That's The Way Love Is

The Story Behind "That's The Way Love Is" by Bobby Bland

Step into the early 1960s, when the worlds of blues and soul were blending into something rich, emotional, and irresistible. At the heart of that evolution stood Bobby Bland, a singer of extraordinary power and subtlety whose voice could move from a gentle croon to a gospel-charged cry in a single phrase. He was one of the great soul-blues voices of his era, and "That's The Way Love Is" arrived in 1963 as another showcase for his remarkable gifts, a heartfelt ballad delivered with all the depth that made him a legend.

A Master Of Soul-Blues

Bobby Bland occupied a special place in American music, a singer who bridged the raw emotion of the blues with the polish and sophistication of soul. He was one of the most influential vocalists of his generation, admired by peers and adored by audiences for the sheer feeling he poured into every performance. His records combined sophisticated arrangements with a voice of tremendous emotional range, and by 1963 he was an established star with a devoted following. "That's The Way Love Is" came during a productive and acclaimed stretch of his career.

The Sound Of The Song

The song is a soulful ballad built around Bland's expressive vocal, a performance that wrings every drop of emotion from the lyric. The arrangement frames his voice with the kind of warm, sophisticated backing that defined his best work, leaving plenty of room for him to soar and ache. Bland's gift was for conveying the bittersweet truths of love and heartache, and here he applies that gift to a meditation on the nature of love itself. It is the sound of a master singer at work, turning a simple sentiment into something profound through sheer feeling.

The Chart Run

On the Billboard Hot 100, the single performed respectably. It debuted at number 81 on January 19, 1963, then climbed steadily, jumping from the 80s into the 60s and then the 30s within a few weeks. The song peaked at number 33 on March 16, 1963, and it enjoyed a solid 10 weeks on the Hot 100. For a soul-blues artist like Bland, the Hot 100 was only part of the picture; his strength lay with R&B audiences, where his records consistently performed even better. A strong pop-chart showing like this reflected the broad appeal of his deeply emotional style.

A Voice Like No Other

What set Bobby Bland apart was the sheer humanity in his singing. He could deliver a line with a tenderness that felt like a whisper, then open up into a powerful, gospel-charged cry that seemed to come from somewhere deep in the soul. That dynamic range gave his ballads extraordinary emotional weight, the sense of a man living every word rather than merely performing it. His phrasing was masterful, full of subtle hesitations and swells that drew the listener in. In an era rich with great voices, Bland's stood out for its blend of sophistication and raw feeling, and "That's The Way Love Is" puts that gift fully on display.

A Soul Legend's Legacy

"That's The Way Love Is" stands as another fine entry in the catalog of one of soul-blues music's true greats. Bland's influence would be felt for generations, shaping countless singers who followed and earning him a revered place in music history. This song captures the qualities that made him beloved: the powerful, expressive voice, the emotional honesty, and the ability to make a listener feel the weight of every word. It remains a touchstone for fans of classic soul and blues.

Press Play

Save this one for a late, reflective hour when you want to hear one of the great voices of soul-blues at work. There is a depth to Bland's singing that rewards close, unhurried listening, the sound of real emotion captured on record. With more than 640,000 YouTube views, the power of that voice still reaches across the decades.

"That's The Way Love Is" — Bobby Bland's singular moment on the 1960s charts.