Throwback Thursday: Santana – “The Game of Love” (featuring Michelle Branch)
In September of 2002, Santana released “The Game of Love” as the lead single from the group’s 19th LP, Shaman. Written by Gregg Alexander and Rick Nowels, the song’s vocals are performed by Michelle Branch.
“Game of Love” is a song that I’ve loved for years, and it might have been a TBT selection sooner if I didn’t have reservations about the song’s performers. What reservations, you ask? Santana’s lead singer, Carlos Santana, said Beyoncé can’t sing (which is objectively false) in a bid to justify Adele’s Grammy win over her. Mind you, Carlos Santana literally doesn’t sing and yet somehow has all these Grammys in his possession. He quickly apologized for his comment, but you know he still feels that way deep down.
Michelle Branch, on the other hand, once said Mariah Carey’s songs are stupid, which is quite rich coming from someone who makes stupid-ass songs like this. It’s the audacity for me.
In any case, “Game of Love” is the sort of alternative rock track that I just can’t resist. Produced by Clive Davis and Carlos Santana, the song’s vocals were initially sung by Tina Turner, but when she declined to be in its music video, Macy Gray was tapped to sing the song. Clive didn’t like Macy’s version, so we ended up with Michelle Branch.
The Tina Turner version was released years later, and while we love Queen Tina, Michelle’s version is better. Tina’s ad libs towards the end of the song are amazing, but overall, the track works better with a lighter voice.
“Game of Love” peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
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