The Love You Save

The Jackson 5 delivered their third straight chart-topper with The Love You Save, a single that arrived in mid-May 1970. Written by Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, and Alphonzo Mizell, the track features a distinct mid-tempo groove driven by prominent bass lines and the signature vocal harmonies of the young brothers. Michael Jackson led the vocals with a maturity that belied his age, delivering lyrics that offered a tongue-in-cheek warning about affection before concluding with the famous line that the love you save may be your own.

Commercially the record dominated charts across multiple formats. It held the top position on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks starting in June 1970 while simultaneously topping the Hot R&B Singles chart. The group promoted the release through live appearances on programs like The Ed Sullivan Show rather than a narrative music video, establishing the visual identity of the song for the era. The track also reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, extending the band's international reach beyond the United States. [edit]