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"Alone Again Or"
Single by Love
from the album Forever Changes
B-side"A House Is Not a Motel"
ReleasedJanuary 1968 (1968-01)
RecordedSeptember 10, 1967
StudioSunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood, Los Angeles
Genre
Length3:16
LabelElektra
SongwriterBryan MacLean
Producers
Love singles chronology
"¡Que Vida!"
(1967) 		"Alone Again Or"
(1968) 		"Your Mind and We Belong Together"
(1968)

"Alone Again Or" is a song originally recorded in 1967 by the rock group Love and written by band member Bryan MacLean. It appears on the album Forever Changes, and was released as a single in the USA, UK, Australia, France and the Netherlands.[3]

Original version

[edit]

MacLean originally wrote the song, then called "Alone Again", in 1965 for Love's debut album. However, he did not complete it until the recording of Forever Changes in the summer of 1967. The song was inspired by his memory of waiting for a girlfriend, and, according to Barney Hoskyns, the melody drew loosely on Sergei Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije Suite.[4] The essence of the song is the contrast between the positivity of the tune and the bleakness of the lyrics, with the chorus "And I will be alone again tonight, my dear" finishing with a lone acoustic guitar, closing the song with the opening melody that sounds anything but ecstatic,[5] ending with an E minor plus 2 chord.

For the recording session, which took place on September 10, 1967 at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood, arranger David Angel worked with MacLean, adding a string section and a horn part. MacLean later said, "That was the happiest I ever was with anything we ever did as a band – the orchestral arrangement of that song".[4] However, Botnick, with co-producer and band leader Arthur Lee, remixed the track to bring Lee's own unison vocal to the forefront of the song, at least partly on the grounds that MacLean's own vocal lead was too weak.[4] Lee also added to the mystery of the song by changing the title to "Alone Again Or".

According to the band's guitarist Johnny Echols,

Arthur wasn't even at the studio when we recorded "Alone Again". When he heard everyone saying what a great song it was, and how great Bryan's voice sounded. Arthur became jealous and decided to feature his voice on a record he had absolutely nothing to do with. To make matters worse Arthur changed the title of Bryan's song. That was basically the beginning of the end for the group.[6][better source needed]

With Lee now on co-lead vocals, "Alone Again Or" became the opening track of Forever Changes. It was the sole single released from the album to reach the Billboard singles chart. Its 1968 B-side was Lee's "A House Is Not a Motel", although the 1970 reissue of the single featured "Good Times" from the 1969 Four Sail album instead.[7] "Alone Again Or", in an edited version in early 1968, initially peaked nationally at No. 123 (and at No. 7 on both Los Angeles station KHJ-AM and San Diego station KGB-AM), while the longer, original album version spent three weeks on the singles chart in 1970, peaking at No. 99, according to Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles: 1955–2010.

MacLean's composition (as well as the recording itself) has come to be considered a classic. In 2004, "Alone Again Or" came in at No. 436 in the Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Songs of All Time poll.[8] In the magazine's 2010 version, the song ranked at No. 442.[9]

The song has been featured in several films, including the 1996 films Bottle Rocket and Sleepers. It appeared at the close of the 2009 British comedy movie Bunny and the Bull. "Alone Again Or" was also featured in the climactic parade scene ending the last episode of season one of the 2019 Netflix series Russian Doll.[citation needed]

The Damned version

[edit]
"Alone Again Or"
Single by the Damned
from the album Anything
B-side"In Dulce Decorum (Live)"
Released13 April 1987[10]
Recorded1986
StudioHammersmith, Denmark
Genre
Length3:38
LabelMCA
SongwriterBryan MacLean
ProducerJon Kelly
The Damned singles chronology
"Gigolo"
(1987) 		"Alone Again Or"
(1987) 		"In Dulce Decorum"
(1987)

"Alone Again Or" was released as a single by English rock band the Damned on 6 April 1987 by MCA Records. They recorded it as an acknowledgement of Love being one of their influences. Boosted by multi-format releases (including the band's first CD single, which included the first release of their version of "Eloise" on this format) and a surreal music video directed by Gerard de Thame, the single peaked at No. 27 in the UK, the Damned's final Top 40 hit to date. The UK B-side "In Dulce Decorum" was recorded live at the Hammersmith Odeon on 12 November 1986.

MCA also issued the single in the United States, their first single to be issued in the territory since "Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde" in 1981. This release added the studio version of "In Dulce Decorum" in place of the live version on the UK release.

