Make It with You – Bread (1970)
“Make It with You” is one of the most iconic songs by the American rock band Bread, released in 1970 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album Bread. Written by David Gates, the song became a massive commercial hit and is widely regarded as one of the band’s most successful and enduring tracks. Combining elements of folk, pop, and soft rock, “Make It with You” introduced Bread to a mainstream audience and helped define the soft rock sound of the early 1970s. Known for its tender melody, emotionally charged lyrics, and smooth arrangement, the song continues to be a staple of 1970s pop music and is one of Bread’s signature hits. This analysis will explore the background of the song, its musical style, the lyrics, its cultural impact, and its lasting legacy.
Background
Origins and Creation
Bread was formed in Los Angeles in 1968 by David Gates, Jimmy Griffin, Robb Royer, and Mike Botts. The band’s early sound was influenced by folk rock, pop, and soft rock, and they quickly became known for their melodic ballads and smooth vocal harmonies. David Gates, as the band’s primary songwriter and lead vocalist, was the driving creative force behind the group’s music. He had a background in classical music, pop, and jazz, which helped shape his songwriting style.
“Make It with You” was written by David Gates, who drew from his own experiences to craft a song that was both romantic and intimate. The song’s lyrics express the yearning and idealism associated with love and human connection, themes that resonated with the cultural climate of the time. Gates wrote “Make It with You” during a period when Bread was seeking a mainstream sound that would appeal to a broad audience, and the song became their breakthrough hit.
Released in 1970, “Make It with You” became Bread’s most commercially successful song, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charting in several other countries. The song’s success helped establish the band as one of the leading acts of the soft rock genre, a musical movement that was gaining prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Recording and Production
The recording of “Make It with You” took place at the famous Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, California. The production was handled by David Gates and fellow band member Robb Royer, with Gates serving as the primary producer. The production was simple yet effective, with an emphasis on clarity and emotional depth. The arrangement featured acoustic guitars, soft percussion, and lush vocal harmonies, all of which served to highlight the tenderness of the song’s lyrics.
Gates’ voice, smooth and expressive, was the centerpiece of the track. The song was recorded with a delicate and minimalistic arrangement, which allowed Gates’ vocals to take center stage. The acoustic guitar provided a steady rhythm, while the subtle addition of piano and orchestral strings in the bridge enhanced the song’s emotional weight. The combination of these elements created a warm, inviting atmosphere that made “Make It with You” appealing to a wide range of listeners.
While the arrangement remained relatively simple, the decision to keep the instrumental elements sparse helped the song achieve its emotional resonance. The song’s production helped it stand out as a soft rock anthem, with its subtle yet powerful instrumentation creating the perfect backdrop for Gates’ heartfelt performance.
Musical Style
Genre and Composition
“Make It with You” is a soft rock ballad that blends elements of folk rock and pop. The song is characterized by its gentle tempo, which allows the lyrics and melody to unfold at an unhurried pace. The song’s composition relies heavily on acoustic guitars, lush harmonies, and a steady, laid-back rhythm, all of which contribute to the song’s intimate, soothing quality.
The song follows a simple verse-chorus structure, with the verses building toward the chorus, which serves as the emotional high point of the song. The repetition of the phrase “make it with you” in the chorus gives the song a sense of cohesion and emotional resonance, as the narrator repeatedly expresses their desire for connection and intimacy.
The melody of “Make It with You” is sweet and memorable, with a smooth, flowing quality that draws the listener in. The song’s chord progressions are straightforward, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity. The bridge of the song introduces a subtle change in melody and instrumentation, providing a brief moment of variation before returning to the familiar chorus.
The song’s style is emblematic of the soft rock genre that was popular during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Soft rock was characterized by its emphasis on melodic ballads, smooth vocals, and reflective lyrics, and “Make It with You” exemplifies these qualities. The song also features folk and pop influences, particularly in its acoustic guitar arrangement and the use of harmonic vocals, which were a hallmark of the folk rock genre.
Instrumentation and Arrangement
The arrangement of “Make It with You” is minimalistic but effective. Some of the key features of the arrangement include:
- Acoustic Guitar: The acoustic guitar provides the foundational rhythm for the song, giving it a gentle, flowing quality. The guitar’s light strumming is both soothing and rhythmic, allowing the vocals to shine while supporting the song’s emotional tone.
- Vocals: The lead vocals by David Gates are at the forefront of the song, delivering the lyrics with sincerity and emotional depth. Gates’ voice is soft and warm, perfectly capturing the vulnerability and longing expressed in the lyrics. The background vocals, which harmonize with Gates in the chorus, add richness and depth to the track, emphasizing the emotional weight of the message.
- Piano: The piano is used sparingly in the arrangement, providing subtle harmonic support in the bridge and adding a layer of emotional complexity to the song. The piano’s simple, delicate chords enhance the song’s intimate atmosphere.
- Orchestral Strings: The addition of strings in the bridge provides a moment of emotional release, adding to the song’s dramatic build-up. The strings give the song a sense of grandeur, lifting the emotional intensity before returning to the more restrained verses.
- Percussion: The percussion is light and unobtrusive, providing just enough rhythm to propel the song forward without overwhelming the gentle arrangement. The soft use of cymbals and drums helps create a smooth, flowing feel throughout the track.
