One of the great things about buying a soundtrack when I was in my DJ prime was discovering a slow jam that I could put on my mix CDs. For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to highlight one of the songs: Jagged Edge’s cover of Air Supply’s, “All Out of Love.”
Initially appearing on the soundtrack to the 2002 film “Bad Company,” the group’s cover version was featured in a scene where Chris Rock’s character has just broken up with his girlfriend, portrayed by Kerry Washington. Jagged Edge successfully portrays the deep heartbreak and longing for a relationship that has ended.
At its core, “All Out of Love” examines feelings of regret and longing alongside vulnerability to show how profoundly someone can experience the absence of love in their life. The song lyrics express profound loss by highlighting how people manage life without their partner while maintaining a wish to reconcile.
JE vividly paints a picture of lying isolated with their head resting on the phone to demonstrate the dual themes of loneliness and connection. The lyrics establish an atmosphere of solitude while showing how thoughts about their missing partner dominate their minds to the point where remembering becomes painful.
The metaphor showing how memories cause pain demonstrates love’s transformation into heartache. The refrain “I’m all out of love; I’m so lost without you” expresses the void caused by the missing partner while demonstrating that the person’s identity depends on their relationship.
The line “I wish I could carry your smile in my heart” demonstrates the wish to sustain the positive relationship elements by comparing the partner’s smile to an empowering force through tough times. The song asks, “what am I without you?” emphasizing how their existence depends on the relationship.
The recurring question “what am I without you?” represents a loss of self while demonstrating how deeply their lives are connected. The request for their partner to “come back and carry me home” highlights an emotional longing beyond romantic desire and indicates a need for the familiar security and comfort they once offered.
R&B groups covering rock ballads is not a new concept, but Jagged Edge’s rendition of “All Out of Love” is truly special. Their version captures the deep emotions experienced after losing someone dear. The group skillfully honors the lyrics by Graham Russell and Clive Davis, adding an R&B twist that conveys profound sorrow and longing after a loss.
Final Grade: B+
“All Out of Love” is available on all streaming platforms.
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