Love Unlimited
Love Unlimited was a female vocal trio closely associated with Barry White, providing backing vocals for his albums and tours while achieving their own chart success in the 1970s. Formed in 1969, the group consisted of Glodean James (Barry White's future wife), her sister Linda James, and their cousin Diane Taylor.
Barry White discovered and produced the trio, launching them with their debut album From a Girl's Point of View We Give to You... Love Unlimited in 1972 on Uni Records. Their first major hit, "Walkin' in the Rain with the One I Love," reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 6 on the soul chart, and earned a gold disc for over one million sales. This track showcased their lush, romantic soul style, blending heartfelt lyrics with orchestral arrangements typical of White's sound.
The 1973 album Under the Influence of... Love Unlimited hit number 3 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, marking the first female group to reach the top five since Diana Ross & the Supremes in 1970. Their biggest success came in 1975 with "I Belong to You," which topped the soul singles chart for a week and peaked at 27 on the Hot 100 from the album In Heat. Later releases on White's Unlimited Gold label included He's All I've Got (1977) and Love Is Back (1979), though chart performance waned.
Key albums include: (1972) From a Girl's Point of View..., (1973) Under the Influence..., (1974) In Heat, (1977) He's All I've Got, (1979) Love Is Back.
Standout singles like "It May Be Winter Outside (But in My Heart It's Spring)" (UK #11) and "Share a Little Love in Your Heart" further defined their disco-infused soul era.
They disbanded in 1981 after pursuing solo paths, with Diane Taylor passing away from cancer in 1985.
In Heat
Written-By – A. Schroeder, Jerry Ragavoy
3:50
A2 Share A Little Love In Your Heart
Written-By – Barry White
6:05
A3 Oh I Should Say, It's Such A Beautiful Day
Written-By – Barry White
3:32
B1 I Needed Love - You Were There
Written-By – Barry White
3:39
B2 I Belong To You
Written-By – Barry White
5:06
B3 I Love You So, Never Gonna Let You Go
Written-By – Barry White
3:11
B4 Love's Theme
Written-By – A. Schroeder, Barry White
3:44
Label: 20th Century Records – T-443
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Love Unlimited In Heat, Love Unlimited's 1974 album, is lauded as a lush, faultless showcase of "orchestral soul" produced by Barry White, featuring irresistible grooves, sensual arrangements, and standout tracks like the #1 hit "I Belong to You," a "magical" vocal version of "Love's Theme," and "Move Me No Mountain," cementing its status as a "classic" with "no filler" and "sterling" production.
Masterfully produced by Barry White, with rich, "sugary strings" and a "unique sophisticated lush orchestral soul" sound, blending smoothly with the burgeoning disco era. Described as "magical, lush, and appetising," it's a "sonic treat" with "no filler" and "enticing," "seductive" songs, featuring top-tier session players including bassist Wilton Felder, drummer Ed Greene, guitarist Melvin (Wah-Wah) Ragin, and saxophonist Ernie Watts.
The album’s sound is characterized as "Smooth Soul" and "Quiet Storm," heavily influenced by the Motown aesthetic. At roughly 30 minutes with only seven tracks, it is often criticized for being too short, leaving listeners "wanting more."
Standout Tracks:- "I Belong to You": A cornerstone track and a #1 R&B hit single; "Love's Theme (Vocal Version)": A powerful vocal take on the iconic instrumental, showcasing its song potential; "Move Me No Mountain": A "gorgeous sensual off beat dance track" that sets a great tone; "Put a Little Love in Your Heart": A beautiful soul ballad.
The album is highly praised for its quality, with reviewers calling it a "genius second outing," a "classic," and a "slice of brilliance," often compared favorably to its predecessor, Under the Influence of Love. Considered an important album in the "symphonic soul" genre, bridging instrumental hits with strong vocal performances, and remains a beloved work from Barry White's production empire.
Overall, In Heat is considered a triumph, capturing the essence of Love Unlimited's appeal with lush arrangements, memorable melodies, and essential tracks that define the era's sophisticated soul sound.