The arrangement is clean and uncluttered, allowing each instrument and vocal element to contribute to the overall mood of the song. The use of acoustic guitar, vocals, piano, and strings creates a soothing, reflective atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s lyrical content.
Lyrics
Theme and Message
The lyrics of “Make It with You” are a romantic declaration of love, vulnerability, and emotional longing. The narrator expresses their desire to be close to someone, both emotionally and physically, while acknowledging the deep connection they feel. The song speaks to the idealism and hopefulness that often accompany love, with the narrator longing to create a deeper bond with their partner.
The central message of the song revolves around the idea of intimacy and connection. The repeated phrase “make it with you” reflects the narrator’s desire for a deep and meaningful relationship, one that goes beyond superficial connection and seeks emotional fulfillment. The song is about trust, vulnerability, and the willingness to share oneself with another person.
The lyrics also convey a sense of hope and optimism, as the narrator envisions a future where they can experience love in its fullest form. There is an idealized quality to the song, as the narrator believes in the possibility of love that transcends barriers and creates lasting bonds.
Verse and Chorus Analysis
The first verse introduces the narrator’s feelings of longing and desire. The lyrics express a deep emotional connection with the person they are singing about, and the phrase “I want to make it with you” is repeated to emphasize the narrator’s commitment and longing for a closer connection. The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, establishing a sense of emotional vulnerability and idealism.
The chorus builds on this emotional foundation, with the repeated line “make it with you” serving as both a plea and a declaration of love. The chorus is the emotional high point of the song, where the narrator’s feelings of affection and longing are expressed with greater intensity. The simplicity of the repeated phrase makes it both memorable and emotionally powerful.
The second verse deepens the emotional connection, with the narrator expressing a willingness to share their life with the person they love. The lyrics explore the idea of unconditional love, where the narrator desires not just physical closeness but also emotional fulfillment. The bridge introduces a sense of hope and optimism, with the narrator imagining the possibilities of love and the joy it could bring.
The final chorus brings the song to a close, reaffirming the narrator’s desire for connection and emotional fulfillment. The song ends with a soft, fading vocal delivery, leaving the listener with a sense of warmth and emotional resonance.
Cultural Impact
Chart Performance and Success
“Make It with You” became one of Bread’s most successful songs, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970. The song’s commercial success helped Bread gain widespread recognition and solidified their place in the pop music scene. “Make It with You” was not only a hit in the United States but also charted highly in several other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom.
The success of “Make It with You” played a significant role in establishing Bread as one of the leading bands of the soft rock genre, which was becoming increasingly popular in the early 1970s. The song’s blend of emotional balladry and accessible pop melodies made it a crossover hit, appealing to listeners from different musical backgrounds.
The song’s success helped pave the way for the release of Bread’s debut album, Bread, which featured other popular tracks and established the band as a prominent force in soft rock and adult contemporary music.
Critical Reception
Critics widely praised “Make It with You” for its emotional depth, simple yet effective instrumentation, and David Gates’ heartfelt vocal performance. Many reviewers noted that the song exemplified the band’s ability to blend catchy pop melodies with introspective lyrics, creating a song that was both commercially successful and emotionally resonant.
The song was also praised for its ability to appeal to a wide audience. While Bread was known for their soft rock sound, “Make It with You” reached a mainstream pop audience and became one of the defining tracks of the soft rock era. Critics highlighted the song’s simplicity, noting that its direct approach to love and longing made it easy for listeners to relate to.
The song’s success and critical acclaim helped establish Bread as one of the top bands of the 1970s, and it remains a signature track in their catalog.
Legacy
“Make It with You” remains one of Bread’s most enduring songs and is frequently included in compilations of the best soft rock hits of the 1970s. The song continues to be popular on adult contemporary radio and is often featured in nostalgic playlists. Its emotional depth, simple yet beautiful instrumentation, and universal themes of love and longing have ensured its lasting appeal.
The song has been covered by several artists over the years, further cementing its place in pop music history. “Make It with You” has also been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, keeping it relevant for new generations of listeners.
The song’s impact on the soft rock genre is also significant, as it helped define the sound of the early 1970s. The combination of emotional balladry, acoustic arrangements, and accessible pop melodies became a blueprint for many other soft rock bands and artists of the era.
Conclusion
“Make It with You” is a timeless classic that showcases Bread’s ability to blend emotional depth with accessible pop melodies. The song’s success helped establish the band as one of the leading acts of the soft rock era, and its influence can still be felt in the music of today. With its heartfelt lyrics, simple yet beautiful arrangement, and David Gates’ emotive vocal performance, “Make It with You” remains one of the defining tracks of the 1970s.
The song’s universal themes of love, longing, and devotion ensure its continued relevance, and its lasting popularity speaks to its emotional resonance with listeners. “Make It with You” is not just a signature song for Bread, but also a quintessential example of the soft rock genre, and its place in pop music history is well-deserved.
References:
- Bread. (1970). Bread [Album]. Elektra Records.
- Billboard Hot 100 Archives.
- Music reviews and critiques from pop and soft rock publications.
- Interviews with David Gates and members of Bread about the making of Make It with You and Bread.
- Articles on the impact of 1970s soft rock and Bread’s influence on the genre.
