Love Machine

The Miracles scored their biggest hit with the percolating disco smash "Love Machine." The infectious, high-energy track had dance floors packed back in late 1975 and much of '76. In the song's lyrics, a lover compares himself to a robot or computer who can be programmed to meet all the needs and desires of his mate.

The track was produced by Freddie Perren, a former member of The Corporation - the Motown songwriting/production team responsible for The Jackson 5's early hits. And it was written by Miracles lead singer Billy Griffin and group-mate Warren "Pete" Moore. Griffin replaced Smokey Robinson when he left The Miracles in 1972 to pursue a career as a solo artist. The Baltimore native was only 20 when he became The Miracles new frontman. Griffin's smooth falsetto fits nicely on the upbeat groove, and Miracle Bobby Rogers' playful growls are irresistible. During his tenure with The Miracles, Griffin also sang lead on the Top 10 R&B hits "Do It Baby" and "Don't Cha Love It." A talented and prolific songwriter, Griffin has penned songs for well-known musical acts such as Aretha Franklin, Fergie, The O'Jays, Freda Payne and The Emotions.

The groove for "Love Machine" grew out of an impromptu jam session, according to noted studio bassist Scott Edwards, who laid down the bottom on the track. In our interview with Edwards, he discussed the recording of "Love Machine" and how they came up with the groove for the song: "A lot of the hits were basically the musicians jamming," said Edwards. "The same thing happened with another tune for Freddie [Perren], The Miracles 'Love Machine.' Same thing. We were just jamming, and Freddie said, 'Do the changes to these chords.' So that's the way a lot of stuff was made." Some of the other big hits that Edwards played bass on include "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" (Stevie Wonder), "I Will Survive" (Gloria Gaynor), "Bad Girls" (Donna Summer), "Shake Your Groove Thing" (Peaches & Herb)," "Rhinestone Cowboy" (Glen Campbell) and "Sara Smile" (Hall & Oates).