"Just to Be Close to You" is a song by American R&B/funk band, Commodores, in 1976. Released from their album, Hot on the Tracks, it would become one of their biggest hits, spending two weeks at the top of the Hot Soul Singles chart and becoming their second Billboard Hot 100 top ten, peaking at number seven. The song was written and sung by Lionel Richie. Cash Box said that "there's a terrific spoken introduction, packed with soul, that gives way to a truly beautiful ballad." Charts See also List of number-one R&B singles of 1976 (U.S.) References 1976 songs 1976 singles 1993 singles Commodores songs Motown singles Trey Lorenz songs Epic Records singles Songs written by Lionel Richie