“No One’s Gonna Love You” is a single by American indie rock band Band of Horses. It was the second single from their second studio album, Cease to Begin from 2007, preceded only by “Is There A Ghost.” While CD singles exist from 2007, this 7-inch single was released in 2008.
Sub Pop released both the LP and this single.
Before we jump into the review, here’s my YouTube Video covering the single:
Written by the band’s lead vocalist, Ben Bridwell, the track features a slow, ballad-like tempo. With acoustic guitar and piano forming the foundation of the instrumentation, Bridwell’s vocals are delivered with a sense of vulnerability and longing. The lyrics center on the pain of a breakup and the feelings of loneliness and despair that can follow, with the refrain “No one is ever gonna love you more than I do” serving as a powerful expression of Bridwell’s devotion to a former partner.
“No One’s Gonna Love You” by Band of Horses
“No One’s Gonna Love You” received critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising its emotional resonance and the band’s skillful musicianship. The song has since become one of Band of Horses’ most well-known and beloved tracks, with its memorable melody and poignant lyrics resonating with listeners around the world.
It has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, including Chuck, One Tree Hill, Numb3rs and Zombieland, and has been covered by a number of artists across different genres, including Cee Lo Green, further cementing its status as a modern classic of indie rock.
Speaking of covers, the B-side to single is “Am I a Good Man.”
“Am I A Good Man” Cover by Band of Horses
Originally by soul group Them Two, the track was released as a single in 1967 by Deep City Records and reissued by the label in 2016. These two pressings are the only that exist, and they come at a pretty penny, but the song has appeared on much more reasonably priced compilations since it’s original release. It was the only release the band had, according to Discogs.
Not only does Band of Horses do the song justice, weaving in signature traits of indie rock and even elements of soulful indie folk, it helped introduce a new generation to one of the most underrated soul songs of the 1960s.
To my knowledge, Band of Horses never recorded it in the studio; here it’s a live rendition.
Take a look at this live performance. While not likely the same that’s included on the single, it’s just as powerful!
As far as I can tell, this is the only time Band of Horses have put the song on a physical release. That in itself is worth noting, and makes this 7-inch worthy of your collection if you are a fan of the band.
Take a listen to the original by Them Two:
Where does “No One’s Gonna Love You” fit in a list of your favorite Band of Horses songs? I’d love to know. For me, it probably cracks the top 5, but just barely.
Below you’ll find my vinyl recommendations for Band of Horses fans:
