Love Spreads

Last updated

"Love Spreads"
Lovesprods.jpg
Single by the Stone Roses
from the album Second Coming
B-side
  • "Your Star Will Shine"
  • "Breakout"
  • "Groove Harder"
Released21 November 1994 (1994-11-21) [1]
Genre
Length5:46
Label Geffen
Songwriter(s) John Squire
Producer(s) Simon Dawson
The Stone Roses singles chronology
"I Am the Resurrection"
(1992)		"Love Spreads"
(1994)		"Ten Storey Love Song"
(1995)

"Love Spreads" is a song by British alternative rock group the Stone Roses, released on 21 November 1994 as the first single from their second album, Second Coming . The record reached number two on the UK Singles Chart, the highest peak for any song by the band, as well as number 55 on the US Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart and number 67 on the Canadian RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart. The single also reached the top 10 in Ireland and the top 20 in Sweden.

Contents

Cover art

John Squire designed the "Love Spreads" cover, using a photograph of one of the four stone cherubs on the Newport Bridge in Newport, South Wales. [4] The cherubs on the bridge are modelled after Newport's coat of arms, which contains a cherub with winged sea lions. The cherub design was subsequently used on many pieces of Second Coming merchandise.

Lyrics and composition

"Love Spreads" is a blues rock song in D minor. Its lyrics are a telling of the Passion of Christ, reinterpreting Jesus as a black woman.

In 1995, guitarist John Squire said the lyrics were inspired by British author Rosalind Miles' 1988 book The Women's History of the World . [5] The book examines the roles of women, their representation, and their power through history.

Critical reception

Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream hailed the song "as the greatest comeback single ever."[ citation needed ] In May 2007, NME magazine placed "Love Spreads" at number 44 in its list of the 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever and said it was the band at their "take no prisoners best". [6] AllMusic called the song a "true classic". [7]

Music video

There are two music videos for "Love Spreads". The original UK version, directed by Mike Clark and the Stone Roses, [8] consisted of home footage. There are scenes of Mani, Squire, and Brown dressed as a chicken, the devil, and Death respectively. These scenes were interspliced with hidden images.

Geffen and MTV were unsatisfied with the quality of the first video, so Steven Hanft at Propaganda Films directed a second video for American audiences. [8] [9]

Other Uses

A re-recorded version of "Love Spreads" was used on The Help Album (a compilation of songs for the charity War Child). It was also used in the season 4 episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation , "Invisible Evidence" [10] and in a season 5 episode of Entourage , "Return to Queens Boulevard." [11]

The song is featured in the music videogame Guitar Hero World Tour , appearing in the final bonus set in career mode. It is also available as a downloadable track for the music video game series Rock Band and is playable in the Classic Rock Track Pack.

Track listings

7-inch and cassette single [12] [13] [14]

  1. "Love Spreads" (LP version) – 5:46
  2. "Your Star Will Shine" (LP version) – 2:56

12-inch single [15]

A1. "Love Spreads" (LP version) – 5:46
A2. "Your Star Will Shine" (LP version) – 2:56
B1. "Breakout" – 6:04
B2. "Groove Harder" – 4:26

CD single [16] [17] [18]

  1. "Love Spreads" (LP version) – 5:46
  2. "Your Star Will Shine" (LP version) – 2:56
  3. "Breakout" – 6:03

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [32] Gold400,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Connection (Elastica song)</span> 1994 single by Elastica

"Connection" is a song by Britpop group Elastica. It was originally released on 10 October 1994 as a single and included on their self-titled debut album in 1995. The song debuted and peaked at number 17 on the UK Singles Chart and became one of the few Britpop songs to gain popularity in North America, reaching number 53 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number two on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, and number nine on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buddy Holly (song)</span> 1994 single by Weezer

"Buddy Holly" is a song by the American rock band Weezer. The song was written by Rivers Cuomo and released as the second single from the band's debut album, Weezer , on September 7, 1994, which would have been Buddy Holly's 58th birthday. The lyrics reference the song's 1950s namesake and actress Mary Tyler Moore. It reached number two on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart. Outside the US, the song peaked at number six in Canada, number 12 in the United Kingdom, number 13 in Iceland, and number 14 in Sweden. The song's music video earned considerable exposure when it was included as a bonus media file in the initial release of Microsoft's successful release of the operating system, Windows 95.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Say It Ain't So</span> 1995 single by Weezer

"Say It Ain't So" is a song by American rock band Weezer. It was released as the third and final single from the band's self-titled 1994 debut album on May 15, 1995. Written by frontman Rivers Cuomo, the song came to be after he had all the music finished and one line, "Say it ain't so". Cuomo made a connection to an incident in high school where he came home and saw a bottle of beer in the fridge. He believed his mother and father's marriage ended because his father was an alcoholic, and this made him fear the marriage between his mother and step-father would end this way as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gambler (song)</span> 1985 single by Madonna

