Keyshia Cole Once Hated Her Signature Hit "Love" — Here's Why

It’s hard to imagine R&B without Keyshia Cole’s emotional powerhouse ballad “Love” — a song that not only catapulted her career but also became a staple in 2000s heartbreak anthems. But in a surprising revelation, Cole once admitted that she hated the very song that would define her legacy.

Released in 2005 as the third single from her debut album The Way It Is, “Love” showcased Keyshia’s raw, unfiltered vocal ability and vulnerability. The song soared on the Billboard charts and became an instant fan favorite, solidifying her as one of the standout voices in modern R&B.

So why did Keyshia Cole dislike it?

According to the singer, her discomfort stemmed from her vocal performance on the track. She felt that her voice wasn’t as polished as she wanted it to be and was overly critical of the final product. In interviews, she’s reflected on the fact that she was still growing into her voice and style at the time — and listening back, all she could hear were imperfections.

But for fans, those imperfections are exactly what made the song unforgettable. “Love” resonated because of its rawness — the emotion you could feel in every word, every cry, every note. The fact that it didn’t sound overly produced or engineered only made it more real and relatable.

Over time, Keyshia has come to appreciate what the song means to her fans. It’s the track that turned casual listeners into lifelong supporters, and it remains one of the most requested songs at her concerts. What once caused discomfort has now become a badge of honor.

“Love” is now considered one of the greatest R&B songs of its era, a timeless classic that continues to inspire a new generation of artists and listeners alike. Even if Keyshia Cole didn’t love “Love” at first — the world certainly did.