Rocktrospectiva: The Expansive And Transitory "Love" Turns 40

 

Released on 18 October 1985 "Love" was the second studio album by the English rock band the Cult. The album was the band's commercial breakthrough, reaching number four in the UK and staying on the chart for 22 weeks. It produced three Top 40 singles in the UK, "She Sells Sanctuary", "Rain", and "Revolution".

Love was recorded at Jacob's Studios in Farnham, Surrey, in July and August 1985, it was the post new wave and heavy metal time in England, back in the day, there was this band called Death Cult that quickly changed its name by just The Cult in an effort to move beyond the gothic scene due its post-punk and goth rock sound, but this time, a new sound awaiting for, "Love" was the perfect hybrid between post punk and hard rock that will become so influential in the year to come. 

The album opener "Nirvana" was the first slice of a well articulated record, a track that swinged between so well and interesting lyrics a la Nietzche at its most existential way, "Big Neon Glitter" was less punk and more heavy, this was savage rock and roll and explicit sexual lyrics powered by the presence and ways of their frontman Astbury who always felt like a reincarnation of Jim Morrison. "Love" the homonimal track cuts the record in two, it was like using a common hippy statement but with certain heavy energy thanks the talented hands of Duffy who shone like the truly gifted guitarist he was, it was also the changed of the path, the moved from post punk sound into their typical hard rock we all knew in the years to come. 

Next was "Brother Wolf Moon" inspired in Astbury days in Canadá in where he definitely got inspiration in all the ative indians, customs and imaginary, those elements are eveident on this track, that led the listener into a intense trance and also it was like the one of the first real antecedents of the power ballads, cause definitely inspired that standard in the years of glam and hard rock domination. "Rain" was the essential symbolism for the band, again Billy Duffy and his guitar were the main characters on here setting the sound and the apocalyptic vibe, "Phoenix" about the life, death and resurrection linked to desire, passion and conflict, Duffy again offered a fine and a sticky gothic rock sound propelled the brilliant voice of Astbury. There it was "She Sells Sanctuary"one of the most famous singles by the band, their perfect and sonic chords were so catchy that turned the single into a hit. 

"Revolution" was the all splendor, farewell and nostalgia, a lyrics with a certain retrospectiva feeling, Duffy guitar perfectly fitted and the final chorus as a refer for the love revolution, which found its eco on "Black Angel" in which the band saw themselves talking about death as a way to reafirm the gothic roots of the band. It was truly powerful and expanded sound on this record, one of the most interesting surprises on the band's catalogue a perfectly fitted album for the days to come marking the band's destiny. 

 

Love Track List:  

 

1. Nirvana 

2. Big Neon Glitter

3. Love

4. Brother Wolf Sister Moon

5. Rain

6. Phoenix

7. Hollow Man

8. Revolution 

9. She Sells Sanctuary

10. Black Angel