1995 Classic Named a No. 1 Hit Became a Timeless Romantic Ballad

31 years ago today, on April 22, 1995, John Michael Montgomery celebrated a No. 1 hit with his beloved country ballad, “I Can Love You Like That.” The timeless tune reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, which is now known as the Hot Country Songs chart.  

Released via Atlantic Records on Feb. 27, 1995, and written by Steve Diamond, Jennifer Kimball, and Maribeth Derry, “I Can Love You Like That” finds Montgomery, 61, telling the story of a hopeless romantic who wishes to live out her dream of finding her prince charming. Playing the role of her suitor in the chorus, Montgomery delivers a promise of love and devotion, telling her that he will live his life to make sure all of her wishes come true. 

Throughout the heartfelt track, the Danville, Kentucky native’s signature twang baritone vocals carry listeners through the romantic theme over neo-traditional country sounds and soft piano chords. 

Bringing the Song to Life

The official music video for Montgomery’s version of “I Can Love You Like That” brings the lyrics to life, showing him performing on a floral-adorned staircase while wedding scenes are interwoven throughout. That epic visual for the timeless song was directed by Marc Ball. 

“I Can Love You Like That” was a long-running country radio success, spending twenty weeks climbing to the No. 1 spot, where it stayed for one week before it was edged out by Brooks & Dunn’s “Little Miss Honky Tonk.”  

The song appears on Montgomery’s self-titled third studio album, John Michael Montgomery, which included additional singles, “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident),” “No Man’s Land,” “Cowboy Love,” and “Long as I Live,” all of which were either No. 1 or Top 10 hits.

R&B Version

While Montgomery’s “I Can Love You Like That” remains a beloved staple at weddings and other special occasions decades after its release, the artist isn’t the only one whom people associate the romantic song with. R&B group All-4-One also released a rendition of the song, as well as a cover of the country crooner’s “I Swear,” which earned them a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. 

Montgomery’s “I Can Love You Like That” served as one of three mega-ballads according to Billboard, with the others being “I Love the Way You Love Me” and the previously-mentioned “I Swear.” 

Related: 1982 Classic Named No. 1 Hit Became a Timeless Southern Rock Anthem