They just don’t do things like they did in the ‘80s. If you’re lucky enough to see any music on MTV anymore, it’s exciting—until you realize the songs and videos don’t have that same feel as they used to. Probably the best combination of great sound and delightfully absurd remains “Give Me the Night” by George Benson, who can’t help but spark a smile.
Jazz and R&B artist Benson recorded “Give Me the Night” for his 1980 studio album of the same name. In terms of writing and composition, we have to credit Heatwave keyboardist Rod Temperton, and of course producer Quincy Jones. This perfect formula is still reminding listeners that the song and music video are a package deal and it makes a huge difference when both are at the top of their game.
George Benson was given lots of love for “Give Me the Night”
In terms of numbers, “Give Me the Night” got nothing but love following its funky release. It quickly became Benson’s most successful pop entry after it rocketed to number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It did even better on the US Billboard Soul Singles chart, landing a spot at the very top.
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Even across the pond, it did well, landing at number seven in the UK Singles Chart. Then, as recently as 2021, it was hailed as a quintessential example of yacht rock, and because its music video is perfect in every way, it’s easy to feel those exact vibes.
Benson, who started his career 60 years ago in 1964, was well into securing fame for himself, and no one will argue he doesn’t deserve those ten Grammy Awards. Toss in his star along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and that almost covers everything we owe him and everyone involved for this smooth, funky beat—but there’s also the futile longing that comes with watching and listening to the full performance.
It’s easy to have fun and to feel longing
On YouTube, the official music video for “Give Me the Night,” as performed by George Benson, has over 42 million views and counting. But this might just be one of the most united comment sections on the entire website.
“They don’t make music like this any more,” one user mourned, a sentiment shared by many. “You can’t get any cooler than guitar-playing roller-blading George Benson on a sunset boulevard,” another praised. In a similar vein, another viewer noted, “Back when music was music and you can hear the heart and soul in every verse.”
Indeed, the content of the music video itself along with the music have earned equal praise, as summed up by one comment reading, “I think people were having more fun in the 70’s and 80’s than today judging by the music.” Another said what we’re all thinking, “I wish people would make music like this again.”
At least part of the funky ingredients behind this song almost did not come to exist, according to Benson. He and Quincy had been working for a month and just when he thought he was done, Jones called him back in for that fabled one more song. It took them just one day, Benson revealed, but, “I was too tired to put a proper vocal on it and went into this crazy, affected voice. He promised me he wouldn’t use it on the record, but when he sent me a test pressing, sure enough, he’d used the crazy vocal!” Benson added, “My kids never used to ask me about my music but when I played it at home, my little boy said: ‘Dad, can you play that song that goes, “Give me the night?”’ So I knew it was special.”
