"This Is Love" is a song by the English musician Gary Numan, released in April 1986 by Numa Records as the lead single from his eighth studio album Strange Charm. It was written by Numan, and produced by Numan and the Waveteam. "This Is Love" peaked at No. 28 on the UK singles chart and remained in the charts for three weeks.
A music video was filmed to promote the single. Early copies of the single included a free interview flexi disc, while some 12" copies were issued with "Call Out the Dogs" as a free single.
Critical reception Upon its release, Newcastle Evening Chronicle described the song as a "slow romantic ballad" and Numan's "best in ages".Newcastle Evening Chronicle - Time Off: Singles - April 17, 1986 - page 12 Andy Hurt of Sounds wrote, "Maggie's self-made automaton has finally come to rest in Bowie/Eno 'Warszawa'-land, and he's still forgetting to take a packet of tunes to the studio." In a retrospective review of the album, Ned Raggett of AllMusic stated, "Numan uses silence and less-crowded arrangements to create a more dramatic impact. Flat-out successes such as "The Sleeproom" and the concluding ballad "This Is Love," with heavily echoed piano and singing leading the way, show how his decision worked wonders." In 2007, Mojo described the song as a "classy track".
Track listing 7" single "This Is Love" – 4:30 "Survival" – 5:02
12" single "This Is Love" – 4:30 "Survival" – 5:02
12" single (UK edition with free single) "This Is Love" – 4:30 "Survival" – 5:02 "Call Out the Dogs" – 6:42 "No Shelter" – 3:23 "This Ship Comes Apart" – 3:55
Personnel Musicians Gary Numan – vocals, keyboards Martin Elliott – bass guitar Dick Morrissey – saxophone Mike Smith – keyboards Tessa Niles – backing vocals
Production and artwork Gary Numan – producer The Waveteam – producers Tim Summerhayes – engineer Arun Chakraverty – mastering Francis Drake – artwork
Charts Chart (1986) Peakposition UK singles chart 28
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