The Game Of Love…
“The Game Of Love” is a song by Santana that was released in 2002 and featured Michelle Branch on vocals. It was a big hit reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and rightfully so. The song features a great melody and catchy lyrics with a great performance by both Carlos Santana and Michelle Branch. The song itself was written by Gregg Alexander, the frontman for the band New Radicals, famous for the song “You Get What You Give”.
What’s unknown to many is that Tina Turner was originally called upon to record the song with Carlos Santana first. Michelle Branch was a secondary choice but upon hearing both versions, Michelle Branch’s version was the one that ended up on Santana’s “Shaman” album most likely due to it’s more playful nature versus Tina Turner’s more soulful version.
Tina Turner’s version would later be released in 2007 on Santana’s “Ultimate Santana” album.
You be the judge and listen to both and comment on which version you prefer.
Michelle Branch’s version:
Tina Turner’s version:
Gregg Alexander’s demo version:
hamatama 