Buy Love Is Everywhere on Future Boy: The Complete Works here (Amazon UK)
I was watching the rather good Netflix show, Everything Sucks!, this week and was rather delighted to hear the 1992 Cicero hit, Love Is Everywhere over episode two's closing credits. Hearing this glorious song took me back to studying for my A-Levels when I was just an 18 year lad, reviving memories I hadn't thought of in years. Powerful is the music that can do that - and my love for Love Is Everywhere is just as strong today as it was back then; turns out I just needed a little reminder. For those pretending to be too young to remember, 21 year old Dave Cicero was the first artist to be signed to the Pet Shop Boys Spaghetti label. Other than those weighty credentials behind him, he actually had a lot going for him. He was a good looking lad, amazing hair, intriguing vocal style and (most importantly, and what most people forget) wrote all his own music. Sure, Neil and Chris ended up producing this single and gave it some PSB flair, but it was all Cicero's words and vision. It was actually his second single for the duo, following up the shimmering dance smash Heaven Must Have Sent You Back To Me. While that debut single showcased Cicero's knack for writing a memorable hook, it was Love Is Everywhere which felt like his statement of intent; a message for the pop world that he was here and you'd better pay attention...
When this single was released in early January 1992, the charts were still awash with lingering Christmas chart hits so something as bold and different as Love Is Everywhere was felt vibrant and exciting. From the intoxicating bagpipes in the opening bars through to the spoken confessional of the verses, Cicero crafted a song which details the agony of breaking up, juxtaposed with how that heartache just shines a spotlight on those still happily basking in the glow of love. The pulsing beat and swirling synth riffs buoyed the verses along nicely, yet it was that exhilarating, soaring chorus that sent the song over the top. An absolutely thrilling wall of sound worked in symbiotic partnership with Cicero's singing, with Neil providing backing vocals that sparkle just as brightly as the lead. It was brilliantly put together and left me feeling like it was a cathartic anthem - the type that doesn't necessarily heal everything but at least puts things into perspective. The first time I heard it, I was smitten. It is still one of my favourite songs to revisit, particularly the eight minute extended version (with an added verse, nonetheless). That it peaked at 19 in the UK charts is a bit of a travesty, though it is in good PSB company (as Love Comes Quickly and Minimal both peaked at that number). Had he been granted a Top Of The Pops performance I am pretty sure this would have rocketed into the top ten. Still, it was not to be yet this remains an essential piece of pop music that you should have in your collection.
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