I Need You (America song)

"I Need You" is the second single by the band America from their eponymous debut album America, released in 1972. The song was written by Gerry Beckley.

Cash Box described it as "a gentle, 'Something'-ish ballad."

It appears on the live albums Live (1977), In Concert (1985), In Concert (King Biscuit), Horse with No Name – Live! (1995), and The Grand Cayman Concert (2002). The studio version is included on the compilation albums Highway (2000) and The Complete Greatest Hits (2001).

George Martin remixed the studio recording for inclusion on History: America's Greatest Hits (1975) with the pitch brought down a quarter tone and the bass guitar brought up further in volume from the original release. An alternate mix from 1971 (otherwise based on the George Martin mix) appears on the 2015 release Archives, Vol. 1.

Personnel
(Per back cover of 1972 vinyl issue of America.)
 * Dewey Bunnell – 6-string acoustic guitar, backing vocals
 * Gerry Beckley – lead vocal, bass, piano
 * Dan Peek – 12-string electric guitar, backing vocals
 * Dave Atwood – drums

Charts
The song was a top ten hit and spent 10 weeks in United States Billboard Hot 100 charts wherein it peaked at number 9. It was the band's second top ten single, following the success of their previous hit "A Horse with No Name". It also charted in the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart at number 7, and both Cash Box Singles Chart and Record World Singles Chart at number 8. Unlike their previous hit single, it didn't receive any certifications by RIAA.

Cover versions
Andy Williams released a version in 1972 on his album, Alone Again (Naturally). In the same year Percy Faith and Ray Conniff also released versions of the song.

Harry Nilsson recorded the song for his 1976 album ...That's the Way It Is.