"Making Love" by Roberta Flack

Song#:  0942
Date:  03/06/1982
Debut:  80
Peak:  13
Weeks:  21
Genre:  Pop, Adult Contemporary, Soundtrack



Pop Bits:  After two duet singles with Donny Hathaway (released after his death), Flack returned to solo work with this theme from the film "Making Love." Written by Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Bruce Roberts, the languid ballad crept up into the Top 20 while reaching #7 at AC. Although Flack would reach these heights again in duet form (mainly the 1991 #6 hit "Set the Night to Music" with Maxi Priest), this song would be her last solo work to reach the Top 40.

ReduxReview:  I remember when this movie came out (pun intended). Of course I had to see the film but no one would go with me. So I went by myself to an afternoon matinee. I think it was just me and two older ladies in the theater. It was not a good film. However, it at least spawned this song which I've always liked. It's a lovely and quiet song that always suits Flack well.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  The film "Making Love" was one of the first major studio efforts to take on the subject of homosexuality and relationships. Starring Kate Jackson, Michael Ontkean, and Harry Hamlin, the film did well when it first opened, but quickly sank due to negative reviews and bad word-of-mouth. Although not a great film, it did play a role in gay culture as being one of the first mainstream gay-oriented movies that featured established actors. Several major stars were considered for the closeted Michael Ontkean role, but many passed due to the subject matter and what it might do to their career. However, Ontkean continued to work after the movie and Harry Hamlin went on to be a TV star via "L.A. Law."

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