The Bubblegum Pop Spark: Sweet’s First Taste of Glam-Rock Infusion
In the early 1970s, as the vibrant, glittering spectacle of glam rock began to ascend, a particular sound, characterized by catchy melodies and driving rhythms, started to emerge from the UK. “Funny Funny,” the breakthrough single from the British band Sweet, released in 1971, served as a crucial, early harbinger of this new era. While it didn’t quite capture the full, hard-rocking essence that would define their later, more iconic hits, it marked their commercial breakthrough, soaring to an impressive number 20 on the UK Singles Chart. It was a bouncy, undeniably catchy pop song that offered a glimpse into the band’s burgeoning talent and their journey toward becoming one of glam rock’s most electrifying acts.
Sweet (initially known as The Sweet) formed in 1968, and their early years were characterized by a search for identity and a series of less successful singles. Their fortunes changed when they teamed up with the formidable songwriting and production duo of Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. This partnership would prove to be pivotal, leading to a string of massive hits that would define their sound. “Funny Funny” was the first fruit of this collaboration, a conscious effort to craft a simple, infectious pop song that could break through on the radio. It represented a strategic move, showcasing a lighter, more accessible side of the band before they fully unleashed the raw, guitar-driven glam rock that would make them legends. For fans who came to the band later through anthems like “Block Buster!” or “Ballroom Blitz,” “Funny Funny” offers a fascinating, almost innocent, peek into their origins, a charming precursor to the glorious chaos that would soon follow.
Lyrically, “Funny Funny” is a quintessential piece of early 70s bubblegum pop – lighthearted, direct, and focused entirely on the immediate thrill of young love. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, designed for maximum catchiness and singalong appeal. “Funny, funny, funny, funny feeling / Funny, funny, funny, funny feeling / Funny, funny, funny, funny feeling / Oh, when you’re loving me” – these lines, delivered with a youthful exuberance, encapsulate the intoxicating rush of new affection. There’s no deep introspection or complex narrative; instead, the song celebrates the pure, unadulterated joy and almost giddy sensation that comes with being enamored. It’s a bright, uncomplicated expression of happiness, reflecting a simpler time when pop songs didn’t necessarily need profound messages to resonate. The charm lies in its sheer earnestness and its ability to capture a universal feeling of infatuation with such joyful simplicity.
Musically, “Funny Funny” is a vibrant, melodic pop song driven by a solid, insistent beat. The arrangement is clean and crisp, characteristic of Chinnichap’s production style, designed to be immediately radio-friendly. The guitars are bright and punchy, providing a catchy riff that underpins the entire track. Mick Tucker’s drumming is steady and propulsive, giving the song its infectious, danceable quality. Brian Connolly’s lead vocal, while not yet exhibiting the full power and range that would mark Sweet’s later hard rock phase, is charming and perfectly suited to the song’s pop sensibility. The backing vocals, a hallmark of Sweet’s sound, are layered and harmonious, adding to the song’s overall catchy appeal. There’s a subtle but undeniable energy that hints at the band’s rock roots, even within this polished pop framework. It’s a testament to Sweet’s musicianship that they could deliver such a sparkling pop track while simultaneously building the foundations for their more aggressive future.
“Funny Funny” may not possess the hard-hitting guitar riffs or flamboyant theatricality of Sweet’s later, more iconic glam rock anthems, but its significance in their journey cannot be overstated. It was the spark that ignited their commercial success, opening the door for the experimentation and sonic evolution that would follow. For those who remember the dawn of glam rock, this song evokes a nostalgic memory of a time when pop music was beginning to embrace a new kind of energetic, fashion-conscious artistry. It remains a delightful, shimmering piece of pop history, a “funny, funny” reminder of Sweet’s humble yet utterly charming beginnings.