A Bubblegum Glam Delight with a Hint of Rebellion: When Sweet Asked “Co-Co” to Ooh-Wah-Diddy-Diddy-Dum-Dum-Diddy-Do.
“Co-Co,” a track that became one of Sweet’s early and most memorable hits, perfectly encapsulates the band’s transition from pure bubblegum pop towards their signature glam-rock sound, blending catchy melodies with a hint of rebellious energy. Released in late 1971, this infectious single soared to number two on the UK Singles Chart and enjoyed considerable success across Europe, including reaching number one in Germany and Austria. While it didn’t make a significant impact on the US Billboard Hot 100, it remains a beloved classic among fans and a defining sound of their early career. The song’s meaning is a simple yet irresistible invitation to dance and have a good time, with the nonsensical “Ooh-Wah-Diddy-Diddy-Dum-Dum-Diddy-Do” serving as a catchy and memorable hook that transcends any deep lyrical interpretation, focusing purely on the joy of the music and the urge to move. It transforms a simple invitation to dance into an unforgettable and infectious slice of early 70s pop-glam.
Imagine the vibrant colours and slightly androgynous fashion of the early 1970s glam rock scene beginning to take hold, and the sound of Sweet’s music, a potent blend of catchy pop hooks and a burgeoning rock edge, bursting forth with an irresistible energy. Brian Connolly’s distinctive vocals, full of youthful exuberance, perfectly delivered the simple yet infectious lyrics, backed by the band’s tight musicianship and that signature Sweet blend of sweet and slightly rough around the edges. While still leaning towards the Chinn-Chapman songwriting formula that defined their early hits, “Co-Co” hinted at the heavier rock direction the band would later explore. The driving beat, the catchy chorus, and the overall sense of fun made it an instant hit on the dance floors and the airwaves. The prominent guitars and the singalong “Ooh-Wah-Diddy” refrain became instantly recognizable and utterly infectious.
The story behind “Co-Co” is another chapter in Sweet’s early collaboration with the songwriting and production powerhouse of Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. While the band members themselves were increasingly eager to write and perform their own material, their early chart successes were largely built on the Chinn-Chapman formula of instantly catchy tunes with a slightly rebellious undertone. “Co-Co” perfectly exemplified this formula, providing Sweet with another massive hit and further solidifying their status as one of the most exciting and popular bands of the era. The song’s simple message of having a good time and its irresistible hook proved to be a winning combination, capturing the carefree spirit of the early 1970s pop landscape.
For those of us who remember the vibrant and often wonderfully nonsensical pop music of the early 1970s, Sweet’s “Co-Co” evokes a sense of pure, unadulterated fun and a touch of glittery nostalgia. It reminds us of a time when music was often about simple pleasures and irresistible hooks, designed purely to make you smile and want to dance. Brian Connolly’s energetic vocals and the song’s infectious “Ooh-Wah-Diddy” refrain offer a moment of shared lightheartedness, a comforting acknowledgment of the simple joy that a catchy pop song can bring. It remains a beloved and instantly recognizable tune, a perfect example of Sweet’s early charm and their knack for creating pure pop magic with a hint of glam-rock sparkle.