In the rich history of Psychedelic Rock, there are works whose dazzling beauty transcends the boundaries of their genre and reaches universal significance. “Forever Changes”, the third album by the Californian band Love, is one of those creations which, despite its half-century of existence, retains a timeless relevance and freshness.

Released in November 1967, at the height of the flower power era, this album by the band led by Arthur Lee is like an orange blossom under acid, a psychedelic dream in faded colours that prefers existential darkness to the naivety of sexual liberation and the counter-culture of the time.

“Forever Changes” marks a remarkable departure from the more conventional approach to psychedelic rock that characterised Love's previous albums. Arthur Lee, the band's songwriter, had the presence of mind to adapt to the impending change in the musical and cultural landscape of the time. The album is packed with lyrics that explore uncertainty, death, disillusionment and disenchantment, a stark contrast to the general mood of peace and love at the time. The orchestrations are richly textured, blending brass and strings with acoustic and electric guitar to create a unique sound that undoubtedly influenced countless bands in the decades that followed.

“Alone Again Or”, the album's grandiose opener, is a symphony of flamenco guitars, mariachi trumpets and sixties pop melodies. Arthur Lee's soulful, plaintive vocals give the song impressive emotional power. “Andmoreagain”, with its romantic strings and gentle melody, is the perfect illustration of the band's unique artistic vision, at once nostalgic and ahead of its time.

The final track, ‘You Set The Scene', is a multi-movement masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the mood of the album. It combines elegant acoustic guitar riffs, sumptuous string arrangements and cryptic lyrics to create a listening experience that is both stimulating and deeply moving.

Although it was not a commercial success when it was released, “Forever Changes” has gained cult classic status over the years. It has received critical acclaim for its boldness, complexity and originality, and has influenced many artists, from Robert Plant to The Stone Roses to Primal Scream.

The song Alone Again Or

“Alone Again Or”, the opening track on Love's legendary Forever Changes album, is a marvel of contradiction and paradox. Like a diamond in the rough, it shines brightly yet is the product of intense pressure. The melancholy of loneliness and alienation is enveloped in an irresistible, luminous melody, giving rise to a song that is both happy and sad, optimistic and desperate.

The genius of Arthur Lee, Love's frontman, is undeniable in every note and lyric of this song. Yet it was band member Bryan MacLean who wrote the track, bringing his own poetic vision to the universal human experience of loneliness. His soft, slightly hoarse voice gives the song an almost celestial quality, a stark contrast to the harsh reality of the text.

“Alone Again Or” is a song about the ambiguity of loneliness. The lyrics speak of the joy of freedom and independence, but also of the sadness and despair that can come from isolation. In its simplicity, it achieves a depth of feeling and universability rarely seen in psychedelic rock.

The music, on the other hand, is far from simple. Flamenco guitars and mariachi trumpets fuse to create a richly evocative sonic texture. You can almost feel the heat of the Californian sun and the smell of incense wafting through the air as the song unfolds. The string arrangements add an extra layer of complexity to the composition, elevating the song far beyond conventional pop.

“Alone Again Or” is a bold statement, an anthem for lonely souls seeking their place in the world. Despite its underlying sadness, the song brims with an infectious joie de vivre. It celebrates the freedom of independence while acknowledging the challenges that come with it. It is this duality, this tension between happiness and sadness, that makes “Alone Again Or” a work of art of rare beauty.

Over the decades, the song has been covered by artists from UFO to Calexico, testifying to its enduring influence and continuing relevance.

Yet no version has managed to capture the essence of Love's original: that inimitable combination of melancholy and joy, isolation and freedom. In the end, “Alone Again Or” remains a unique jewel in the crown of psychedelic rock, an eternal hymn to loneliness and hope.

Where to listen to Forever Changes?

• Listen to Forever Changes on Spotify
• Listen to Forever Changes on Deezer
• Listen to Forever Changes on Youtube

Cet article Forever Changes – Love est apparu en premier sur 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.