“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” by the Righteous Brothers, became the most played song of the century on American radio, with over eight million spins. The song’s opening line, “You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips,” sets the tone for its dramatic exploration of fading love. Bill Medley’s deep baritone, alongside the iconic production techniques of Phil Spector, creates a powerful and sweeping ballad that conveys teenage emotion with operatic intensity. The Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, began performing separately in Southern California before being discovered by Spector, who signed them to his Phillies label after hearing them open for the Ronettes.
The song was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, originally aiming to replicate the Four Tops’ “Baby I Need Your Loving.” However, Spector transformed it into something extraordinary, enlisting the Wrecking Crew and adding his signature “Wall of Sound” production. Spector, a perfectionist, spent days in the studio layering tracks and using new techniques, such as having musicians wear headphones to capture the echo effect. A young Cher provided backing vocals. Despite some resistance from the Righteous Brothers, particularly Hatfield, who felt sidelined, the song became an instant hit.
Spector also manipulated the song’s length on the label to ensure airplay, claiming it was shorter than its actual 3:45 runtime. The song’s success was so profound that it remained the most-played song on American radio by 2000. Its symphonic sound, with swirling reverb, continues to evoke the emotional depth of its lyrics. The Righteous Brothers’ version of “Unchained Melody” followed, cementing their legacy in music history. Today, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” remains a timeless classic, influencing countless artists and becoming a staple of pop culture.
“So professional, and no group has ever equaled the Righteous Brothers; they were and continue to be the best,” says one fan. Following the huge success of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” the Righteous Brothers released another famous record, “Unchained Melody,” in 1965.
