The Secret Genius Behind Your Favourite Songs
Desmond Child: The true embodiment of a Song Doctor
Most musicians tend to relish in the spotlight. Given the fame and attention that comes with being a rockstar, many people get into the music industry wanting nothing more than the adulation of millions of fans. However, when you talk about the greatest songwriters of the past 20 years, most people wouldn't automatically think of Desmond Child.
To the average music fan, this guy could pass as their favorite artists' lawyer rather than a seasoned musical veteran.
On the other hand, Child has been the secret weapon for pop musicians over the past 40 years. From his beginnings in the late 70's up until his later era successes, Child has had a writing credit on some of the biggest hits on the pop charts. From working in glam rock to punk to hair metal to pop punk, there is absolutely no limit on what this man has accomplished when he sits down to write a song. Even big name artists have been known to call upon Child's assistance when writing some of their hits.
Even if the name doesn't sound familiar, you've most likely heard tons of Child's melodies over the years. That being said, let's go down the rabbit hole and take a look at the many artists Desmond Child has given his melodic touch to.
10. Writer Of Kiss' "I Was Made For Lovin You"
Starting off right out of the gate, Desmond Child's background prior to being a songwriter was in R&B music, where he excelled in writing dance-able pop music. Once he moved to a more behind the scenes role in the industry, it wasn't long before the other sides of rock music came calling.
Quickly transitioning out of their hard rock roots, KISS were seeking a newer sound after coming off each member's respective solo albums. Enamored with the disco scene in New York, Paul Stanley found a confidante in Child, who collaborated with the band on "I Was Made For Lovin You."
Though many KISS fans would label this as the band's sellout song, the straightforward melody and chord structure are absolutely irresistible. While Child admits Stanley did most of the heavy lifting, he was also quick to point out that all Stanley presented him with was guitar chords and a few vague lyrical sketches. Once it got into Child's hands though, the song was turned into one of the greatest crossovers the band had ever seen, putting them in the league with pop superstars like Donna Summer.
This song was a nice start, but it just the beginning of Child's never-ending love affair with the pop charts.