A Blast of Glam Rock Energy That Still Ignites the Airwaves: Sweet’s “Fever of Love”
Driven by Raw Passion and a Relentless Beat, “Fever of Love” Captured the Moment.
Ah, Sweet. Just the name conjures up images of vibrant colours, stacked heels, and a sound that was both undeniably rock and irresistibly catchy. In the mid-1970s, as the dust of the early glam rock explosion began to settle, this quartet – Brian Connolly, Steve Priest, Andy Scott, and Mick Tucker – continued to deliver the goods, and in early 1977, they unleashed “Fever of Love”. This wasn’t just another throwaway pop tune; it was a surging anthem that perfectly encapsulated the energy and, dare I say, the slight hysteria of the era.
Upon its release in March 1977, “Fever of Love” swiftly climbed the charts, demonstrating Sweet‘s enduring appeal. While it didn’t quite reach the dizzying heights of some of their earlier smashes, it still made a respectable showing, peaking at number 9 in Germany and demonstrating its staying power by remaining on the chart for 14 weeks. In Switzerland, it reached number 7, staying for 5 weeks. These positions reflected the band’s solid fanbase and the track’s undeniable hook. The single was released ahead of their album, “Off the Record”, which itself saw a release in April 1977 and reached number 151 on the Billboard 200 in the US, further solidifying their presence on the global music scene.
The story behind “Fever of Love” is intertwined with Sweet‘s evolution as a band. Initially known for their Chinnichap-penned bubblegum hits like “Funny Funny” and “Co-Co”, the band yearned for more artistic control and a heavier, more rock-oriented sound. By the time “Fever of Love” emerged, Sweet had largely taken the reins of their songwriting, and this track is credited to all four members: Scott, Connolly, Tucker, and Priest. This shift reflected their growing maturity and desire to be taken seriously as musicians, moving away from the perception of being merely a pop act.
Lyrically, “Fever of Love” is a straightforward but potent expression of infatuation and desire. The “fever” is a metaphor for an intense, almost overwhelming attraction. Lines like “The fever of love is like a hundred above / You are the one that turns me on” are direct and convey the raw feeling of being consumed by love. It speaks to that universal experience of being utterly captivated by someone, a feeling that transcends generations. The driving beat and Connolly’s passionate vocals amplify this sense of urgency and longing, making it a song that resonates on a visceral level.
Musically, “Fever of Love” is a prime example of Sweet‘s glam rock sensibilities, albeit with a slightly harder edge than some of their earlier work. The song features a prominent, driving guitar riff, powerful drumming from the ever-reliable Mick Tucker, and the signature harmonies that were a hallmark of Sweet‘s sound. There’s a certain swagger and energy to the track that makes it instantly recognizable and undeniably catchy. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to turn up the volume and maybe even tap your feet along to the infectious rhythm.
Sweet emerged from the vibrant London music scene in 1968, initially as The Sweetshop. After some early singles and lineup changes, the classic lineup of Connolly, Priest, Scott, and Tucker solidified. They initially found fame with a string of pop hits crafted by the songwriting duo Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. However, the band always harboured ambitions to write their own material and showcase their instrumental prowess. Albums like “Sweet Fanny Adams” and “Desolation Boulevard” saw them moving towards a heavier, more guitar-driven sound, which culminated in self-penned hits like “Fox on the Run” and “Action”. “Fever of Love” fits firmly within this period of the band asserting their rock credentials.
The glam rock era, from which Sweet emerged and significantly contributed to, was a fascinating time in music history. It was characterized by flamboyant fashions, theatrical performances, and a blurring of gender lines. Musically, it encompassed a range of styles, from the hard-rocking anthems to more pop-infused melodies, often with a strong emphasis on catchy hooks and memorable riffs. Bands like T. Rex, David Bowie, and Slade were contemporaries of Sweet, each contributing their unique flavour to this colourful and influential genre. Glam rock was a reaction against the more serious and often overtly political tone of the late 1960s, opting instead for escapism, fun, and a celebration of artifice and spectacle.
Looking back at “Fever of Love” today, it still retains that spark of energy and excitement that defined the mid-1970s. It serves as a reminder of a time when music was bold, colourful, and unashamedly entertaining. For those of us who remember those days, hearing that opening riff can instantly transport us back to a time of youthful exuberance and the sheer joy of rock and roll. It’s a testament to Sweet‘s enduring talent and their ability to capture a moment in time with a song that still ignites a “fever” of nostalgia.