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1987) Peak
position
UK Singles (OCC) 27
Album Rock Tracks (Billboard) 50

Other versions

[edit]

Versions have also been recorded by an eclectic variety of bands and singers including UFO (1977), Sarah Brightman (1990), the Boo Radleys (1991), the Oblivians (1993), Chris Pérez Band (1999), Calexico (2004), Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs (2006), Les Fradkin (2007) and Sara Lov (2014). Two demo versions by MacLean himself were released in 1997 on his album Ifyoubelievein.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alone Again Or

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Alone Again Or" is a song written by and recorded by the American rock band Love for their third studio album, , released in November 1967 by . The track, which opens the album, blends with flamenco-inspired guitar flourishes and orchestral strings, and features MacLean on lead vocals alongside bandleader Arthur Lee's contributions. An edited version was issued as a single in early 1968, backed with "A House Is Not a Motel," but it achieved modest , peaking at No. 7 on Los Angeles station KHJ while bubbling under the national at around No. 123. The song's creation stemmed from MacLean's personal experiences, influencing its themes of isolation and resignation in love, delivered through poetic lyrics like "And I heard her say, 'It's all right.'" Produced by Arthur Lee and at in Hollywood, , it exemplifies ' experimental sound, recorded amid band tensions with the core lineup of Lee, MacLean, , Ken Forssi, and Michael Stuart handling primary tracks, augmented by orchestral overdubs from session musicians. Despite the album's initial commercial underperformance—peaking at No. 154 on the —the track has since become a cornerstone of Love's legacy, praised for its haunting melody and emotional depth. Forever Changes is now regarded as a seminal work in psychedelic and , ranking No. 180 on 's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2020 edition), with "Alone Again Or" itself placing at No. 443 on their 500 Greatest Songs list (2021 edition). The song has been covered by artists including the Damned (a 1987 hit reaching No. 27 in the UK), Calexico, and , and has appeared in films like Wes Anderson's (1996), underscoring its enduring influence on indie and alternative music.

Background and Composition

Writing and Inspiration

", Love's rhythm guitarist, originally wrote 'Alone Again Or' around 1965 but completed it during the band's creative sessions leading up to their 1967 Forever Changes. Originally titled 'Alone Again,' the song's name was altered by frontman Arthur Lee, who added 'Or' to give it a more open-ended feel. MacLean recorded the lead vocals, but Lee's vocals were mixed to predominate in the final version, frustrating MacLean and leading him to distance himself from the album at release." "The track began as a folk-rock composition in the style of contemporaries like , but evolved through contributions from the band. Arthur Lee introduced licks and flourishes during rehearsals, transforming its sound into a blend of Spanish influences and . Lee later described the process: 'Bryan started "Alone Again Or" as another one of his folk songs. I started playing licks and flourishes in rehearsal.' Guitarist further shaped the arrangement with additional flamenco-style elements, while arranger David Angel incorporated and orchestral touches inspired by classical composers like Rimsky-Korsakov." "MacLean's inspiration drew from his personal life, particularly his mother, a professional dancer whose performances he observed as a ; he often held her during lessons, embedding the dance's rhythmic essence into his musical sensibilities. The song is widely regarded as a tribute to her influence, reflecting the motifs that define its distinctive opening."

Lyrics and Themes

"Alone Again Or" was written by Love's guitarist , who drew inspiration from personal experiences of waiting for a romantic partner, as well as a tribute to his mother, a dancer whose influence is reflected in the song's stylistic elements. The , delivered in a duet between MacLean and lead singer Arthur Lee, center on themes of patient longing and emotional resignation in a faltering relationship. Key verses depict the narrator's unwavering devotion despite repeated disappointments, as in the opening lines: "Yeah, said it's all right / I won't forget / All the times I've waited patiently for you / And you'll do just what you choose to do / And I will wait to see what you do." This structure builds a of , where the speaker acknowledges the partner's while grappling with the pain of solitude. The song's themes delve into and the complexities of amid the counterculture's emphasis on and , portraying a "darker aspect" of relational freedom that leaves one isolated. Lines such as "Well, I would give up all my tomorrows / For one single yesterday" evoke a bittersweet and the futility of holding onto fleeting connections, underscoring an introspective on . MacLean's composition contrasts —"I think that are the greatest thing"—with underlying melancholy, suggesting that while offers potential joy, it often results in recurring aloneness. Arthur Lee later noted that he contributed the "Or" to the , enhancing its ambiguous, questioning tone about whether is inevitable or elective. Overall, the lyrics avoid overt bitterness, instead embracing a philosophical detachment that aligns with the album ' broader exploration of impermanence and emotional truth. This restrained approach amplifies the song's emotional depth, making it a poignant commentary on unrequited and self-imposed isolation in pursuit of harmony.

