Introduction
“Love Is Like Oxygen” marked a turning point for English glam rock band Sweet when it was released as a single in January 1978. Co-written by guitarist Andy Scott and Trevor Griffin, the song departed from the band’s earlier guitar-driven hits, embracing layered vocal harmonies and an expansive arrangement that stretched beyond traditional pop formats.
It served as the lead single from their sixth studio album Level Headed, peaking at No. 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 9 in the UK charts. This top-10 success was Sweet’s final international hit, solidifying their reputation for blending rock energy with artful pop sensibilities.
On March 6, 2024, Sweet took the stage at Kulturhalle Remchingen in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, delivering a powerful live performance of “Love Is Like Oxygen.” The concert, captured on video by Andreas Turner and shared online with over 65,000 views, showcased the band’s enduring chemistry, with soaring vocals and dynamic instrumental interplay that reignited the song’s ethereal qualities.
Attendees described the atmosphere as charged yet intimate, as if transported back to the glowing heyday of 1970s rock. The performance underscored how the song’s message—equating love to the essential breath of life—remains as poignant now as it was nearly half a century ago.
Beyond its chart metrics, “Love Is Like Oxygen” resonates because it captures a universal truth in a lush sonic tapestry. The song’s soaring harmonies invite listeners to reflect on love’s vital role, while its progressive structure hints at rock’s capacity for emotional depth.
Furthermore, the track’s recognition at the 1978 Ivor Novello Awards nomination for Song of the Year highlights its songwriting excellence, even if it ultimately ceded the prize to Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street.”
As Sweet continues to tour and revisit their classic repertoire, “Love Is Like Oxygen” stands out as a testament to the band’s creative boldness and enduring emotional reach. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or reliving a nostalgic favorite, this song reminds us that great music, like the air we breathe, sustains us through every era.