Above & Beyond - "Thing Called Love": A Journey Through Emotion
"Thing Called Love" is a track that not only highlights Above & Beyond's signature trance sound but also adds a layer of emotional depth. Featuring the soulful vocals of Richard Bedford, the song starts with a simple piano melody that builds into a sweeping, orchestral climax; the music itself is telling a story of love, fear, and redemption.
I remember sitting on a grassy hill, watching the stars start to peek out, as this song played. It was as if the music was painting the sky with its own emotional hues.
The lyrics are straightforward yet poetic, speaking to the universal fear of expressing love and the regret of not doing so. "There's a thing called love that we all forget, and it's a wasted love that we all regret." It's a reminder to seize the moment, to not let fear dictate our hearts.
This song came into my life at a time when I was wrestling with my own fears of vulnerability. Listening to it became a sort of personal mantra, pushing me to open up to those I care about before it was too late.
Released as part of their album "Group Therapy," "Thing Called Love" quickly became a fan favorite, played at numerous Above & Beyond live shows, music, and experience. The song has this ability to connect people, at a festival and through shared headphones on a long drive.
This track has seen various remixes over the years, each adding its own flavor to the original's poignant message. From Oliver Heldens' remix to the acoustic versions performed live, it shows the song's power and enduring appeal.
Above & Beyond isn't only making music; they're creating a community. Their shows, like the famous Group Therapy events, are more like gatherings of friends. "Thing Called Love" has been a staple at these events, where it's not uncommon to see people hugging, crying, or just standing in awe of the moment.
The song has a special place in the hearts of many, including mine: a memory, an emotion, a piece of music history that reflects the human condition. Above & Beyond managed to show love's complexity in a way that's both accessible and profound.
With its release in 2011, "Thing Called Love" came at a time when electronic music was beginning to go deeper, more narrative-driven tracks. It helped build the way for a new era of trance where emotion was just as important as the track.
"Thing Called Love" by Above & Beyond is an experience that resonates with anyone who's ever felt the tug of love, fear, or regret, a testament to the power of music to heal, to connect, and to remind us of what really matters in life. Here's to many more years of this track moving hearts around the world.