Love Is the Foundation

Love Is the Foundation is the twenty-third solo studio album by American country music singer-songwriter Loretta Lynn. It was released on August 13, 1973, by MCA Records.

Critical reception
In the August 25, 1973 issue, Billboard published a review that said, "For the never-ending stream of Loretta Lynn fans, here's another fine album to add to her never-ending string of good ones. Good variety of material and lots of Loretta." The review also noted "What Sundown Does to You", "Hey Loretta", and "You're Still Lovin' Me" as the best cuts on the album.

Cashbox also published a review in their August 25 issue which said, "This is the sort of album you put on the turntable and walk away. It plays itself. It's instant programming. "What Sundown Does to You", is a heavy mover. "Satin Sheets" is a case where Loretta's vocals reach down your throat and pull your heart, twist it, and wring it out. Whew! She does Kristofferson's "Why Me", and Shel Silverstein's "Hey Loretta", and "Five Fingers Left", which she wrote herself and which is a very strong personal statement. Loretta is a strong lady, with a strong voice, but her smile strikes deep into your heart. This LP captures all of that."

Commercial performance
The album peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Country LP's chart and No. 183 on the US Billboard Top LP's & Tape chart.

The album's first single, "Love Is the Foundation", was released in April 1973 and peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It also peaked at No. 1 on the RPM Country Singles chart in Canada. The second single, "Hey Loretta", was released in October 1973 and peaked at No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and No. 1 on the RPM Country Singles chart in Canada.

Recording
Recording sessions for the album took place at Bradley's Barn in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, on March 5, 27 and 28, 1973. One additional session followed on May 31. "Five Fingers Left" was recorded on December 8, 1969, during a session for 1970's Loretta Lynn Writes 'Em and Sings 'Em.

Personnel
Adapted from the album liner notes and Decca recording session records.
 * Willie Ackerman – drums
 * Harold Bradley – bass guitar
 * Owen Bradley – producer
 * Ray Edenton – electric guitar
 * Lawrence Fried – photography
 * Lloyd Green – steel guitar
 * Buddy Harman – drums
 * Darrell Johnson - mastering
 * The Jordanaires – background vocals
 * Jerry Kennedy – guitar
 * Billy Linneman – bass
 * Loretta Lynn – lead vocals
 * Grady Martin – guitar
 * Charlie McCoy – harmonica, vibes
 * Bob Moore – bass
 * Hargus Robbins – piano
 * Hal Rugg – steel
 * Jerry Shook – guitar
 * Kenny Starr – liner notes
 * Pete Wade – guitar

Year-end charts
Singles