Introduction:
Released in 1974, Rock Me Gently is a soulful ballad that helped solidify Korean-American singer Andy Kim’s place in pop music history. The song falls under the genre of Soft Rock, a mellow subgenre of Rock and Roll that rose to prominence in the 1970s. Soft Rock is characterized by smooth vocals, melodic guitar lines, and a focus on emotional storytelling, which Rock Me Gently perfectly exemplifies.
Andy Kim, born Andrew Youakim, began his musical career in the late 1960s, co-writing the mega-hit Sugar, Sugar for The Archies in 1968. He then embarked on a solo career, signing a record deal with Capitol Records after impressing executives with Rock Me Gently. The song was produced by Kim’s manager, Bob Ezrin. Ezrin was a powerhouse in the music industry, having worked with legendary artists like Alice Cooper and Pink Floyd. His influence on Rock Me Gently is evident in the song’s polished production and sophisticated arrangement.
Rock Me Gently was a massive commercial success. The song climbed the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, eventually reaching number one in September 1974. It remained at the top spot for one week and stayed on the chart for a total of 20 weeks. Rock Me Gently also achieved international acclaim, topping charts in Canada and reaching the top ten in several other countries. The song’s catchy melody, Kim’s soulful vocals, and the relatable themes of love and intimacy resonated with audiences worldwide. Rock Me Gently went on to sell over two million copies worldwide, solidifying its place as a pop classic.
The success of Rock Me Gently made Andy Kim a household name. The song remains one of his signature tunes and continues to be a popular choice for radio play and nostalgia playlists. Rock Me Gently is also a reminder of the enduring power of Soft Rock and its ability to create timeless ballads that connect with listeners across generations.
Video:
Lyrics:
Ain’t it good
Ain’t it right
That you are with me here tonight
The music playing
Our bodies swaying in time
(In time, in time, in time)
Touching you
So warm and tender
Lord, I feel such a sweet surrender
Beautiful is the dream that makes you mine
Mmm
Rock me gently
Rock me slowly
Take it easy
Don’t you know
That I have never been
Loved like this before
Baby baby
Rock me gently
Rock me slowly
Take it easy
Don’t you know
That I have never been
Loved like this beforeOh, my darling
Oh, my baby
You got the moves that drive me crazy
And on your face
I see a trace of love
(Of love, of love, of love)
Come hold me close
Don’t let me go
I need you, honey
I love you so
You were made for me by the stars above
Oooh
Rock me gently
Rock me slowly
Take it easy
Don’t you know
That I have never been loved like this before
And baby, baby
Rock me gently
Rock me slowly
Take it easy
Don’t you know
That I have never been Loved like this beforeRock me gently
Rock me slowly
Take it easy
Don’t you know
That I have never been
Loved like this before
Ain’t it good
Ain’t it right
That you are with me here tonight
Rock me gently
Rock me slowly
Take it easy
Don’t you know
That I have never been
Loved like this before
Baby, baby
Rock me gently
Rock me slowly
Take it easy
Don’t you know
That I have never been
Loved like this before