MADONNA REMIXERS UNITED PRESENTS: 

Love Don't Live Here Anymore  is a song originally recorded by Rose Royce in 1978, written by Miles Gregory and produced by Norman Whitfield. Madonna covered the song for her 1984 album Like a Virgin, with production by Nile Rodgers. It may not be one of her biggest hits, but it holds cultural significance. Originally featured on Like a Virgin, it was overlooked at the time, as it wasn’t released as a single and was overshadowed by major hits like "Material Girl" and "Like a Virgin."
Critics noted Madonna’s vocal vulnerability in the song, marking a departure from the upbeat dance tracks that defined her early sound. As one of her first ballads, it showcased her ability to deliver deeply emotional performances, proving she wasn’t just a pop provocateur.
In 1995, the song was re-recorded, remixed, and re-released on Something to Remember, a compilation of Madonna's ballads. This version received more critical focus & embraced more classical instrumentation, aligning with her mid-'90s shift toward a mature, introspective style. The remix also received club treatments, further diversifying its sound. While some fans appreciated the orchestral arrangement, others felt it was an unusual choice for a single.
Despite mixed public reactions, the song remains a cult favorite. It peaked at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Madonna’s lower-charting singles, but its lyrics of heartbreak and loneliness solidified it as one of her most emotionally resonant performances.

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Several critics praised her delivery:

• Liz Smith (Newsday) noted that Madonna's vocal training for Evita had "paid off," enhancing the song's impact.

• Dorothy Holmes (Telegram & Gazette) described it as a perfect adult contemporary staple.

• Paul Schrodt (Slant Magazine) called it one of Madonna’s most faithful covers, relying on an angsty rock delivery.

• J.D. Considine (The Baltimore Sun) highlighted her soulful intensity.

•  Richard LaBeau (Medium) described it as one of Madonna’s rare but successful forays into remakes.

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Madonna’s commitment to reinvention is reflected in this track, which paved the way for later ballads like "Live to Tell" and "Take a Bow." The accompanying music video, directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, was praised for its raw simplicity, reinforcing her image as a versatile performer capable of conveying deep emotion through minimalistic visuals. Video features Madonna in an historical Art Nouveau style confitería in Buenos Aires, Argentina, located in front of the Palace of the National Congress and the Congressional Plaza, on the intersection of Callao and Rivadavia avenues in the barrio of Balvanera., shot in a single take.
In her Evita diaries, published by Vanity Fair in 1996, Madonna recalled forgetting the lyrics during the video shoot—a moment she attributed to an identity crisis, as she struggled to balance her own persona with her role as Eva Perón. She was also in the early stages of her pregnancy with daughter Lourdes, which added to the emotional weight of the shoot.
Though not a major commercial success, "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" has been covered and referenced in various media, ensuring its lasting appeal.