A Breath of Fresh Air in the Rock Landscape: Sweet’s Enduring Anthem of Love’s Vital Necessity
A Metaphorical Lifeline: Sweet’s “Love Is Like Oxygen” Explores the Essential Yet Delicate Nature of Affection.
Ah, 1978. A year of change, a year where the sounds of music were shifting, morphing, and yet, amidst it all, some melodies resonated with a timeless quality. It was in this year that the British band Sweet, a group that had already carved a niche for themselves in the glam rock landscape with hits like “Ballroom Blitz” and “Fox on the Run,” released a song that would prove to be a significant departure, yet also their last foray into the Top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic: “Love Is Like Oxygen.”
Released in January 1978, “Love Is Like Oxygen” quickly climbed the charts, becoming a familiar sound on the radio waves. It reached an impressive number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and a respectable number 9 on the UK Singles Chart. The song also saw considerable success in other parts of the world, demonstrating its widespread appeal. This success was a testament to the band’s ability to evolve and capture the zeitgeist, even as musical tastes were undergoing a transformation with the rise of punk and disco.
The story behind “Love Is Like Oxygen” is an interesting one. Co-written by the band’s guitarist, Andy Scott, and Trevor Griffin, a musician who had previously worked as a roadie and sound engineer, the song marked a deliberate shift in Sweet’s sound. Known for their more guitar-driven rock anthems and high vocal harmonies, “Love Is Like Oxygen” introduced a more layered and sophisticated approach. The extended album version, featured on their album “Level Headed,” even incorporated strings and subtle disco influences, reflecting the musical landscape of the time. This experimentation showcased the band’s willingness to explore new sonic territories, a move that, while perhaps surprising to some long-time fans, ultimately broadened their appeal.
The meaning of “Love Is Like Oxygen” is encapsulated beautifully in its title and the recurring chorus: “Love is like oxygen, you get too much you get too high, not enough and you’re gonna die.” The lyrics paint a picture of love as a vital element, much like the very air we breathe. It suggests that love needs to be carefully regulated; too much can lead to an intoxicating and perhaps unsustainable high, while too little can be detrimental, even fatal to the spirit. This central metaphor is both simple and profound, resonating with the universal human experience of navigating the complexities of romantic relationships. The verses delve into themes of pride, rumors, and the emotional turmoil of love, all underpinned by the crucial need for this essential “oxygen.”
Interestingly, “Love Is Like Oxygen” was the first release by Sweet on the Polydor label after their departure from RCA. It was also nominated for the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Song of the Year, although it ultimately lost out to Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street.” Despite not winning the award, the nomination itself speaks volumes about the song’s quality and impact on the music scene.
Looking back, “Love Is Like Oxygen” stands as a fascinating moment in Sweet’s career. It was a song that demonstrated their musical versatility and their ability to adapt to changing trends while still retaining their distinctive harmonies. For those of us who remember the late 70s, this song evokes a particular feeling – a blend of rock energy with a touch of the era’s emerging pop sensibilities. It reminds us that love, in its many forms, is indeed a fundamental necessity, something we cannot live without, and something that requires a delicate balance to thrive. The enduring appeal of “Love Is Like Oxygen” lies in its timeless message, wrapped in a melody that still feels like a breath of fresh air today.