Musical Elements

"Alone Again Or" blends with flamenco influences, featuring a simple framework expanded into a baroque-pop . Written by guitarist as a to his flamenco-dancing mother, the song originated as a straightforward but was enhanced by leader Lee's vision, incorporating orchestral strings and mariachi-style horns arranged by David Angel. The core instrumentation draws from Love's lineup: Arthur Lee on lead vocals and guitar, Bryan MacLean on rhythm guitar and co-vocals, Johnny Echols on lead guitar, Ken Forssi on bass, and Michael Stuart on drums and percussion. David Angel's orchestration adds a string section and brass elements evoking a mariachi ensemble, including a prominent trumpet solo that mirrors the vocal melody during the instrumental break. The track's production, handled by Lee and co-producer Bruce Botnick, emphasizes layered textures, with the flamenco-inspired intro—played on acoustic guitar—setting a rhythmic, syncopated foundation that recurs throughout. Structurally, the song unfolds in 4/4 time at a of 174 beats per minute (perceived half-time feel of approximately 87 beats per minute due to ), lasting 3 minutes and 15 seconds. It opens with the intricate guitar intro, followed by verses that employ heavy and a stop-start , transitioning smoothly into a more expansive chorus. The bridge features the solo over the recurring intro motif, building emotional contrast before resolving into a fading outro that reprises the pattern. This arrangement creates a pendulum-like swing between intimacy and grandeur, underscoring the song's thematic tension. Harmonically, "Alone Again Or" is composed in F♯ , lending it an exotic, melancholic flavor that aligns with its Spanish influences while fitting within the psychedelic folk-rock idiom of . The progression emphasizes minor tonalities, with the employing techniques for rhythmic drive, complemented by the band's electric guitars and the orchestral swells that heighten the song's bittersweet mood.

Original Recording and Release

Recording Process

The recording of "Alone Again Or" took place on September 10, 1967, at in Hollywood, , during the final sessions for Love's album . Co-produced by bandleader Arthur Lee and engineer , the track was captured amid a tumultuous production process for the album, which had started and stopped multiple times due to internal band tensions and creative disagreements. Botnick, who had engineered Love's prior albums, assumed production duties after initial producer departed after just two days, citing scheduling conflicts with . Unlike several other tracks on that incorporated session musicians from the Wrecking Crew—such as drummer —to address the band's inconsistent performances, "Alone Again Or" featured the core lineup performing the basic track. Guitarist and songwriter , who penned the song, provided lead vocals, while Arthur Lee contributed live rhythm guitar and later overdubbed additional vocals. The recording emphasized the band's folk-rock foundation, with acoustic elements and a flamenco-inspired guitar intro reflecting MacLean's personal influences, including his mother's background as a flamenco dancer. This approach allowed the group to reclaim some confidence after earlier sessions where poor playing led to emotional strain, including MacLean reportedly breaking down in tears during a Wrecking Crew overdub on another track. To enhance the song's psychedelic and orchestral texture, arranger David Angel—recommended by Botnick and a former assistant to —collaborated closely with MacLean and Lee. Angel crafted string and horn arrangements, drawing from Lee's hummed melodic guides to integrate flourishes with Latin influences. The distinctive mariachi-style was sourced from musicians Botnick had recently employed on a and the Tijuana Brass project, adding a vibrant, celebratory contrast to the song's themes of isolation and regret. These overdubs were completed at Sunset Sound following the basic tracking, contributing to the track's unique blend of cheerfulness and melancholy that defines its sound. Botnick's engineering focused on capturing the room's natural acoustics, preserving the intimate yet expansive feel without heavy compression, a technique honed from his work at the studio.

Release and Singles

"Alone Again Or" served as the opening track and from Love's third studio album, , which released in the United States on November 1, 1967. The single followed in early 1968, following "" from their prior release. In the and several international markets, the original single appeared as a 7-inch, 45 RPM vinyl pressing on , with "A House Is Not a "—another track from —as the B-side. Early pressings emerged in as early as 1967 under catalog number EK 45629, while the version followed in January 1968; additional 1968 releases included editions for (Disques Vogue, INT. 80132), (Astor, AP-1469), (Elektra, EK.45629), and the (Elektra, EK 45629). The release, issued on February 2, , via Elektra (catalog EKSN 45024), paired "Alone Again Or" with "Bummer in the Summer" as the B-side, diverging from the configuration. This single format emphasized the song's baroque-pop and Spanish guitar flourishes, positioning it as a showcase for the album's intricate production by Arthur Lee and .

