I Shoulda Loved Ya

I Shoulda Loved Ya
by Narada Michael Walden
January 1980

In early 1980, Disco wasn't dead. There were quite a few really good songs getting airplay.

Narada Michael Walden (b. 1952) is an American R & B singer, songwriter, and musician (drums). In 1979 he released his second album, titled The Dance of Life. 

'I Shoulda Loved Ya', a track from the album, was released as a single and appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 in late January 1980. It peaked at No. 66 on March 1 that year. 

A lip-synched performance on Soul Train is available here. I think that's Patrice Rushen as the female vocalist......?

The bass line in this song is amazing - I'm surprised it never was sampled for a rap song. Toss in a great saxophone solo, and you've got disco dynamite !

That's how they did it, back in '80.

I shoulda loved ya
I shoulda loved ya
Ooh, when I touched ya
I shoulda loved ya

There you were, I was blinded
After love, swore I couldn't find it
A seduction grabbed my hand
Ooh, my body screamed but my heart just didn't understand

Life between the sheets is fine
If all you wanna make this time
But if you wanna make it last
Ooh, you'll lose control if you drive too fast

I shoulda loved ya
I shoulda loved ya
Ooh, when I touched ya
I shoulda loved ya

Going down for the count
Now I'm in but you are out
My memories are my obsession
Beggin' for attention, ooh yeah

Apprehending all my criminal need
That stole your heart, then left you to bleed
Those days are over, baby, yes, I swear
Just say the word and I'll be there

I shoulda loved ya
I shoulda loved ya
Ooh, when I touched ya
It made too much of you

I shoulda loved ya
I shoulda loved ya
Ooh, when I touched ya
It made too much of you

I shoulda loved ya
I shoulda loved ya
Ooh, when I touched ya