The song primarily uses F Major 7 , F minor 7 flat 5 , G minor 7 , and E diminished chords.

Written in the key of , "Love" is recognized for its distinctive piano instrumental and iconic guitar riff.

"Love" is the soulful breakthrough single that defined Keyshia Cole's career, released on , as the fourth and final single from her debut album, The Way It Is . The Story Behind the Song

While at a nightclub in Malibu, she spotted an ex-boyfriend with a new girlfriend. She went home and wrote the lyrics so quickly that she was in the studio recording the track by 4:00 AM.

It was the song that ultimately got her signed. When she performed just the first verse and chorus for A&M Records President Ron Fair , he signed her on the spot. Musical Composition & Tutorials

Love - Keyshia Cole // Guitar Tutorial with Chords (How to play) YouTube · The Beng Boy Keyshia Cole - Love (Piano Tutorial Lesson) YouTube · Amosdoll Music

The song showcases Cole's "street-savvy" depth and "Princess of Hip-Hop Soul" persona.

Cole wrote the song about a man she was "madly in love" with who did not reciprocate her feelings. He was well-off and preferred older, more established women, while Cole was still very young.