"Gambler" is a song by American singer Madonna from the soundtrack album to the 1985 film Vision Quest. The song was written solely by Madonna, while the production was handled by John "Jellybean" Benitez at her request. It was released as the second single from the film's soundtrack album on October 3, 1985, by Geffen Records. "Gambler" was never released as a single in the United States, at the request of Madonna's own Sire Records. The music video of the song is an excerpt from the film.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr. Jones (Counting Crows song)</span> 1993 single by Counting Crows

"Mr. Jones" is the debut single of American rock band Counting Crows. It was released in December 1993 by Geffen as the lead single from the band's debut album, August and Everything After (1993). The song was the band's first radio hit and has been described as their breakout single. "Mr. Jones" reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay charts. Internationally, the song peaked at number one in Canada and number seven in France. In April 2022, American Songwriter ranked the song at number four on their list of "The Top 10 Counting Crows Songs".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What I Am</span> 1988 single by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians

"What I Am" is a song written by Edie Brickell and Kenny Withrow and recorded by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians for their debut album, Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars (1988). The song is highlighted by a guitar solo that notably features an envelope filter. It peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100, topped the Canadian RPM 100 Singles chart, and became a top-20 hit in Australia and New Zealand. "What I Am" was ranked number 23 on VH1's list of the "100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the 80s".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">She Hates Me</span> 2002 single by Puddle of Mudd

"She Hates Me", originally titled "She Fucking Hates Me", is a song by the American rock band Puddle of Mudd. It was written in 1993 but remained unreleased until 2002 when it became the fourth and final single from the band's debut album Come Clean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Interstate Love Song</span> 1994 single by Stone Temple Pilots

"Interstate Love Song" is a single by American rock band Stone Temple Pilots. Released in September 1994, the song is from the band's second studio album, Purple. Considered one of the band's biggest hits, "Interstate Love Song" reached number one on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart on September 17, 1994, replacing the band's previous single "Vasoline". The song stayed at number one for 15 weeks, a record at the time, and gave the Stone Temple Pilots 17 consecutive weeks at number one with both songs. It also peaked at number two on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and in Iceland as well as number 20 in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plush (song)</span> 1993 single by Stone Temple Pilots

"Plush" is a song by American rock band Stone Temple Pilots. It was released as the second single from the band's 1992 debut studio album, Core, in August 1993 and became their first single to top the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Long December</span> 1996 single by Counting Crows

"A Long December" is a song by American rock band Counting Crows. The ballad is the second single and 13th track from their second album, Recovering the Satellites (1996). Lead singer Adam Duritz was inspired to write the track after his friend was hit by a motorist and injured, making the song about reflecting on tragedy with a positive disposition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cryin'</span> 1993 single by Aerosmith

"Cryin'" is a song by American hard rock band Aerosmith. It was written by Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Taylor Rhodes, and was released by Geffen Records on June 20, 1993, as a single from their 11th studio album, Get a Grip (1993). The single reached number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100, ending the year at number 60 overall. The song is one of their most successful hits in Europe, reaching number one in Norway, number three in Iceland, Portugal, and Sweden, and number 17 on the UK Singles Chart. The song went Gold in the United States for selling over 500,000 copies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bull in the Heather</span> 1994 single by Sonic Youth

"Bull in the Heather" is a song by American alternative rock band Sonic Youth from their eighth studio album, Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star (1994). It was released to radio as the lead single from the album on April 19, 1994, by Geffen Records. The song was written collectively by Sonic Youth, and production was done by Butch Vig. According to band member Kim Gordon, the song is about "using passiveness as a form of rebellion."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Is Strong</span> 1994 single by the Rolling Stones

"Love Is Strong" is a song by English rock band the Rolling Stones, released as the opening track, and first single, from their 20th British and 22nd American studio album, Voodoo Lounge (1994). Issued as a single on 4 July 1994 by Virgin, the song preceded the release of Voodoo Lounge by a week. "Love Is Strong" peaked at No. 14 in the band's native United Kingdom and at No. 2 in Canada and Finland but stalled at No. 91 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Despite this, it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. The song's accompanying music video received heavy rotation on MTV Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Do (Lisa Loeb song)</span> 1997 single by Lisa Loeb

"I Do" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb. Released on October 14, 1997, as the lead single from her second album, Firecracker (1997), "I Do" peaked at number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Loeb's second-highest charting single after her number-one debut single, "Stay " (1994). In Canada, "I Do" gave Loeb her second number-one hit, after "Stay". This song was her last top-20 single in both countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Round Here</span> 1994 single by Counting Crows