Commercial Performance

Upon its release in November 1967, Love's album achieved only moderate commercial success in the , peaking at number 154 on the chart in early 1968. In the , the album performed better, reaching number 24 on the Official Albums Chart during its initial run in 1968. Despite critical acclaim, the record did not achieve widespread sales at the time and has no in the , indicating fewer than 500,000 units sold domestically through the years. The "Alone Again Or," backed with "A House Is Not a Motel" and released in January 1968, failed to crack the , instead bubbling under at number 123 on the extended chart. It garnered regional airplay success, topping radio station KHJ's chart at number 7 in , reflecting strong local popularity in but limited national breakthrough. A of the single in September 1970, backed with "," fared slightly better, peaking at number 99 on the and spending 3 weeks on the chart. Overall, the track's commercial impact remained niche, aligning with Forever Changes' cult status rather than mainstream appeal.

Cover Versions

The Damned's Cover

In 1986, the English rock band the Damned recorded a cover of "Alone Again Or" for their seventh studio album, Anything, which was released on 1 December 1986 by . The track, produced by Jon Kelly, features the band's signature style, incorporating atmospheric elements while retaining much of the original's orchestral flourishes, including and string arrangements. Lead vocalist Dave Vanian delivers the lyrics in a brooding, resonant tone that contrasts with the upbeat melody, emphasizing the song's themes of isolation and resignation. The cover was issued as a single on 13 April 1987 in the UK, with formats including 7-inch vinyl (backed by a live version of "In Dulce Decorum") and a 12-inch version featuring extended mixes and additional live tracks like "Psychomania." It marked a departure from the Damned's punk roots, showcasing their evolution toward more polished, psychedelic-influenced goth sounds during the mid-1980s. The single's release coincided with the band's promotional tour for Anything, highlighting their attempt to blend '60s psychedelia with contemporary alternative rock. Commercially, "Alone Again Or" peaked at number 27 on the UK Singles Chart, entering on 25 April 1987 and spending six weeks in the Top 100. This made it one of the band's more successful singles from the Anything era, though the album itself only reached number 40 on the UK Albums Chart. Critics noted the cover as a standout on Anything, praising its faithful yet gothic reinterpretation of Love's 1967 original, with AllMusic describing it as "easily the best song on the album" for its effective blend of reverence and the Damned's dark aesthetic. The track has since become a live staple for the band, often performed in their sets to bridge their punk heritage with later gothic phases.

Other Notable Covers

In addition to The Damned's punk rendition, several other artists have offered distinctive interpretations of "Alone Again Or," spanning genres from hard rock to classical crossover and indie folk. British hard rock band UFO included a cover on their 1977 album Lights Out, transforming the original's baroque pop into a heavier, guitar-driven track that highlighted the song's melodic hooks within their arena rock style. Sarah Brightman, the renowned soprano, recorded a lush, orchestral version for her 1990 debut album As I Came of Age, infusing the song with dramatic vocal flourishes and string arrangements that emphasized its romantic melancholy. The Boo Radleys, a key figure in the shoegaze and early Britpop scenes, delivered a hazy, reverb-soaked take during a 1991 BBC Radio 1 session with John Peel, later included on their 1992 compilation Learning to Walk, blending dreamy guitars with the song's flamenco-inspired elements. Indie rock outfit Calexico released a twangy, desert-noir adaptation as a 2003 single, later featured on the 20th anniversary edition of their album Feast of Wire in 2023, incorporating mariachi horns and subtle electronics to evoke a Southwestern atmosphere. Power pop artist and singer covered the track on their 2006 collaborative album Under the Covers, Volume 1, presenting a harmonious, 1960s-inspired reading that stayed faithful to the original's jangly arrangement while adding their signature pop sheen. , the song's co-writer and original Love guitarist, revisited it in a solo acoustic demo style on his 1997 album If You Believed In, offering an intimate, folk-leaning rendition that reflected his personal connection to the material.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reception

Upon its release as the opening track on Love's 1967 album , "Alone Again Or" was highlighted in contemporary reviews as a standout. Early critics praised the album's sophisticated sound, with the track noted for its folk-rock qualities, dreamy atmosphere, and haunting vocals blending melancholy and hope. Retrospective critical acclaim has solidified the song's status as a classic. ranked it #436 on its 2004 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (rising to #295 in the 2021 edition), noting Love's dark, poetic L.A. folk-rock style and the track's distinction as a more optimistic outlier amid the band's typically brooding material. included it at #50 on its 2006 list of the 200 Best Songs of the , commending how producer elevated Bryan MacLean's original flamenco-tinged folk composition into a gem through mariachi horns and Nelson Riddle-inspired strings, enhancing its poignant lyricism about isolation. Critics frequently cite the song's sophisticated arrangement—featuring Spanish-flavored guitar, subdued percussion, trilling strings, and a solo—as emblematic of ' innovative orchestral rock approach, often deeming it the album's finest track.

