Our top 10 Love and Rockets list digs deep into the music of an English band revered for blending alt-rock with psychedelia, glam rock, dance rock, and pop-punk sounds. The band was formed in 1985 from the ashes of Bauhaus’ collapse in 1983. Orchestrating the move to form Love and Rockets were vocalist/guitarist Daniel Ash, drummer Kevin Haskins, and bassist David J.
Notably, Love and Rockets’ soundscapes were quite different from those of the band Bauhaus. The transition to pop-oriented alternative rock sound influences saw the trio drop gothic rock sounds, a style pioneered by Bauhaus. Other bands that played a significant role in the development of gothic rock include The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Joy Division.
Love and Rockets were active from 1985 till the end of the twentieth century. Throughout this period, the band issued seven studio albums four of which made it to the Billboard 200 Chart. Unfortunately, the band went on a hiatus after issuing its last studio album only to return for a short stint in the mid to late ‘00s. Love and Rockets reunited earlier this year after the collapse of Bauhaus’ three-year reformation that ended in 2022.
A Quick Review of Love and Rockets’ Albums
In 1985, Love and Rockets issued their debut studio album Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven. The album was issued through Beggars Banquet Records under the production contribution of John A. Rivers. Rivers is a decorated record producer best known for his prodigious work with a number of bands including The Specials, The Loft, Dead Can Dance, and Ocean Colour Scene.
Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven was quite a momentous record. However, the album failed to impress in the mainstream. Despite this, the album remains one of Love and Rockets’ most sought-after records of all time. “Haunted When the Minutes Drag,” “If There’s a Heaven Above,” and “Saudade” are some of the most popular songs by Love and Rockets from the album. The 2000 CD reissue bonus tracks of Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven included a cover of The Temptations 1970 song “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today).”
Love and Rockets returned in 1986 with their sophomore studio album, Express. The album was also issued through Beggars Banquet under the production of John A. Rivers. Other artists who have issued records through Beggars Banquet include Bauhaus, Gary Numan, The Fall, and The Cult. Express made it to the Billboard 200 peaking at position seventy-two. “Kundalini Express,” “An American Dream,” “All in My Mind,” “Holiday on the Moon,” and “Yin and Yang (The Flowerpot Man)” are the best Love and Rockets songs from the album Express.
Earth, Sun, Moon marked the band’s third studio album. The album was issued through Beggars Banquet under the production contribution of Derek Tompkins. Other artists who have worked with Derek include David J., Shirley Collins, Bauhaus, and drummer Pete York, a former member of The Spencer Davis Group. Earth, Sun, Moon made it to position sixty-two on the Billboard 200. “No New Tale to Tell,” “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven,” “Mirror People,” and “Waiting for the Flood” are the most popular song by Love and Rockets from the album.
Love and Rockets returned in 1989 with their eponymous fourth studio album. The album was issued through Beggars Banquet under the production contribution of John Fryer, a former member of This Mortal Coil. As a producer, Fryer has worked with multiple artists including Cocteau Twins, Depeche Mode, Jesus Jones, Cradle of Filth, and Nine Inch Nails.
Love and Rockets is the most successful album by Love and Rockets. The album made it to position fourteen on the Billboard 200 Chart—this makes it Love and Rockets’ highest-charting album. Love and Rockets was also a commercial success earning gold certification in the US. “So Alive,” “Motorcycle,” “Rock and Roll Babylon,” and “No Big Deal” are the best Love and Rockets songs from the album.
Five years later, Love and Rockets returned with their fifth studio album Hot Trip to Heaven. The album marked the band’s first release issued through American Recordings. Other artists who have issued music through American Recordings include Tom Petty, System of a Down, The Jayhawks, and Skinny Puppy, to name a few. The album failed to make it to the Billboard 200 Chart. However, Hot Trip to Heaven featured musical gems such as “This Heaven,” “Be the Revolution,” “Trip and Glide,” and “Body and Soul.”
In 1996, Love and Rockets returned with their sixth studio album Sweet F.A. The album was the band’s second album issued through American Recordings. Love and Rockets’ members co-produced the album Sweet F.A. alongside John Fryer. The album made it to position one hundred and seventy-two on the Billboard 200 chart. “Sweet Lover Hangover,” “Shelf Life,” and “Fever” are the best Love and Rockets songs from the album.
Lift, issued in 1998, marked Love and Rockets’ seventh and most recent studio album. The album was issued through Red Ant Entertainment. Life was co-produced by the band members in conjunction with Doug de Angelis. Doug has also worked with multiple artists including Kylie Minogue, Pet Shop Boys, and No Doubt among others. “Holy Fool,” “My Drug,” and “Delicious Ocean” are the most popular songs by Love and Rockets from the album.
Love and Rockets’ Accolades and Legacy
In the late ‘80s through the ‘90s, Love and Rockets endured success thanks to their eclectic musical style. Love and Rockets’ diverse soundscapes earned the band a cult following—the band’s musicianship contributed to its mainstream and commercial success. It is over two decades since Love and Rockets issued any new recording. However, Love and Rockets’ reunion instantly captured the band’s signature musical flame that helped catapult it to mainstream and commercial success in the late ‘80s through the ‘90s. Here we take a look at the top 10 Love and Rockets songs of all time sampled from the band’s seven studio albums.
#10- Holy Fool
Ushering us to the top 10 Love and Rockets songs list is the mesmerizing hit “Holy Fool.” The song is among the standout tracks off the band’s seventh and most recent studio album Lift. “Holy Fool” showcases Love and Rockets’ ability to deliver atmospheric hits with introspective lyrics. The song features some pulsating basslines by David J—the basslines give this track a distinctive feel.
