Love Is Like Oxygen

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with some cosmic trivia about "Love Is Like Oxygen" by The Sweet from their 1978 album Level Headed. This track, co-written by guitarist Andy Scott and Trevor Griffin, marked a bold shift for the band, trading their gritty, guitar-heavy glam rock roots for a lush, progressive sound with strings and disco undertones. In a 2002 interview with the Slovakian Box Network, Scott shared that the song was born during a turbulent time when punk and new wave were shaking up the music scene. He said, “We were already a part rock, part metal band... I wrote ‘Love Is Like Oxygen’ and had the idea to compose it in a style that was totally new, yet suited us.” The gamble paid off, earning the song a Song of the Year nomination at the Ivor Novello Awards, though it lost to Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street.” The extended album version, clocking in at nearly seven minutes, weaves in a progressive instrumental break with acoustic guitar, piano, and a funky bass outro that’s pure magic—perfect for our late-night Zoo Crew spins.

Another juicy tidbit comes from the song’s production challenges. Lead singer Brian Connolly’s struggles with alcohol meant that Andy Scott and bassist Steve Priest had to step up for much of the chorus and harmony vocals, giving the track its signature high-pitched, layered sound. Fans on Reddit have raved about the album version’s unique middle section, with one user noting it’s “one of Sweet’s best moments” that often gets skipped in the shorter single cut. The song’s metaphor—love as oxygen, too much gets you high, too little leaves you gasping—struck a chord, hitting the Top 10 in the UK, US, and beyond. Some eagle-eared listeners even spotted a lyrical nod to Hall & Oates’ 1975 track “Grounds for Separation,” which uses a similar oxygen simile, hinting at a subtle musical conversation across the Atlantic.

Now, let’s rewind to how The Sweet got their start. Formed in London in 1968, the band—originally called Sweetshop—came together with Brian Connolly on vocals, Steve Priest on bass, Andy Scott on guitar, and Mick Tucker on drums. They kicked off as a bubblegum pop act, churning out catchy singles like “Funny Funny” in 1970, but their hearts were in heavier rock. Early on, they were stuck singing lightweight tunes written by others, with their own hard-hitting tracks relegated to B-sides. By the mid-’70s, they took control, writing hits like “Ballroom Blitz” and “Fox on the Run,” blending glam swagger with raw energy. Their shift to a more sophisticated sound on Level Headed showed their versatility, though it was the last album with Connolly before he went solo in 1979. The Sweet’s ability to evolve kept them rocking through the decades, leaving a legacy that still sparks joy for Zoo Freaks everywhere.

For those craving more Sweet goodness, check out their official website for tour dates and merch. Connect with the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Fans can dive deeper at The Sweet Web, a dedicated fan site packed with history and photos. Join the Sweet – The Ultimate Fan Group on Facebook to swap stories and rare finds with fellow devotees. Zoo Crew’s got the vinyl spinning, so crank up “Love Is Like Oxygen” and let it take you higher!