Ever wondered what makes "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" by The Darkness such a timeless hit? Released on September 22, 2003, this song quickly became a rock anthem, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart. With its catchy guitar riffs, soaring falsetto vocals by Justin Hawkins, and playful lyrics, it captured the essence of 1970s glam and 1980s hair metal. The music video, featuring the band battling aliens on a spaceship, added to its quirky charm. Certified platinum in both the UK and the US, this track has left an indelible mark on rock music, inspiring new generations of fans and musicians alike.
Key Takeaways:
- "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" by The Darkness was a platinum-certified hit that revived glam rock, inspired by bands like Queen and Van Halen, and continues to be a beloved rock anthem.
- The song's impact on rock music and pop culture, along with its catchy melody and flamboyant style, has solidified its lasting legacy and enduring popularity.
The Rise of "I Believe in a Thing Called Love"
"I Believe in a Thing Called Love" by The Darkness is a song that took the world by storm in the early 2000s. Its catchy melody and flamboyant style made it an instant classic. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic track.
-
Release Date: The song was released as the third single from The Darkness' debut album, Permission to Land, on September 22, 2003.
-
Chart Performance: It peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and became a top-10 hit in Ireland, New Zealand, and Sweden. It also charted on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
-
Platinum Certification: The song received a platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales exceeding 600,000 units in the UK. It also achieved platinum certification in the United States for sales of over 1,000,000 units.
-
Album Background: Originally issued as a 3-track EP in August 2002, it was ineligible to chart due to the small number of copies printed. The EP included early versions of "Love on the Rocks with No Ice" and "Love Is Only a Feeling".
Behind the Scenes and Live Performances
Understanding the creation and live renditions of the song gives us a deeper appreciation of its impact.
-
Live Performance: A live version recorded at Knebworth House in 2003 was included as a B-side on the group's Christmas single, "Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End)".
-
Songwriting: Primarily written by Justin Hawkins, the lead vocalist and guitarist, the song is about being head over heels in love, incorporating elements of 1970s glam and 1980s hair metal.
-
Lyrics: Known for their catchy and playful nature, the opening verse sets the tone with lines like "Can't explain all the feelings that you're making me feel / My heart's in overdrive and you're behind the steering wheel".
-
Musical Style: Featuring a distinctive blend of rock and pop elements, the song has a prominent guitar riff and soaring falsetto vocals by Justin Hawkins. Its style is often compared to Queen.
The Iconic Music Video
The music video for "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" is as memorable as the song itself. Let's explore its creation and impact.
-
Music Video: Directed by Alex Smith, the video features the band performing on a spaceship, battling aliens and monsters, and engaging in various otherworldly antics. It was designed to launch the band onto the US market and was remade with a higher budget to include more elaborate special effects.
-
Original Video Concept: The original video was shot on a low budget at Alex Smith’s house and around a supermarket. Justin Hawkins mentioned that the original video included scenes where he was singing into a sausage, which became a memorable prop throughout the video.
-
Second Video Shoot: When it was decided to remake the video for a wider audience, a second shoot was conducted with a higher budget. This version featured more elaborate sets and special effects, including a spaceship and various monsters.
Inspirations and Commercial Success
The song's inspirations and commercial achievements are noteworthy. They highlight the band's influences and the song's widespread appeal.
-
Inspirations: The Darkness drew inspiration from bands like Queen, Van Halen, and AC/DC. The song’s title is a nod to Queen’s "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," reflecting the band's admiration for Queen’s style and showmanship.
-
Commercial Success: The song’s commercial success was significant, helping to sell 647,000 copies of Permission to Land in the United States as of February 2012.
-
Critical Acclaim: Despite initial skepticism, "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" received critical acclaim over time. It was named the 276th best track of the 2000s by Pitchfork and ranked number one for Classic Rock magazine’s list of "The Greatest Rock Songs of the Noughties".
-
Accolades: The song has been recognized in various polls and lists. It was ranked number 47 in Q magazine’s list of the 101 Greatest Guitar Tracks and placed 493 on Blender magazine’s list of "The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born".
