy Roche. Released as the lead single in May 1991 on Geffen Records for North America and Oceania, it featured "Trail of Broken Hearts" as its B-side. Interestingly, "Trail of Broken Hearts" made its appearance on the soundtrack of the Tom Cruise film Days of Thunder but was not included on any of Cher's albums.

"Love and Understanding" delves into the theme of a world deprived of love and empathy, highlighting its detrimental impact on society. The lyrics lament the elusive nature of love in a world filled with material abundance, pointing out that despite having plentiful resources like stars, cars, and planes, there's still a profound emptiness without genuine emotional connections. The chorus repeatedly stresses the deficiency of "love and understanding," underscoring their crucial importance during troubled times. The song calls attention to the prioritization of material achievements over emotional fulfillment, emphasizing the need for compassion and empathy to bring brightness and positivity into the world.

AllMusic's Joseph McCombs praised "Love and Understanding" for its pleasant melody. Billboard's Larry Flick described it as a spirited pop tune with orchestral synth/strings and a hand-clapping rock beat, delivering a simplistic yet warm and sincere lyrical message. Entertainment Weekly editor Jim Farber noted its socially conscious theme, suggesting it was suited for charity functions organized by Hollywood, implying it was crafted for publicity-seeking events.

The music video depicted Cher rehearsing the song with her backing band. It alternated scenes of her performing in an orange-colored wig with shots of dancers moving energetically around her.