A Breath of Fresh Air in a Disco-Dominated World: Sweet’s “Love Is Like Oxygen”
Ah, Sweet’s “Love Is Like Oxygen,” a poignant exploration of dependency and the bittersweet nature of love, wrapped in a deceptively slick, almost ethereal package. It climbed to number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978, a testament to its enduring appeal amidst the swirling vortex of disco that dominated the charts at the time. Yet, beneath the polished veneer, a depth of feeling resonated with listeners, a tangible sense of longing and vulnerability that set it apart from the more ephemeral hits of the era.
In the late 1970s, Sweet had undergone a significant transformation. Once known for their glam rock anthems like “Ballroom Blitz” and “Fox on the Run,” they were navigating the shifting sands of musical taste. The departure of Brian Connolly, their charismatic frontman, had prompted a recalibration, a move toward a more sophisticated, mature sound. “Love Is Like Oxygen,” co-written by guitarist Andy Scott and Trevor Griffin, was a pivotal moment in this evolution. It was released as the lead single from their album, “Level Headed,” an album that reflected this newfound maturity and a willingness to experiment.
The song’s title, a simple yet powerful metaphor, speaks volumes. It captures the essential, almost addictive quality of love, the sense that one cannot survive without it. The lyrics delve into the complexities of a relationship where one partner feels suffocated, yet hopelessly dependent. “You give me your warning, but you don’t give me a choice,” sings Scott, his voice imbued with a sense of resigned acceptance. The arrangement, with its lush strings, layered vocals, and subtle keyboard textures, creates an atmosphere of both intimacy and melancholy. It’s a song that invites introspection, a quiet contemplation of the delicate balance between love and possession.
For those of us who remember those days, the late 70s were a fascinating, if sometimes bewildering, period. Disco was king, but the embers of glam rock still flickered, and new wave was beginning to emerge from the shadows. “Love Is Like Oxygen” stood as a bridge between these worlds, a song that embraced the polish of the era while retaining a sense of raw emotion. It wasn’t simply a dancefloor filler; it was a song with a story, a song that spoke to the heart.
Looking back, one can’t help but marvel at Sweet’s resilience. They could have easily faded into obscurity after Connolly’s departure, but they chose to reinvent themselves. “Love Is Like Oxygen” was a bold statement, a declaration that they were more than just a glam rock band. They were musicians capable of crafting sophisticated, emotionally resonant songs. The song’s success was a testament to their talent and their willingness to evolve. It’s a song that still lingers in the memory, a reminder of a time when music could be both beautiful and thought-provoking, a breath of fresh air in a world that often felt suffocating. And for those of us who lived through it, it brings back a rush of memories, a bittersweet nostalgia for a time when love, like oxygen, felt both essential and overwhelming.