Sweet’s “Honeysuckle Love”: A Forgotten Gem of Psychedelic Softness
In an era defined by glitter, glam rock, and thunderous power chords, the British band Sweet carved out a unique and unforgettable space. While they are most remembered for their anthemic stompers like “Ballroom Blitz” and “Fox on the Run,” a deeper look into their discography reveals a surprising and delightful softer side. A testament to this is the dreamy, almost psychedelic track “Honeysuckle Love.” This song is a departure from their usual hard-rocking sound, offering a gentle, sun-drenched melody that speaks to the simple, pure intoxication of young love, a love as sweet and natural as the nectar of a honeysuckle bloom.
Released as the B-side to their explosive 1972 single “Wig-Wam Bam,” “Honeysuckle Love” was a song that wasn’t meant for the charts. While the A-side was a raucous, chart-topping hit that soared to No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart, the flip side was a quiet rebellion, an understated piece of artistry that showcased the band’s versatility. It wasn’t a radio smash, and it wasn’t meant to be. Instead, it was a hidden treasure, a sonic secret tucked away for those who were willing to turn the record over and discover the band’s surprising range. This B-side found its home on the album “The Sweet,” a compilation that introduced American audiences to the band’s European hits, and later on the US-exclusive album “Sweet Fanny Adams.” For a band known for its bombastic stage presence and rebellious image, “Honeysuckle Love” was a whisper in a shout-filled room.
The story of “Honeysuckle Love” is a narrative of creative duality. Written by songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, the duo behind many of Sweet’s biggest hits, the song stands in stark contrast to their more famous, high-energy compositions. It’s a track that feels less like a rock anthem and more like a folk-infused, psychedelic ballad. The lyrics paint a picture of idyllic, almost pastoral romance. The imagery of “walking on the green,” “a blanket on the lawn,” and “honeysuckle love, so sweet” evokes a sense of peaceful serenity and natural beauty. It’s a love that doesn’t need to be loud or flashy; its power lies in its quiet intimacy and shared moments. The song’s gentle acoustic strumming, coupled with lead singer Brian Connolly’s smooth, melodic vocal delivery, creates a mood of wistful nostalgia. He’s not a rock god here; he’s a sensitive troubadour, singing a sweet serenade that feels both personal and universal.
For those of us who remember a time when albums were a curated journey, and B-sides were as important as the hits, “Honeysuckle Love” holds a special place. It’s a reminder of a period when bands weren’t afraid to show their softer side, to experiment with different genres, and to offer up a piece of their heart alongside their biggest commercial successes. This song is a testament to Sweet’s musical depth beyond the glam-rock aesthetic. It’s a sweet, melodic interlude that invites us to slow down, to sit back, and to simply feel the gentle, intoxicating pull of love, just as the song intended. It’s a a perfect, delicate counterpoint to the raucous glitter of their biggest hits.
Oldies Songs