Recorded as the Staples were moving to secular music, there's still a strong gospel sound backing Mavis' powerful and gritty vocals. Cool guitar by Pops, as well.
With music composed by Burt Bacharach, lyrics by Hal David, and vocals recorded by Jackie DeShannon, its message is truer than ever today.
“What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No, not just for some but for everyone
Lord, we don't need another mountain
There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb
There are oceans and rivers enough to cross
Enough to last 'til the end of time
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No, not just for some but for everyone
Lord, we don't need another meadow
There are corn fields and wheat fields enough to grow
There are sunbeams and moonbeams enough to shine
Oh listen Lord, if You want to know
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No, not just for some, oh, but just for every, every everyone
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now is love, sweet love”
57. What the World Needs Now Is Love by Jackie deShannon debuted May 65 and peaked at number five, scoring 938 points.
Jackie was born Sharon Myers in Hazel, Kentucky, and has 16 chart entries 1963-89. Two made the top ten.
While Jackie is an accomplished songwriter (Bette Davis Eyes), the song was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Dionne Warwick turned the song down because it was too country and too preachy. She eventually recorded it in 1966.
Tom Clay featured the song in a 1971 spoken word medley and peaked at number eight.