The song “Love Is All Around,” famously covered by Wet Wet Wet, is most prominently and memorably associated with the 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral. However, the song’s history extends beyond this rom-com classic, adding layers of nuance to its interpretation and impact.
The Song’s Multiple Personalities: From 1967 to 2003
The story of “Love Is All Around” is a fascinating tapestry woven through different artists, musical genres, and, of course, films. To fully understand its cinematic presence, we need to consider its origins and subsequent iterations.
The Troggs’ Original Vision
The original version of “Love Is All Around” was written and performed by The Troggs in 1967. A quintessential example of British Invasion garage rock, their rendition is raw, energetic, and decidedly less sentimental than later versions. While not explicitly featured in any major motion picture upon its release, its iconic status ensured its eventual inclusion in various soundtracks and film scores over the years. Think of it as the foundation upon which later interpretations were built. This initial burst of popularity established the song as a timeless expression of optimistic affection, making it ripe for rediscovery and reinterpretation.
Wet Wet Wet’s Rom-Com Triumph
The Wet Wet Wet version, commissioned for Four Weddings and a Funeral, is the one most readily identifiable with film. Released in 1994, it topped the UK charts for fifteen weeks, becoming a cultural phenomenon and inextricably linked to the film’s success. This slowed-down, more melodic rendition became an anthem for the rom-com genre, perfectly capturing the film’s blend of humor, heartbreak, and ultimately, hopeful romance. The film uses the song diegetically (as part of the story) and non-diegetically (as soundtrack), further cementing its association. Think of Hugh Grant’s charming awkwardness perfectly synced with the song’s breezy sentimentality.
Love Actually’s Subtle Nod
Interestingly, the song also has a subtle, indirect connection to Love Actually (2003). While Wet Wet Wet’s version isn’t directly featured, the character of Billy Mack (played by Bill Nighy) performs a Christmas-themed parody of his own old hit. This parody, “Christmas Is All Around,” heavily samples the melody and chord progression of “Love Is All Around,” implicitly referencing its earlier success and the cultural impact of Four Weddings and a Funeral. This clever meta-reference allows Love Actually to capitalize on the audience’s familiarity with the original song, subtly playing with themes of love, commercialism, and the cyclical nature of pop culture.
Why Four Weddings and a Funeral Reigns Supreme
While “Love Is All Around” has a multifaceted history, its association with Four Weddings and a Funeral remains the most dominant and enduring. There are several reasons for this:
- Timing and Context: The Wet Wet Wet cover coincided perfectly with the film’s release and massive popularity, creating a powerful synergistic effect.
- Chart Dominance: The song’s record-breaking run at the top of the charts ensured its constant presence in the public consciousness, further solidifying its link to the film.
- Diegetic Use: The song is integrated into the film’s narrative, played during key romantic moments and even influencing the plot.
- Cultural Impact: Four Weddings and a Funeral became a defining film of the 90s rom-com genre, and “Love Is All Around” became its unofficial anthem.
Therefore, while The Troggs laid the groundwork and Love Actually provided a clever homage, Four Weddings and a Funeral firmly established “Love Is All Around” as a cinematic icon.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the “Love Is All Around” Universe
This section addresses common questions regarding the song “Love Is All Around” and its association with film.
FAQ 1: Who wrote the original version of “Love Is All Around”?
The original version of “Love Is All Around” was written by Reg Presley, the lead singer of the British rock band, The Troggs.
FAQ 2: What year did The Troggs release “Love Is All Around”?
The Troggs released their version of “Love Is All Around” in 1967.
FAQ 3: Why did Wet Wet Wet cover “Love Is All Around”?
Wet Wet Wet covered “Love Is All Around” specifically for the soundtrack of the film Four Weddings and a Funeral. They were approached by the film’s producers, who were looking for a memorable and romantic song.
FAQ 4: How successful was Wet Wet Wet’s version of “Love Is All Around”?
Wet Wet Wet’s version of “Love Is All Around” was immensely successful. It topped the UK Singles Chart for fifteen weeks in 1994, becoming one of the longest-running number-one singles in British chart history.
FAQ 5: Is the Wet Wet Wet version of “Love Is All Around” in any other movies besides Four Weddings and a Funeral?
While primarily associated with Four Weddings and a Funeral, the song has likely appeared in other, lesser-known films or television shows. However, its presence in those contexts is significantly less prominent and impactful.
FAQ 6: What’s the connection between “Love Is All Around” and Love Actually?
The connection is indirect. In Love Actually, Bill Nighy’s character, Billy Mack, records a Christmas-themed parody titled “Christmas Is All Around.” This song heavily samples the melody and chord progression of “Love Is All Around,” acting as a meta-reference to the Wet Wet Wet version and its cultural significance.
FAQ 7: Is the parody “Christmas Is All Around” featured on the Love Actually soundtrack?
Yes, “Christmas Is All Around” is included on the Love Actually soundtrack and is performed by Bill Nighy.
FAQ 8: Which version of “Love Is All Around” is more popular?
While both versions have their fans, the Wet Wet Wet version is generally considered more popular due to its massive chart success and strong association with the iconic film, Four Weddings and a Funeral.
FAQ 9: Did Wet Wet Wet ever release another song for a movie soundtrack after “Love Is All Around”?
While Wet Wet Wet have had other songs featured in films, “Love Is All Around” remains their most iconic and commercially successful soundtrack contribution. Information regarding subsequent specifically commissioned songs for movie soundtracks is less readily available.
FAQ 10: Why is the Wet Wet Wet version of “Love Is All Around” considered a rom-com anthem?
The Wet Wet Wet version’s slower tempo, melodic arrangement, and sentimental lyrics perfectly complement the themes of love, relationships, and emotional vulnerability prevalent in romantic comedies. Its association with Four Weddings and a Funeral further solidified its status as a genre staple.
FAQ 11: Has any other artist covered “Love Is All Around” besides The Troggs and Wet Wet Wet?
Yes, numerous artists have covered “Love Is All Around” over the years, spanning various genres. However, none of these covers have achieved the same level of commercial success or cultural impact as The Troggs and Wet Wet Wet versions.
FAQ 12: What makes “Love Is All Around” a timeless song?
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal message of love and optimism. Its simple yet catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners across generations, making it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed and reinterpreted in various contexts. Its various cinematic appearances only serve to amplify this lasting appeal.