“Holy Fool” is among the few songs on Lift that feature the contribution of non-members of Love and Rockets. The song features the vocal contribution of former Luscious Jackson Jill Cunniff. Jill also plays the guitars in this track. “Holy Fool” also features the contribution of yet another former member of the band Luscious Jackson Kate Schellenbach. Kate, who also played with The Beastie Boys, played the drums in this song.
#9- Sweet Lover Hangover
Sweet F.A. is without a doubt one of Love and Rockets’ most underrated records. The alternative rock-oriented album is home to the ninth pick on our top 10 Love and Rockets songs list, “Sweet Lover Hangover.” “Sweet Lover Hangover” is reminiscent of songs from Love and Rockets’ album Express. The song features some amazing guitar work by Daniel Ash. Ash also delivers some gentle croons which complements this song’s texture.
“Sweet Lover Hangover” was a mainstream success rising to the tenth spot on the Billboard Alternative Airplay Chart. The song also peaked at position sixty-six on the Billboard Radio Songs Chart. “Sweet Lover Hangover” is among the few songs from Sweet F.A. produced by Sylvia Massy. Sylvia has also worked with other artists including Red Hot Chili Peppers, System of a Down, Luscious Jackson, and Johnny Cash among others.
#8- All in My Mind
Ranking eighth on our top 10 Love and Rockets songs list is the remarkable hit “All in My Mind.” The song was issued as a single of the band’s sophomore studio album Express. “All in My Mind” is a percussion-laden track whose excellence is centered around the lush-layered vocal delivery of the band’s vocalist Daniel Ash.
The song was a success in the mainstream rising to position forty-nine on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart. “All in My Mind” singer Black Francis of the alternative rock band Pixies. The song features a music video directed by Tony van den Ende. Other artists who have worked with Tony van den Ende include Bad Company, Meat Loaf, The Brand New Heavies, and Simply Red among others.
#7- Ball of Confusion
“Ball of Confusion” is undeniably one of the most sought-after tracks by fans of Love and Rockets. The song is featured as a bonus track in the 2000 reissue of Love and Rockets’ debut studio album Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven. Initially, the song “Ball of Confusion” was issued in 1970 by The Temptations. Other notable artists who have covered this song include Duran Duran, The Neville Brothers, Anthrax, and Tina Turner.
#6- No Big Deal
Coming in at number six on our top 10 Love and Rockets songs list is the ravishing hit “No Big Deal.” The song is featured on Love and Rockets’ eponymous fourth studio album. “No Big Deal” features some impressive guitar work by Daniel Ash. The song is among the most successful releases by Love and Rockets. “No Big Deal” is the band’s second single to climb into the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. The song also made it to the nineteenth spot on the Billboard Alternative Airplay Chart.
#5- Kundalini Express
Express, the band’s sophomore studio album, is home to the fifth pick of our top 10 Love and Rockets songs list, “Kundalini Express.” This masterpiece serves as a perfect emblem of Daniel Ash’s impressive guitar work. The song also has a luscious rhythm section thanks to the impressive drumming by Kevin Haskins and energetic basslines by David J.
Unlike “All in My Mind,” “Kundalini Express” never made it big in the mainstream charts. However, the song’s popularity was achieved thanks to the impressive musicianship of the Love and Rockets trio. “Kundalini Express” was covered by The Flaming Lips in 2009.
#4- Haunted When the Minutes Drag
“Haunted When the Minutes Drag” is one of the earliest releases by Love and Rockets. The song is featured on the band’s LP Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven. “Haunted When the Minutes Drag” features some impressive basslines served by bassist David J. The song also features impressive vocal harmonies from singer Daniel Ash and bassist David J. “Haunted When the Minutes Drag” was featured in the soundtrack of the 1988 film She’s Having a Baby. Other artists whose songs made it to the soundtrack include Kate Bush, Bryan Ferry, Everything but the Girl, and Kirsty MacColl.
#3- Holiday on the Moon
Ranking third on our top 10 Love and Rockets songs list is the awe-inspiring hit “Holiday on the Moon.” The song is featured on the Original US and UK CD releases track listing of the band’s sophomore studio album Express. “Holiday on the Moon” finds Daniel Ash serving us with some melodic guitar riffs. It is quite astonishing that songs like “Holiday on the Moon” never made it big in the mainstream chart. “Holiday on the Moon” was covered by the American rock band Puscifer in 2009.
#2- No New Tale to Tell
“No New Tale to Tell” is without a doubt among one of the favorite picks from Love and Rockets’ music catalog. The song is featured on Love and Rockets’ third studio album Earth, Sun, Moon. “No New Tale to Tell” is the emblem of Love and Rockets’ ensured musicianship on the band’s third LP.
The song achieved mild success in the mainstream chart. “No New Tale to Tell” made it to the eighteenth spot on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart. The song was covered by Ashes Fallen, Blaqk Audio, and Neither/Neither World. “No New Tale to Tell” features a music video directed by Tony van den Ende.
#1- So Alive
Coming in at number one on our top 10 Love and Rockets songs is the alluring hit “So Alive.” The song is featured on the band’s eponymous fourth studio album. “So Alive” finds the singer describing an encounter with a mistress who made him feel “So Alive.” The song remains to be Love and Rockets’ highest-charting single to date rising atop the Billboard Alternative Airplay.
“So Alive” also climbed to the third spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. The song is Love and Rockets’ only single to have made it to the UK Singles Chart where it peaked at number seventy-nine. “So Alive” features the backing vocals contributions of Lorna Wright, Sylvia Mason James (played with Kylie Minogue, Pet Shop Boys, and Robbie Williams, and Ruby James (who played with Erasure, Jimmy Witherspoon, and The Spencer Davis Group).
Feature Photo: Copyright (c) 1986 by Nancy J Price, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
Top 10 Love And Rockets Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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