The iconic soft rock ballad “I’d Love You to Want Me”, crafted by the mysterious Lobo, aka Roland Kent LaVoie, has stunned music lovers across generations with its heartfelt lyrics and haunting melody. Released in May 1972 as a single from his album Of a Simple Man, this track skyrocketed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 on November 18, 1972, held back only by Johnny Nash’s classic “I Can See Clearly Now.” But its triumph did not stop there — it ruled the Billboard Easy Listening chart for two relentless weeks, stormed the top spot in Germany for an astonishing 13 weeks, and conquered Australian, Canadian, and Swiss charts with a passion few songs ever experience. Certified gold by the RIAA, this masterpiece stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for an intense 14 weeks, cementing Lobo’s brief but blazing star power.
Conceived in the legendary Electric Lady Studios, New York, the song was produced by Phil Gernhard, known for his impeccable work with The Bellamy Brothers. Lobo himself strummed the acoustic guitar and lent his unmistakable voice while supported by session musicians like Emory Gordy Jr. on bass and Wilton Felder on organ. The song’s simplicity, with its soulful piano intro and earnest vocals, laid bare the agony of unrequited love like never before.
The myth behind the song’s creation is equally gripping — Lobo revealed in a 2013 interview with Songfacts how he penned the haunting chorus on a paper bag amidst a late-night drive in 1971. Originally named “I Love You to Want Me,” the title was switched to avoid confusion, giving it a distinct identity.
Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, Lobo was no stranger to hits, with “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo” already marking his rise in 1971. However, the inspiration for “I’d Love You to Want Me” was not a simple romance, but a profound insight into complex relationships seeking universal resonance, as American Songwriter pointed out. Intriguingly, its monumental success was a surprise — the European label Philips released it unbeknownst to Lobo, triggering a whirlwind of acclaim in Germany and beyond, as Stereogum documented.
The song’s electrifying surge propelled Lobo into a whirlwind European tour in 1973, including a memorable London performance, and a notable appearance on the iconic American Bandstand. Thanks to Big Tree’s alliance with Atlantic Records, the U.S. market was swept up in the fervor. Meanwhile, its cultural footprint expanded through covers, ranging from John Holt’s reggae vibes in 1974 to Claude Morgan’s disco triumph in 1977 which conquered German charts, and Dana Winner’s touching Dutch version in 2001.
“I’d Love You to Want Me” became a staple in popular media, featuring in TV dramas like Nip/Tuck (2004) and the timeless film An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), always underscoring romantic turmoil with poignant depth. Music analysts on Medium have dissected its chord progression, revealing a kinship with soft rock legends like Bread’s “Make It with You.” Lobo, avoiding the typical rock star excesses, navigated a prolific career, releasing three albums by 1973, while his B-side, “Am I True to Myself,” went quietly unnoticed.
The song’s worldwide sales, a staggering estimated two million copies by 1973 as reported by Cash Box, irrevocably marked Lobo’s place in music history. According to those who witnessed the era, the emotional weight and raw vulnerability in this ballad continue to strike a chord with everyone who has ever yearned for love that might never return.
As Lobo himself put it, “I’d love you to want me the way I want you, the way that it should be… You ought to know by now.” His words echo across time, stirring the hearts of all who listen. The saga behind this extraordinary song is a window into the depths of human longing, captured in the raw honesty of a simple yet unforgettable melody.