Elliot James Reay’s I Think They Call This Love is a carefully crafted ode to vintage romance with a modern twist.
Packed with lush vocals and a melody that feels straight out of a ‘50s diner jukebox, Reay’s debut track has captured hearts across generations.
But what makes this song more than just a throwback? Let’s dig into the lyrics, the cultural revival it spearheads, and how it strikes a chord with listeners today.
The Journey to Release: A Song Built on Anticipation
Elliot James Reay officially announced I Think They Call This Love on June 28, 2024, with a short video posted across his social media platforms.
@elliotjamesreay Surprise!!! My debut single 'I Think They Call This Love' is out July 17th
♬ original sound – Elliot James Reay
The build-up was as carefully crafted as the song itself, with Reay teasing the chorus multiple times on TikTok before the release.
One of these clips garnered over 7 million views, igniting excitement among his 3 million followers and beyond.
The single finally dropped in July 2024, offering fans the full version of a track they’d been eagerly anticipating for months.
Its success was amplified by its universal themes and the way it captured both the nostalgia of ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll and the modern vulnerability of a new generation of love songs.
What Is I Think They Call This Love About?
This song explores the uncertainty and vulnerability that come with falling in love.
The repeated refrain—“You can say that I’m a fool, and I don’t know very much, but I think they call this love”—reveals a protagonist grappling with the overwhelming feeling of affection.
It’s not overly poetic or cryptic, but that’s the beauty of it. The simplicity mirrors the straightforward romance of the rock ‘n’ roll era, where emotions were raw and unfiltered.
This straightforwardness is balanced by subtle complexities.
Take the line “One smile, one kiss, two lonely hearts is all that it takes”: while it sounds like a sweet sentiment, it hints at how love can emerge from the briefest, simplest moments—a fleeting glance or an unspoken connection.
Breaking Down the Lyrics: Nostalgia Meets Modern Vulnerability
The Chorus: A Dreamlike Obsession
“When all I dream of is your eyes, all I long for is your touch.”
The chorus dives into the infatuation stage of love, where thoughts of the other person dominate every waking moment.
This longing is universal, relatable across decades, and the dreamy delivery feels like a direct nod to the doo-wop ballads of artists like The Platters.
The Post-Chorus: Naming the Feeling
“Oh, I think they call this love.”
Here’s where the song sets itself apart. While many love songs focus on grand declarations, this line is almost self-reflective, as though Reay is processing the emotions in real time.
It’s both tentative and confident, a blend that mirrors modern relationships where vulnerability often coexists with self-doubt.
The Bridge: A Question of Fate
“What could this be between you and me?”
This bridge offers a quieter, introspective moment. It’s less about the euphoria of love and more about its fragility.
Reay taps into the fear and wonder that accompany new relationships, making the song more multidimensional than your typical love ballad.
Why I Think They Call This Love Strikes a Chord Today
Elliot James Reay isn’t just writing music; he’s part of a movement. The track is a perfect encapsulation of the growing Gen Z fascination with retro aesthetics, from vinyl records to vintage fashion.
But unlike some artists who treat nostalgia as a gimmick, Reay’s work feels authentic.
By using live instruments and vintage recording techniques, the song transports listeners to another time, while its lyrics remain rooted in the present.
This balance of old and new makes I Think They Call This Love a bridge between generations.
For older listeners, it’s a reminder of the songs they grew up with. For younger audiences, it’s a refreshing break from hyper-produced pop.
Unique Insights: A Modern Take on the ‘50s Revival
Reay’s connection to his audience is another reason the song resonates.
On TikTok, his teasers often show him performing in everyday settings—making coffee or strumming his guitar at home.
@elliotjamesreay 'I Think They Call This Love' is out July 17th, presave link in my bio!!! #fyp #singing #ithinktheycallthislove #elliotjamesreay #newmusic #originalmusic #singingchallenge #tiktokmalaysia #tiktokaustralia #cover ♬ I Think They Call This Love – Elliot James Reay
These unpolished, intimate glimpses contrast sharply with the meticulously produced track, giving fans a sense of authenticity that feels rare in today’s music industry.
Interestingly, the song’s success also speaks to a broader trend: the digital revival of vintage culture.
Whether it’s Stephen Sanchez’s Elvis-inspired crooning or Reay’s own velveteen voice, young artists are proving that classic rock ‘n’ roll isn’t just a relic—it’s a timeless language of emotion.
Final Thoughts: Why This Song Matters
In I Think They Call This Love, Elliot James Reay brings back the beauty of love songs that aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, weaving his story with a sound that feels lived-in rather than manufactured.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest emotions—delivered with sincerity—can resonate the loudest.
And maybe, just maybe, it’s the kind of timeless romance we didn’t know we were missing.
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Elliot James Reay I Think They Call This Love Lyrics
Verse 1
They say you know when you know
So, let’s face it, you had me at “Hello”
Hesitation never helps
How could this be anything, anything else?
Chorus
When all I dream of is your eyes
All I long for is your touch
And, darling, something tells me that’s enough, mm-mm-mm-mm
You can say that I’m a fool
And I don’t know very much
But I think they call this love
Verse 2
One smile, one kiss, two lonely hearts is all that it takes
Now, baby, you’re on my mind, every night, every day
Good vibrations getting loud
How could this be anything, anything else?
Chorus
When all I dream of is your eyеs
All I long for is your touch
And, darling, something tells me that’s еnough, mm-mm-mm-mm
You can say that I’m a fool
And I don’t know very much
But I think they call this love
Post-Chorus
Oh, I think they call this love
Bridge
Hmm, ooh-ooh, mm
Mm
What could this be
Between you and me? Oh, oh
Chorus
All I dream of is your eyes
All I long for is your touch
And, darling, something tells me, tells me, it’s enough
You can say that I’m a fool
And I don’t know very much
But I think they call—
Oh, I think they call—
Yes, I think they call
This love
Outro
This love
