Within the vast and often unpredictable trajectory of pop and rock music, certain songs achieve an unexpected level of ubiquity, embedding themselves into the cultural consciousness in ways that even their creators might not have anticipated. Love Is All Around, performed by the British band The Troggs, is a fascinating example of such a phenomenon. While perhaps not as immediately associated with their raw, garage-rock origins as their earlier hit “Wild Thing,” Love Is All Around demonstrates a different facet of The Troggs‘ musicality and songwriting, ultimately achieving a unique kind of enduring fame.
For those familiar with The Troggs primarily through their 1966 smash “Wild Thing,” Love Is All Around, released a couple of years later in 1967 (and later re-released with greater success), might initially seem like a departure. The Troggs had built their reputation on a raw, energetic sound, characterized by simple, driving rhythms and Reg Presley’s distinctive, somewhat primal vocals. “Wild Thing” epitomized this style. However, “Love Is All Around” reveals a softer, more melodic side to the band.
Musically, “Love Is All Around” is notably gentler than much of The Troggs‘ early work. While still retaining a characteristic simplicity in its instrumentation, the song showcases a greater emphasis on melody and harmony. The tempo is more relaxed, and the overall feel is considerably more mellow and romantic. Reg Presley’s vocal delivery, while still possessing his distinctive character, is also softer and more nuanced, conveying a sense of tenderness that contrasts with the more assertive style of “Wild Thing.” This shift in musical approach hints at a band capable of more than just raw garage rock, showcasing a capacity for broader stylistic exploration.
Lyrically, “Love Is All Around” is, as the title suggests, a straightforward and optimistic expression of romantic sentiment. The lyrics are simple and direct, focusing on the pervasive nature of love and its positive influence on the world. While perhaps not as lyrically complex as some contemporary songs, the straightforwardness of the message, coupled with the song’s gentle melody, contributes to its broad appeal and accessibility. It’s a song that celebrates love in a simple, uncomplicated way, which likely resonated with audiences seeking a message of positivity during a period of social and cultural change.
The story of “Love Is All Around” takes an interesting turn decades after its initial release by The Troggs. While it achieved modest success in its time, the song experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity in the 1990s when covered by the Scottish band Wet Wet Wet for the film Four Weddings and a Funeral. This cover version catapulted the song to global fame, introducing it to a whole new generation of listeners and arguably overshadowing The Troggs‘ original rendition in mainstream recognition for many.
Revisiting Love Is All Around by The Troggs today offers an opportunity to appreciate a different facet of this band’s output. It reveals a softer, more melodic sensibility that existed alongside their raw garage rock sound. While perhaps forever overshadowed in popular consciousness by its later cover version, The Troggs‘ original “Love Is All Around” remains a testament to their versatility and their ability to craft songs that, even in their simplicity, could capture a universal sentiment and, in this case, achieve a surprising and long-lasting resonance.