The Electric Pulse of Youth: When Sweet Urged Us to Embrace the Moment with “Action”
Ah, 1975. What a time it was. Bell bottoms swayed, platforms elevated us to new heights, and the airwaves crackled with a vibrant energy, a rebellious spirit that found its voice in the raw power of glam rock. And right there, amidst the glitter and the glorious noise, came Sweet with a track that perfectly encapsulated the urgency and excitement of being young and alive: “Action”. This song, a potent shot of pure rock and roll adrenaline, urged us to seize the day, to dive headfirst into the thrill of the moment, especially those fleeting, electric encounters that defined so much of our youthful experience.
Upon its release in July of that year, “Action” stormed the UK charts, peaking at a respectable number 15. Across the pond, in the United States, it also made its mark, climbing into the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 the following year. This chart success was a testament to the song’s infectious energy and the band’s undeniable appeal, solidifying Sweet‘s position as a force to be reckoned with in the global music scene.
The story behind “Action” is as dynamic as the song itself. By this point, Sweet, consisting of the charismatic Brian Connolly on lead vocals, the flamboyant Steve Priest on bass, the ever-reliable Andy Scott on guitar, and the powerhouse Mick Tucker on drums, were hungry to shed their earlier bubblegum pop image crafted by songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. They yearned for more creative control, wanting to showcase their raw musical talents and hard rock inclinations. “Action” was a significant step in this direction. While Chinn and Chapman still had a hand in its writing, the band’s own musical muscle was far more evident, resulting in a grittier, more guitar-driven sound.
Lyrically, “Action” speaks of those intense, often brief, connections we make. It captures the feeling of a chance meeting, the spark of attraction, and the desire to act on those impulses without hesitation. Lines like “Get it on, don’t wait too long” and “Every beat of your heart is telling you it’s right” resonate with the impulsive nature of youth and the thrill of new possibilities. It’s about living in the moment, embracing the excitement of a potential romance, and not letting opportunities slip away. For us older folks, it brings back memories of those heady days, the stolen glances, the nervous anticipation, and the sheer joy of a connection, however fleeting.
Interestingly, the recording of “Action” went through several iterations. A single version was laid down at Ian Gillan’s Kingsway Studios in London, and slightly different mixes found their way onto the albums “Strung Up” and “Give Us a Wink”. Adding a touch of rebellious intrigue, the track features a masked “backwards vocal” with a cheeky message directed at those who had been critical of the band – a hidden “You kiss my arse” for those who cared to listen closely. This little act of defiance perfectly mirrored the band’s growing desire to break free from the constraints imposed upon them.
Sweet had been on a fascinating journey since their formation in the late 1960s. Starting out as The Sweetshop, they navigated the changing tides of the music scene, evolving from a soul-influenced band to bubblegum sensations and finally embracing the glam rock mantle. Their earlier hits like “Funny Funny”, “Coco”, and the unforgettable “Little Willy” had brought them considerable success, but it was tracks like “Ballroom Blitz” and “Action” that truly showcased their rock and roll heart. These were songs that had a raw energy, a driving beat that made you want to get up and move, to feel the pulse of the music coursing through your veins.
“Action” stands as a vibrant snapshot of a specific time, a reminder of the energy and optimism that defined the mid-1970s. It’s a song that still sounds fresh today, its infectious riff and powerful vocals instantly transporting us back to those electric nights. It speaks to the universal experience of seizing the moment, of embracing the thrill of connection, and of living life with a sense of urgency and passion. So, let the needle drop, turn up the volume, and let Sweet‘s “Action” reignite those youthful sparks and remind us that some feelings, like the power of a great rock and roll song, never truly fade away.