“You Can’t Hurry Love” is a cover song by Phil Collins, originally recorded by The Supremes in 1966 and written by the legendary Motown songwriting trio Holland-Dozier-Holland. Collins released his version in November 1982 as the second single from his second solo album, Hello, I Must Be Going!. Known for its upbeat tempo and faithful homage to the original Motown sound, Collins’ cover became a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.
The song was originally a hit for The Supremes, one of Motown’s most successful groups, and it’s one of the best-known examples of the Motown Sound with its infectious beat and hopeful lyrics about patience in love. Collins, already a fan of Motown music, decided to include the song on his album Hello, I Must Be Going! as a tribute to the genre. At the time, Collins was in the early stages of his solo career, and this cover allowed him to showcase his versatility by exploring different musical styles.
The lyrics of “You Can’t Hurry Love” speak to the need for patience and faith in finding true love. The narrator, guided by the wisdom of their mother, is encouraged to wait for the right relationship instead of rushing into love prematurely. Lines like “You can’t hurry love, no, you just have to wait” reflect a timeless message about patience, resilience, and trusting the process. While the original version by The Supremes captures this message with a smooth, soulful delivery, Collins’ rendition maintains the same upbeat feel, making it relatable to listeners across generations.
Phil Collins’ version of “You Can’t Hurry Love” retains the upbeat, classic Motown sound of the original, with vibrant drums, bass, and horn sections that echo the original arrangement. Collins also introduces his own stylistic touches, such as tighter percussion and layered backing vocals, in a nod to the 1960s girl-group sound while putting a fresh 1980s twist on it. The song features a bouncy rhythm and handclaps, adding to its lively and nostalgic feel. In recreating the song, Collins used multitrack recording to layer his own vocals, mimicking the harmonies and energetic feel of The Supremes’ sound. His spirited vocal performance and upbeat tempo help to emphasize the song’s positive message, making it both a tribute and a reimagining of the original.
“You Can’t Hurry Love” became one of Phil Collins’ early solo hits, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in 1983, marking his first solo chart-topper in the UK. In the U.S., the song reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was also successful in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.