Love Is All We Need
"Love Is All We Need" is a song by American singer Mary J. Blige, with a guest rap from Nas. It was written by Blige, James Harris III, Terry Lewis, and Nasir Jones for Blige's third studio album, "Share My World" (1997), while production was helmed by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. The song contains a sample of the song "Moonchild" (1985) by American singer Rick James. With its more buoyant tone, "Love Is All We Need" stood in conspicuous contrast to much of the more dark-rooted material featured on Blige's earlier albums . Release. While well received in America as an airplay single, the song was never given a physical release in the US and as a result the song never charted on the Hot 100 singles chart, though it did reach number one on the US dance singles chart. Meanwhile, the song became an international hit reaching number fifteen on the UK singles charts; Blige's first top twenty UK hit since 1995's "Mary Jane (All Night Long)." A remix of the song features a separate rap cameo by Foxy Brown and a vocal interpolation of Diana Ross' "Do You Know  Where You're Going To (Theme from Mahogany)". Critical reception. Jonathan Bernstein from "Entertainment Weekly" noted "the exultant way Blige reacts to the whomping drums, vast chorus, and wide-screen production Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis cook up" on "Love Is All We Need". Pan-European magazine "Music & Media" wrote, "With this track taken from her fourth album "Share My World", Ms. Blige proves that she has matured as an artist to the extent that she now can be regarded as one of the leading artists in the R&B field. This midtempo song is a fine example of this. The  icing on the cake is provided by an imaginative rap by Nas and a sample of Rick James' Moonchild." A reviewer from "People Magazine" said the song is "brilliantly produced", describing it as "a muscular ode to the power of commitment." The reviewer added, "With rapper Nas adding encouragement, Mary J. dives deep into the song’s dense grooves with a tone that’s alternately raw and rugged and then as clear as a spring day. Like much of this excellent CD, it’s a perfect blend of attitude and straight-up skill." Music video. The accompanying music video for  the song was shot in New York City on February 24–25, 1997. Blige is shown at an office singing, and then at a fashion show. Nas is in a fancy chair rapping his verse. The final scene shows Blige on top of a building. Credits and personnel. Credits adapted from the "Share My World" liner notes.