Love is The Key

Album: Out of Control (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • A number of snooty rock critics expressed their surprise that former Smiths member Johnny Marr played harmonica on this pop song. Here's Marr's explanation to Uncut magazine as to what possessed him to work with the chart-friendly five-piece: "I was working with (Girls Aloud producer) Brian Higgins on a Pet Shop Boys record, and I let it slip that I liked the guitars on a couple of Girls Aloud's early singles. So he got me in a headlock, took me from behind and, before I knew it, I had a harmonica in my mouth. No, I loved doing it. I am evangelical about pop music. The idea that pop is crass and commercial is an old-fashioned rockist conceit linked to the whole 'Disco Sucks' campaign. I always saw The Smiths as a pop group. Sparks, Roxy Music, Bowie, Sweet all made great pop-45s. I've always held on to the nobility and aspirations of pop, and what it can be."
  • Marr also played guitar on another Girls Aloud track, "Rolling Back the Rivers in Time."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.