Song Stories: Peace: Lovesick

Released as the fourth single from their debut album In Love, "Lovesick" is an unapologetic anthem of reckless abandon and, of course, love. The song stands as one of the definitive indie love tracks, its lyrics refreshingly simple and direct, with no room for metaphors. Peace are in love, and they want the world to know.

Peace's natural talent as songwriters is evident in how effortlessly this track flows. It's clear they weren’t forcing anything; this is the kind of genuine, heartfelt indie music that defined the era. There’s an undeniable sense of youthful joy and innocence that embodies both the band and the Birmingham scene (B-Town) they hail from. For a brief moment, in 2013 and 2014, it felt like Birmingham was at the center of some of the best indie music in the UK.

"Lovesick" carries echoes of the past, notably with a refrain that mirrors The Cure's "Friday I'm in Love." But while that song explored love in its own way, Lovesick speaks to love in the digital age, the era of social media. While still celebrating those timeless, romantic gestures and the pure adoration one feels for the person they’re with.

Lyrically, the song doesn’t reinvent the wheel, yet it perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being in love—the singular focus on that one person, the reason for everything you do. It’s beautifully simple, and all the more poignant because of it:

"You don't need to drink or eat, stay awake or go to sleep
Trust me, baby, I'm the creep, and I'm lovesick with you
And I'm lovesick with you"

Despite its straightforward nature, I challenge anyone not to sing along to its infectious chorus. It's one of those songs designed for those communal, shared moments. Whether you're in an indie nightclub in Birmingham, lost in the crowd at a festival field in Leeds, or even sharing a quiet, romantic moment with a partner. The song’s energy and simplicity create an instant connection, transforming any setting into a celebration of love and carefree joy. It’s the kind of track that pulls people together, reminding them of the universal appeal of love no matter the circumstances.

The album 'In Love' from which 'Lovesick' originates is a standout collection of tracks. NME described it as "a headrush of love and romance," and it's easy to see why. Peace crafted an album for themselves and their mates, a record that feels timeless because its themes are universally relatable to young people. They didn’t try to force anything, which is exactly why it resonates so deeply.

As Eve Barlow from NME so aptly put it, "If you don’t think Peace are as rejuvenating as a wash of zesty orange juice over a crushing hangover, then you’re beyond help. As Britain suffers from youth unemployment and economic crisis, our greatest currency is the chime of a golden tune. Peace have delivered 10 of them. So what if they’re a bunch of pirates and not pioneers?"

The album brims with nods to musical legends of the past: 'Higher Than the Sun' channels The Beatles, 'Follow Baby' echoes the sounds of the Gallagher brothers, and 'Waste of Paint' carries the vibe of Blur’s 'Leisure'. But these songs aren’t mere imitations—they are brilliant in their own right. While they pay homage to British guitar icons, 'In Love' also opened eyes to a fresh, exciting band with a sound all their own.

It’s a record full of sparkle, brilliant instrumentation, and massive choruses. Most bands would dream of having a debut this strong. And In Love was just the beginning for Peace. The band is still active today, having released three more albums: 'Happy People' (2015), 'Kindness in the New Rock n Roll' (2018), and Utopia (2023), all of which build on the foundation they laid with In Love.

This album is thrilling, a product of a young, self-assured band capturing a sound and feeling that reignited interest in guitar-driven music and gave fans a new band to believe in. 'Lovesick' is one of the albums standout moments, but it does not hog the limelight, this album even over ten years later still stands up. It's one of the best debut albums of recent memory, and one of the most underrated albums of the 2010s. 

Thank you for reading 

Jack x