That's Love (song)

"That's Love" is a song by British singer/songwriter Jim Capaldi. Written mostly while Capaldi was in Brazil, it developed further over the course of recording sessions in England.^[1] It was recorded for the album Fierce Heart and released as a single. The track, a simple arrangement with synthesizers, vocals, a drum machine, and an almost inaudible acoustic guitar, became Capaldi's biggest hit in the USA, climbing to number 28 in the summer of 1983.^[2]

The lyrics to the song present two conflicting views of love. The verses are cynical ("Young couple there going insane / Fussing and fighting then they make up again / That's love"), while the chorus is idealistic ("You stood by me / All through the good times / And through the bad times"). The backing vocals at the end are by Steve and Nicole Winwood, who were themselves having marriage problems at the time.^[3] Steve Winwood also played all the synthesizers, including both solos.

"That's Love" has since been compiled on both the greatest hits album Prince of Darkness and the boxed set Dear Mr Fantasy: The Jim Capaldi Story.

Music video

The song was promoted with a music video involving a mini-love story told through a montage. The shots alternate between angry arguments, loving embraces, bitter silences, and scenes of quiet companionship. Eric Bogosian played the male.

In contrast to the vast majority of music videos at the time, which would prominently feature the performing artist lip-synching the song, Jim Capaldi appears in the video in a minor acting role only. He and co-producer Steve Winwood portray two friends looking on as the romantic protagonists of the video walk arm-in-arm.

Personnel

• Jim Capaldi — lead vocals, drums, percussion, Linn drum programming
• Steve Winwood — synthesizers, backing vocal, Linn drum programming
• Nicole Winwood — backing vocal
• Pete Bonas — acoustic guitar

References