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“More than Words”
Single by Extreme from the album Extreme II: Pornograffiti
Released	1991 (as a single)
Format	CD maxi 7" single
Recorded	1990
Genre	Rock, Power ballad
Length	5:33
Label	A&M Records
Writer(s)	Nuno Bettencourt Gary Cherone
Producer	Michael Wagener

"More Than Words" is a ballad written by and originally performed by rock band Extreme. It is built around intricate acoustic guitar work by Nuno Bettencourt and the vocals of Gary Cherone (with harmony vocals from Bettencourt), it was released in 1990 on the album Extreme II: Pornograffiti. The song was a departure from the funk metal that had permeated the band's style previous to its release.

Song meaning

The song itself asks the person to whom it is addressed to show love through "more than words." The video for "More Than Words" was parodied by Weird Al Yankovic for his original song, "You Don't Love Me Anymore." Also Amateur Transplants wrote a comedic song to the same tune as "More Than Words" entitled "Northern Birds" which may be found on their 2006 album "We Are So Bad".

Chart performances

On March 23, 1991, "More Than Words" entered the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 81 and soon after reached number one. It also reached number two in the UK Singles Chart, where the group had had success before its American breakthrough. Though they had made a few European charts before, this brought the band to their first mainstream success in the United States. Extreme followed "More Than Words" with another power ballad, "Hole Hearted," which was slightly faster paced than "More Than Words," but nevertheless topped at number 4 in the United States.

Cover versions

Even years after its release, "More Than Words" has retained popularity as a romantic ballad. Cover versions of "More Than Words" include:

• BBMak in 1999-2000, on their first debut album, released in Asia in 1999, and as a b-side in 1999 from United Kingdom 'Back here' single.
• Westlife in 1999, on their first album, Westlife
• David Cassidy in 2003 for the album A Touch of Blue
• Naturally 7 in 2003 for the album "What Is It?" Done acappella-style, with no instrumentation.
• Walters & Kazha in 2005, as a live performance
• Frankie J in 2005, as a single
• Wavegroup is a company that did a cover of the song for the game Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol.
• Owen in 2004, as a Japanese bonus track on his album I Do Perceive.
• Tony Lucca and JC Chasez in 1991, performed that tune on the Mickey Mouse Club.

Track listings

CD maxi

1. "More Than Words" (remix)
2. "Kid Ego"
3. "Nice Place to Visit"

7" single

1. "More Than Words" (3:43)
2. "Nice Place to Visit" (3:16)

Chart

External links

• www.youtube.com Extreme performing More Than Words

References