Get It Up for Love: A Timeless Anthem of Romantic Passion and Desire
For those of us who grew up in the 1970s, the name David Cassidy evokes a very particular kind of musical memory. He was more than just a pop star; he was a phenomenon, a teen idol who embodied the era’s youthful exuberance and romantic idealism. His face, framed by that iconic shag haircut, adorned countless magazine covers and bedroom walls. While his career was defined by the saccharine pop of The Partridge Family‘s “I Think I Love You” and other early hits, a deeper, more mature artistry lay beneath the surface, one that began to emerge as he sought to shed his teen idol image. This is where a track like “Get It Up for Love” comes in, a song that, while perhaps not his most famous, is a profound and often overlooked gem in his catalog.
Released in 1974, “Get It Up for Love” was a significant departure for Cassidy. It appeared on his album The Higher They Climb, and its raw, soulful energy signaled a transition from the bubblegum pop of his earlier work to a more serious, rock-oriented sound. While the song didn’t achieve the massive chart success of his initial hits, it holds a special place in the hearts of those who followed his journey. It was a bold statement, a song that showed Cassidy was ready to tackle more adult themes and a more sophisticated musical landscape. The song peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100, a respectable showing that demonstrated his enduring appeal, even as he was trying to break free from the constraints of his earlier persona.
The story behind the song is a fascinating one, rooted in the turbulent times of the mid-70s music scene. As many former teen idols discovered, transitioning to a more mature sound was a difficult, often impossible, task. Cassidy was determined to do it on his own terms. “Get It Up for Love” was not a song handed to him by a record label; it was a track he chose, and one he poured his heart into. Its production, featuring a rich blend of brass, strings, and a funky rhythm section, was a world away from the simple arrangements of his Partridge Family days. It was a collaboration that allowed him to express a more authentic artistic vision, one that was closer to his true musical sensibilities.
At its core, “Get It Up for Love” is an anthem of romantic passion and desire. The lyrics, “Got to get it up for love,” are a powerful and direct plea, a call to action for the heart. They speak to the universal experience of longing for a deep, meaningful connection, of summoning the emotional courage to open oneself up to love. The song’s soulful delivery and passionate vocals capture this feeling perfectly, making it a relatable and moving piece of music. For many listeners, it wasn’t just a song; it was a soundtrack to their own burgeoning romances, a reflection of the intense emotions and vulnerability that come with falling in love. It’s a song that, even decades later, can transport you back to those moments of youthful yearning, of late nights spent with a crush, or the thrill of a first kiss. It’s a testament to the power of music to capture and preserve a feeling, a moment in time, forever.