"Love Stinks" by J. Geils Band

Song#:  0129
Date:  04/12/1980
Debut:  83
Peak:  38
Weeks:  12
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  Here is one of those songs you would swear was a Top 10 hit. I remember it being all over the radio and kids screaming "love stinks!" in the hallways. However, it did about the same as their first single from the "Love Stinks" album, "Come Back" (covered in a previous entry). Despite chart position, this anthematic song would prove to be one of their most loved hits.

ReduxReview:  A big-ass arena song was not really something the band typically did, but they hit the mark just right on this one. I'm pretty sure most everyone during their dating days has screamed these lyrics in anger or while crying - or both. Nothing like a good, angry cry when some asshole or beeyatch just took a club to your heart. I'm not sure, but if love did stink I think it might smell like a butcher shop that caught on fire and was doused with saline solution. Just a hunch.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  Some have speculated that this song was Peter Wolf's response to his divorce from actress Faye Dunaway. Whatever the inspiration, it has been used in several movies including "Mr. Wrong" (done by Joan Jett) and "The Wedding Singer" (sung by Adam Sandler).

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