Composer

:

Narada Michael Walden

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1987

Average_duration

:

4:24

"License to Kill" is a song composed by Narada Michael Walden, Jeffrey Cohen, and Walter Afanasieff. It was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan, for his 1983 album, "Infidels". The song was later covered by various artists, including Gladys Knight, Joe Cocker, and Tom Jones. However, it was Walden's version that gained the most recognition. Walden's version of "License to Kill" was released in 1985 as a single from his album, "The Nature of Things". The song was produced by Walden himself and featured a powerful vocal performance by him. The song's lyrics are about the dangers of power and the abuse of authority. It speaks about how people in positions of power can use their authority to hurt others and how they can get away with it. The song has a slow and steady tempo, with a strong bassline and a prominent drumbeat. The instrumentation is minimal, with a focus on Walden's vocals and the message of the song. The chorus is catchy and memorable, with the lyrics "You got a license to kill, you think you're above the law" repeated throughout. "License to Kill" premiered in 1985 and quickly became a hit, reaching number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's success was due in part to its powerful message, which resonated with audiences at the time. The song's popularity also helped to establish Walden as a solo artist, after years of working as a producer and session musician. Overall, "License to Kill" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that speaks to the dangers of power and the abuse of authority. Its catchy chorus and memorable lyrics have made it a classic of the 1980s, and it continues to be a popular song today.

More....