Recognition and Legacy
The song's recognition and lasting legacy are testaments to its impact on rock music and pop culture.
-
VH1 Rankings: In a VH1 poll, "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" was ranked the 94th best hard rock song of all time.
-
Classic Rock Poll: In a 2020 poll by Classic Rock magazine, readers awarded the song the "Greatest Song of the Century (so far)".
-
Covers and Samples: The song has been covered by several artists, including Hayseed Dixie on their 2004 album Let There Be Rockgrass. It has also been sampled in various tracks, such as those by Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox and the Glee Cast.
-
Production Team: Produced by Pedro Ferreira, who also handled mixing and engineering. The recording took place at Chapel Studios in Lincolnshire, England, with additional vocals recorded at Paul Smith Music Studios in London.
The Making of a Classic
The process of creating "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" involved a talented team and a unique approach to songwriting and recording.
-
Personnel Involved: The song features Justin Hawkins on vocals and guitar, Dan Hawkins on guitar, Frankie Poullain on bass, and Ed Graham on drums. Pedro Ferreira was responsible for production, mixing, and engineering.
-
Recording Process: The song was pieced together at the apartment shared by Dan Hawkins and Frankie Poullain in London. Justin Hawkins mentioned that he played off a riff he had in his head, and then the words came naturally.
-
Title Significance: The title "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" was chosen to include the word "love," a deliberate choice by Justin Hawkins to make the song more memorable and catchy. Hawkins believed that songs with "Love" in the title would be more successful.
Glam Rock Influence and Performance Style
The song's glam rock influence and energetic performance style are key elements that contributed to its success.
-
Glam Rock Influence: Embodying facets of 1970s glam and 1980s hair metal, the song reflects The Darkness’ influence from bands like Sweet and Van Halen. Its style is characterized by flamboyant and theatrical elements.
-
Performance Style: Marked by Justin Hawkins’ soaring falsetto vocals and the band’s energetic live performances, the song’s chorus, with its repetitive phrase "I believe in a thing called love," has become iconic in rock music.
Impact on Rock Music and Cultural Significance
The song's impact on rock music and its cultural significance cannot be overstated. It brought back fun and showmanship to the genre.
-
Impact on Rock Music: "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" had a significant impact on rock music by bringing back the fun and showmanship that had been missing in the genre. Its success helped revive the glam rock style and inspired a new generation of rock bands.
-
Cultural Significance: The song’s music video, with its fantastical and humorous elements, has become a cultural phenomenon. The video’s use of special effects and its over-the-top performances have made it a staple of 2000s pop culture.
-
Legacy: Despite being released over two decades ago, "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" remains a beloved song in rock music. Its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and flamboyant style continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Chart Rankings and Awards
The song's chart rankings and awards highlight its widespread appeal and recognition within the music industry.
-
Chart Rankings: In addition to its UK success, the song also charted in several other countries, including Ireland, New Zealand, and Sweden. Its chart performance was a testament to the song’s universal appeal and catchy nature.
-
Awards and Recognition: The song has been recognized by various music publications and organizations. It has been named one of the greatest rock songs of the 2000s by Pitchfork and ranked highly in other lists and polls.
-
Enduring Popularity: Even years after its release, "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" continues to be a fan favorite and a staple of rock playlists. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and the band’s ability to create music that transcends generations.
The Enduring Legacy of "I Believe in a Thing Called Love"
"I Believe in a Thing Called Love" by The Darkness isn't just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon. Released in 2003, it quickly climbed charts worldwide, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart. Its catchy lyrics, flamboyant style, and memorable music video featuring a spaceship and aliens made it an instant classic. The song's blend of 1970s glam and 1980s hair metal, along with Justin Hawkins' soaring falsetto, brought fun and showmanship back to rock music. Over the years, it's received numerous accolades, including being named the greatest rock song of the 2000s by Classic Rock magazine. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, continuing to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" remains a must-listen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.