"Round Here" is a song by American rock band Counting Crows, released as the second single from their debut album, August and Everything After (1993), on June 20, 1994, by Geffen Records. The song's origin predates the formation of Counting Crows, when the band's future frontman Adam Duritz wrote the song with The Himalayans members Dan Jewett, Chris Roldan and Dave Janusko.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rain King</span> 1994 single by Counting Crows

"Rain King" is a single by the rock band Counting Crows. It was released as the band's fourth single. The title is a reference to Saul Bellow's Henderson the Rain King. "Rain King" peaked at number 66 on the US Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart, number 18 in Canada, and number four in Iceland. In April 2022, American Songwriter ranked the song at number eight on their list of "The Top 10 Counting Crows Songs".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Undone – The Sweater Song</span> 1994 single by Weezer

"Undone – The Sweater Song" is a song by the American alternative rock band Weezer, released on the band's self-titled 1994 debut album. It was released as their debut single in 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Do You Sleep?</span> 1995 single by Lisa Loeb

"Do You Sleep?" is a song by American band Lisa Loeb and Nine Stories. It was released on September 4, 1995, as the third single from their debut album, Tails. It reached number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number eight on Canada's RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, becoming their last top-20 hit in both countries, although Loeb would earn another top-20 single as a solo artist with "I Do" two years later. Outside North America, "Do You Sleep?" reached the top 50 in Australia, Iceland, and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Go (Hothouse Flowers song)</span> 1987 single by Hothouse Flowers

"Don't Go" is the first single released by Irish rock group Hothouse Flowers from their debut studio album, People (1988). Originally released in Ireland in 1987, the song peaked at number two on the Irish Singles Chart. The following year, after Hothouse Flowers played the song during their interval performance at the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest, the track charted in Ireland once more, reaching number two for a second time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Could Give All My Love (Richard Manuel Is Dead)</span> 2003 single by Counting Crows

"If I Could Give All My Love (Richard Manuel Is Dead)" is a song by American rock band Counting Crows. It is the fourth track on their fourth album, Hard Candy (2002), inspired by the death of the Band member Richard Manuel. When released as a single, it reached number 40 in Ireland, number 50 in the United Kingdom, and became a minor chart hit in Australia and the Netherlands. In the United Kingdom, it debuted and peaked at number nine on the UK Rock Chart.

References

  1. ↑ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 19 November 1994. p. 39. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  2. ↑ "The 100 Best Alternative Rock Songs of 1994". Spin . 18 August 2014. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  3. ↑ Pollock, David (15 June 2016). "Stone Roses – 10 of the best". The Guardian . ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  4. ↑ "tjs-newport.demon.co.uk". Tjs-newport.demon.co.uk. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  5. ↑ Reynolds, Simon (May 1995). "The Morning After". Spin . Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  6. ↑ "Album A&E - The Stone Roses, 'Second Coming'". NME . 31 March 2011. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  7. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Second Coming - The Stone Roses | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic . Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  8. 1 2 A.J. Jacobs (28 April 1995). "Broadcast No's: Music Videos You'll Never See". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved 4 December 2011.
  9. ↑ "Production Notes". Billboard . 8 April 1995. p. 53.
  10. ↑ "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 'Invisible Evidence' Soundtracks". IMDB. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  11. ↑ "Entourage 'Return to Queens Blvd' Soundtracks". IMDB. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  12. ↑ Love Spreads (UK 7-inch single vinyl disc). The Stone Roses. Geffen Records. 1994. GFS 84.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ↑ Love Spreads (UK cassette single sleeve). The Stone Roses. Geffen Records. 1994. GFSC 84.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. ↑ Love Spreads (Australian cassette single sleeve). The Stone Roses. Geffen Records. 1994. GEFCS-19210.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. ↑ Love Spreads (UK 12-inch single vinyl disc). The Stone Roses. Geffen Records. 1994. GFST 84.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  16. ↑ Love Spreads (UK CD single liner notes). The Stone Roses. Geffen Records. 1994. GFSTD 84.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. ↑ Love Spreads (European CD single disc notes). The Stone Roses. Geffen Records. 1994. GED 21885.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. ↑ Love Spreads (Australian CD single liner notes). The Stone Roses. Geffen Records. 1994. GEFDM-21885.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ↑ "The Stone Roses – Love Spreads". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  20. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 7992." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  21. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 11, no. 50. 10 December 1994. p. 6. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  22. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Love Spreads". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  23. ↑ "The Stone Roses – Love Spreads". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  24. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  25. ↑ "The Stone Roses – Love Spreads". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  26. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  27. ↑ "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
  28. ↑ "The Stone Roses Chart History (Radio Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  29. ↑ "The Stone Roses Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  30. ↑ "The Stone Roses Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  31. ↑ "Top 100 Singles 1994". Music Week. 14 January 1995. p. 9.
  32. ↑ "British single certifications – Stone Roses – Love Spreads". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 14 July 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.