Love on the Rocks

About Love on the Rocks

"Love on the Rocks" is a song written by Neil Diamond and Gilbert Bécaud that appeared in the 1980 movie The Jazz Singer and was performed by Diamond on the soundtrack album to the film. It was also released as a single and reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in January 1981, behind "(Just Like) Starting Over" by John Lennon. In addition to the main chart, "Love on the Rocks", also made it to #3 on Billboard's US Adult Contemporary chart. Billboard also rated it as the #26 pop single overall for 1981. It performed less well in the UK, reaching only #17. It was covered by Millie Jackson on her 1981 album Just a Lil' Bit Country, and by Gladys Knight on the album Great Solo Performances by Guest Artists from the Tom Jones Show, Vol. 1. Bécaud recorded the song in French as L'Amour est mort on his 1981 eponymous album. Billboard Magazine critic Vicki Pipkin called "Love on the Rocks" a "powerful ballad in true Diamond style." Billboard also called the song "one of Diamond's more powerful readings." Neil Diamond biographer Laura Jackson describes the lyrics as taking "a sometimes cynical look at a man who is trapped in a relationship and is disillusioned with life." Allmusic critic Johnny Loftus calls it a "lite FM favorite" and "classic, raw-throated Neil." Author T. Mike Childs rated it as a "terrific" ballad. Pittsburgh Press music editor Carl Apone claimed that Diamond was at his best in The Jazz Singer in the songs "Hello Again" and "Love on the Rocks." more »