Cultural Impact

"Alone Again Or" has left a lasting mark on and , emerging as one of the most enduring tracks from Love's seminal 1967 album , which itself reflects the turbulent spirit of the late 1960s . The song's blend of flamenco-inspired guitar, orchestral horns, and introspective lyrics about isolation and fleeting relationships captured the era's mix of optimism and disillusionment, influencing subsequent generations of musicians. Its inclusion in the induction of in 2008 and the album's addition to the in 2011 underscore its recognition as a cornerstone of American musical heritage. The track's influence extends to notable artists who have cited Love and Forever Changes as pivotal. Peers like and drew inspiration from the band's innovative fusion of folk, , and orchestral elements, with Arthur Lee's songwriting shaping the Doors' poetic intensity and Hendrix's experimental edge. The song's adaptability is evident in covers by artists across genres, from punk to indie rock, bridging psychedelic roots with later styles. Beyond music, "Alone Again Or" has permeated film and television, amplifying its cultural resonance. It features prominently in Wes Anderson's 1996 debut , underscoring a pivotal romantic pursuit scene, and in Barry Levinson's Sleepers (1996), enhancing themes of nostalgia and loss. The song also closes the 2009 British comedy and plays a climactic role in the Netflix series Russian Doll (2019), where it ties into loops of existential reflection. These placements have introduced the track to broader audiences, cementing its status as a evocative anthem for solitude and reinvention in visual media.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/master/6215-Love-Forever-Changes
  2. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/forever-changes-186337/
  3. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/arthur-lee-1945-2006-78583/
  4. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/
  5. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sweet-and-hoffs-pull-back-covers-103298/
  6. https://500songs.com/podcast/episode-161-alone-again-or-by-love/
  7. https://jmeshel.com/183-love-alone-again-or-bryan-maclean/
  8. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/love/alone-again-or
  9. https://genius.com/Love-alone-again-or-lyrics
  10. https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/love-band/aloneagainor.html
  11. https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/6405-the-200-greatest-songs-of-the-1960s/?page=7
  12. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/500-greatest-songs-of-all-time-151127/bob-marley-and-the-wailers-i-shot-the-sheriff-161581
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/1157303-Love-Forever-Changes
  14. https://songbpm.com/%40love/alone-again-or-wbqz9
  15. https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/love/alone-again-or
  16. https://totallyguitars.com/lessons/1427-alone-again-or-love-guitar-lesson
  17. http://www.richieunterberger.com/botnick.html
  18. https://thedoors.com/interviews/the-doors-and-the-elektra-records-sound-interview-with-bruce-botnick
  19. https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2017/12/love-interview-with-johnny-echols.html
  20. https://www.last.fm/music/Love/_/Alone%2BAgain%2BOr/%2Bwiki
  21. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/6270-love-forever-changes.php
  22. https://hendrasumatera.blogspot.com/2015/08/love-alone-again-or.html
  23. https://www.discogs.com/master/387453-Love-Alone-Again-Or
  24. https://www.45cat.com/record/eksn45024
  25. https://bestclassicbands.com/love-forever-changes-review-10-4-17/
  26. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19680303/7502/
  27. https://www.popvortex.com/music/100-greatest-albums/forever-changes.php
  28. https://classicsongoftheday.com/alone-again-or-love/
  29. https://www.billboard.com/artist/love/
  30. https://www.allmusic.com/album/anything-mw0000650046
  31. https://genius.com/The-damned-alone-again-or-lyrics
  32. https://www.whosampled.com/The-Damned/Alone-Again-Or/
  33. https://www.discogs.com/master/18700-The-Damned-Alone-Again-Or
  34. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/17625/damned/
  35. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/damned-alone-again-or/
  36. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/66366
  37. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/152346/all
  38. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/67214/all
  39. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/23561/all
  40. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/39214/all
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uoQ-SHKlZw
  42. https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/6405-the-200-greatest-songs-of-the-1960s/
  43. https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/Love-Forever-Changes.pdf
  44. https://www.npr.org/2006/08/09/5629477/arthur-lee-a-musical-influence-passes-on
  45. https://americansongwriter.com/forever-arthur-4-fantastic-songs-in-commemoration-of-late-love-frontman-arthur-lees-80th-birthday/
  46. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117665/soundtrack/
  47. https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/loves-alone-again-or-used-for-the-climactic-scene-of-new-netflix-tv-series.2016896/
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