That dreamy feeling when a love feels out of this world.
For a generation of music lovers, the 1970s was a decade defined by the pure, unadulterated fun of the rock ‘n’ roll revival. And at the heart of that revival, with their colorful teddy boy suits and boundless energy, stood the eight-man band from Leicester, Showaddywaddy. While they were best known for their electrifying, upbeat covers of ’50s classics like “Three Steps to Heaven” and “Under the Moon of Love,” there was another side to their sound, a softer, more romantic strain that truly captured the feeling of first love. One of their most beloved and enduring original songs, “Heavenly,” perfectly embodies this sweet, nostalgic side.
Released in late 1975, “Heavenly” was the final single from their sophomore album, Step Two. Unlike the band’s biggest chart-toppers, which often rocketed into the top 10, this gentle ballad had a more modest, but no less meaningful, journey on the charts. It reached a peak position of number 34 on the UK Singles Chart, a testament to the band’s versatility and the loyal fanbase who embraced their slower, doo-wop-inspired numbers. It proved that Showaddywaddy wasn’t just a novelty act; they were capable of crafting original tunes that resonated with genuine emotion, a fact often overshadowed by their more famous revivals.
The story behind “Heavenly” is a simple one, yet it speaks to the heart of what made the band so special. Written by the band’s members, it was a departure from their usual practice of re-working classic rock and roll. This was their own creation, a piece of their collective soul. The song’s composition, with its soft, swaying rhythm and prominent piano, creates a sonic bed of pure romance. Lead singer Dave Bartram’s smooth, earnest vocals carry the listener on a cloud of sentiment, a stark contrast to the gritty, rockabilly shouts of their more raucous hits. The song’s very sound is designed to transport you to a place of innocence and starry-eyed adoration.
But the true magic of “Heavenly” lies in its meaning. It’s a pure, unblemished love song, an ode to the feeling that a new relationship is so perfect, so enchanting, that it feels almost divine. The lyrics are simple, yet they capture that breathless moment when you’re so captivated by someone that everything about them feels… well, heavenly. It’s the feeling that the world around you melts away, leaving only the two of you in a bubble of pure bliss. It’s a song for the first dance at a school social, a slow dance under the moonlight, or simply a moment of quiet reflection on how wonderful it feels to be in love.
For those of us who remember buying the single, placing it on the turntable, and letting the needle drop, “Heavenly” evokes a powerful rush of memories. It’s the soundtrack to a time when romance felt a little more innocent, a little less complicated. It reminds us of a time before the digital age, when a song on the radio was a shared experience and a slow dance was a profound statement. “Heavenly” is a reminder that amidst the dance-floor frenzy of the 1970s, Showaddywaddy could also deliver a quiet, heartfelt moment of pure joy, a beautiful song that has lingered in our hearts long after the final note faded.