How “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness Saved Rock in 2003 — With Spandex, Squeals & Shredding
The Darkness’ “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” continues to resonate, especially as 2025 marks 22 years since its groundbreaking release. This glam rock anthem not only revived the genre but also inspired a new generation of rockers. “
A Power-Chorded Punch to the Mainstream
Remember the first time you heard “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness? Of course you do. Because unless your soul was surgically removed by 2003, it hit you like a glitter cannon blast of falsetto-fuelled euphoria. Released in September 2003 as the lead single from Permission to Land, it didn’t just sneak onto the airwaves—it strutted in wearing a catsuit, hit a high note no one saw coming, and declared that rock wasn’t dead… it just needed a little hairspray and heroism.
Back then, hearing proper rock music on the radio was about as rare as a polite mosh pit. The charts were a sea of moody post-grunge, beige pop, and DJs who couldn’t pronounce “guitar solo” without wincing. Then out of nowhere came The Darkness—part Queen, part Thin Lizzy, part Saturday morning cartoon. The riff? Immortal. The falsetto? Defiant. The music video? A quirky bedroom fantasy with sci-fi flair, not quite Interstellar but undeniably iconic.
This wasn’t just a song. This was a statement. “Yes, we’re ridiculous—and so is rock ‘n’ roll. That’s the point.”
The Song That Made Air Guitars Cool Again
“I Believe in a Thing Called Love” was so good it made cynicism tap out. Even your mate who only listened to Radiohead had it on his iPod Mini. Suddenly, spandex was fashionable, guitar solos were heroic, and Justin Hawkins became a messianic figure for glam rock revivalists everywhere.
Sure, some people wrote them off as a novelty. Those people are now silent, probably secretly humming it in their cars, because 22 years later, the track still slaps harder than a drum solo in zero gravity.
And let’s be honest—no gym playlist, wedding reception, karaoke night, or guitar shop demo is complete without that chorus. You know the one:
🎶 “Touching you… touching me…!” 🎶 Go on, admit it. You sang it just now.
A Rock Masterpiece for the Ages
Call it what you like—glam, hard rock, power pop, space opera—but “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” remains a masterpiece. A timeless burst of joy in a world that often forgets music can be fun, fabulous, and a bit feral.
It didn’t just bring rock back to the mainstream—it kicked the door down, twirled a mic stand, and winked at your mum while doing it. In 2025, as rock evolves with acts like YUNGBLUD, its influence echoes in the genre’s renewed vibrancy.
What’s Your Favorite Memory?
💬 What’s your favourite memory of hearing “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” for the first time? Hit the comments or scream it from the rooftops—we’re here for it.
And if you don’t believe in a thing called love? We respectfully suggest you turn that volume knob all the way up and give it another listen. It’ll convert you. Eventually. 😎
How “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness Saved Rock in 2003 — With Spandex, Squeals & Shredding @RockNews
