About the song
“Love Among the Cannibals,” released in 1989, marks a pivotal album for the rock band Starship, serving as their third studio release and a departure from their previous musical styles. Following Grace Slick’s departure from the band, this album represents a significant shift in Starship’s sound towards a harder-edged, Adult Oriented Rock (AOR) approach, distinct from the synth-pop influences of their earlier works.
The album features a notable reduction in external songwriters, with a majority of the tracks penned by band members Mickey Thomas, Mark Morgan, and Craig Chaquico themselves. Notably, “Wild Again,” originally produced for the soundtrack of the film ‘Cocktail’ (1988), was included as a bonus track on the album’s CD release, highlighting the band’s versatility in contributing to both cinematic and musical landscapes.
Commercially, “Love Among the Cannibals” yielded one standout hit on the Billboard charts with “It’s Not Enough,” peaking at No. 12 in October 1989. Despite the single’s success, the album itself reached only No. 64 on the charts, indicating a mixed reception among audiences and critics alike. Another single, “I Didn’t Mean to Stay All Night,” also made a modest impact, reaching No. 75.
Critically, the album received varied reviews. While some critics noted its departure from Starship’s earlier iterations—such as Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship—the music was acknowledged for its collection of “pleasant tunes,” as described by Andrew Martin in Music Week in October 1989.
The album’s track listing showcases the band’s diverse musical influences and collaborative efforts, featuring tracks like the introspective “Healing Waters” and the anthemic “Blaze of Love.” The ethereal “Dream Sequence” / “We Dream in Color” adds a reflective, atmospheric dimension to the album, underscoring its thematic diversity and experimental spirit.
Produced by a team including Mike Shipley, Larry Klein, and Tom Lord-Alge among others, “Love Among the Cannibals” embodies Starship’s evolution and resilience as a band navigating the evolving currents of late 1980s rock music. The album’s production values and contributions from additional musicians like Chris Thompson and Robert John “Mutt” Lange further enrich its sonic tapestry, emphasizing Starship’s commitment to musical innovation and exploration.
In conclusion, “Love Among the Cannibals” stands as a testament to Starship’s ability to reinvent themselves while staying true to their rock roots. With its blend of introspective lyrics, dynamic instrumentation, and varied production techniques, the album remains a distinctive chapter in the band’s discography, setting the stage for their subsequent releases and enduring influence in the rock music landscape.
Video
Lyrics
If you want my love tell me ’bout tomorrow
Cause I can’t wait one more day
Cold in the night waiting for a promise
So all alone I’m hanging on
Woman don’t play this game
You’ll never get my lovin this way
All this time you’ve been livin’ for the moment
It works for some, but not for me no
It’s not enough, to tell me you love me
It’s not enough, to tell me that you care (Yeah)
It’s not enough, to tell me you want me
Darlin’ you know deep inside
If you want my love, then girl you must show me
(Not enough) Oh show me girl
We can make it last if we hold on till tomorrow
Or will we throw it away
Empty words you say you want to please me
But half a heart won’t make it right
It’s not enough to tell me you love me
It’s not enough to tell me that you cried (Yeah)
It’s not enough to tell me you’re sorry
Darlin’ you know deep inside
If you want my love, then girl you must show me
(Not enough)
Empty words you say you want to please me
But half a heart won’t make it right no
It’s not enough to tell me you love me
It’s not enough to tell me that you care (Yeah)
It’s not enough to tell me you want me
Darlin’ you know
Not enough to tell me you need me
It’s not enough to tell me that you cried (Yeah)
It’s not enough to tell me you’re sorry
Darlin’ you know deep inside
It’s just not enough (Not enough)
Oh, if you really want to know girl (Not enough)
What it takes if you want my love