About the Song
In the golden age of disco, when dance floors pulsed with glitter and heart-thumping basslines, no voice thundered quite like that of Loleatta Holloway. And in 1980, she delivered what would become both a club anthem and a vocal masterclass: “Love Sensation.” Fierce, explosive, and unforgettable, this track wasn’t just a hit—it was a defining moment for an entire genre.
Written and produced by Dan Hartman, “Love Sensation” is built around Holloway’s powerhouse vocals—soul-drenched, gospel-fueled, and unapologetically commanding. From the opening note, it’s clear this isn’t a song for the faint of heart. Loleatta doesn’t just sing—she declares, she wails, she releases every ounce of emotion with fiery abandon. Her voice soars, crackles, and growls over a driving disco beat that’s as relentless as it is exhilarating.
The lyrics themselves speak to overwhelming desire and emotional surrender: “I got a love sensation… it’s driving me wild.” But more than the words, it’s the delivery that captures the essence of the song. This isn’t sweet, polished pop—it’s raw, physical, and spiritual. It’s the church and the nightclub colliding, and it works beautifully.
Although “Love Sensation” didn’t top the mainstream charts upon release, it became a massive hit in dance clubs and an underground staple. Over time, it grew into one of the most sampled and remixed songs in dance music history—most famously used in Black Box’s 1989 hit “Ride on Time”, which controversially borrowed Holloway’s vocals without credit. That incident sparked a legal and cultural conversation about artist rights and sampling, ultimately elevating Loleatta’s name into broader recognition.
Today, “Love Sensation” stands as a testament to Holloway’s unmatched vocal strength and emotional authenticity. It remains a cornerstone of disco and house music, a go-to anthem for DJs, and a masterclass in what it means to sing from the soul.