If You Want My Love

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the classic tune "If You Want My Love" by Cheap Trick from their 1982 album One on One for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, a standout power pop gem, carries a strong Beatles influence, especially in its bridge, which guitarist Rick Nielsen has cited as one of his favorite tracks he’s recorded with the band. Nielsen’s love for the song stems from its melodic nod to the Fab Four, with some fans and critics noting similarities to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" in its structure. Released as a single, it peaked at #45 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #57 on the UK Charts, which surprised some given its heavy rotation on MTV during the network’s early music video days. A promotional video for the song, alongside another track from the album, "She’s Tight," helped cement its place in early '80s rock culture.

Behind the scenes, the recording of "If You Want My Love" had its quirks. The One on One album marked the debut of bassist Jon Brant, who replaced Pete Comita after original bassist Tom Petersson left in 1980. However, Rick Nielsen played bass on most of the album’s tracks, including all but three songs, with "If You Want My Love" being one of the few where Brant actually contributed. Interestingly, Brant’s face is partially obscured on the album’s front cover, a subtle nod to his limited role in the recording process. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker, known for his work with Queen, the album leaned into a glossier, harder sound compared to Cheap Trick’s earlier raw edge, and this track’s polished pop sensibilities made it a fan favorite. A demo version of the song, clocking in at 4:34, was later released on a promotional single, and an extended version appeared as a bonus track on some remastered CD reissues.

Cheap Trick got their start in Rockford, Illinois, in the early 1970s, evolving from a band called Sick Man of Europe, a name inspired by a phrase often used to describe the UK’s economic struggles at the time. By 1973, they adopted the name Cheap Trick, reportedly after attending a Slade concert where they noted the glam rockers used every "cheap trick in the book" during their performance. The core lineup—Rick Nielsen (guitar), Robin Zander (vocals), Tom Petersson (bass), and Bun E. Carlos (drums)—crafted a sound blending hard rock energy with pop melodies, drawing comparisons to The Beatles and The Who. Their big break came with their 1977 self-titled debut album, produced by Jack Douglas, though it was their 1979 live album Cheap Trick at Budokan, recorded in Tokyo, that catapulted them to international fame. The album, initially intended for the Japanese market, captured their electrifying live energy and fan frenzy, peaking at #4 on the U.S. charts.

The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring and a knack for catchy, edgy songwriting. Their debut album, for instance, tackled dark themes like serial killers and ephebophiles, but by the time of One on One, they had honed a more accessible power pop style. Over the decades, Cheap Trick has remained a staple in rock, earning induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on tours, vinyl reissues like The Complete Epic Albums Collection, and more. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive on platforms like the Cheap Trick Fans Facebook group, and sites like Wow-Vinyl offer detailed stories about tracks like "If You Want My Love."