When I was young before I had cassettes, the only good way of making a playlist of songs was to stack 45s on the turntable. I would arrange them to play my favorite songs in my favorite order. These posts are about records I had in my stacks.
“I Think I Love You” is a timeless pop classic that emerged as the debut single of The Partridge Family, a fictional band from the popular 1970s television series of the same name. The song was released in 1970, skyrocketing to the top of the charts and becoming an anthem for a generation. Written by Tony Romeo[1], the track captured the essence of youthful infatuation and resonated deeply with audiences around the world.
The Partridge Family, a musical family ensemble within the show, was led by the charismatic character Keith Partridge, portrayed by David Cassidy. Cassidy’s soulful vocals on “I Think I Love You” were instrumental in the song’s success, propelling him to international stardom virtually overnight.
Musicians
- Billy Strange – session leader, arrangement
- Hal Blaine – drums, contractor
- Dennis Budimir – guitars
- Gary Coleman – percussion
- Larry Knechtel – keyboards
- Joe Osborn – bass guitar
- Louis Shelton – guitar
Singing background vocals is Shirley Jones who played the mom, Shirley Partridge on the TV show. The infectious melody, coupled with Cassidy’s undeniable charm, made the track an instant hit. Upon its release, “I Think I Love You” quickly climbed the charts, ultimately reaching the coveted number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in November 1970. The song’s catchy hooks and relatable lyrics struck a chord with audiences of all ages,
solidifying its place in pop music history. Its success propelled The Partridge Family to superstardom, with the accompanying album achieving platinum status. Beyond its commercial success, “I Think I Love You” became a cultural phenomenon, firmly establishing itself as a pop classic. Its influence has endured through the decades,
with the song being covered by various artists and featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials. Its timeless appeal continues to captivate audiences, ensuring its place in the pantheon of iconic pop songs. In summary, “I Think I Love You” stands as a testament to the power of catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and unforgettable performances. Its meteoric rise to the top of the charts solidified The Partridge Family’s place in music history and cemented David Cassidy’s status as a teen idol.
Decades later, the song remains a beloved favorite, resonating with new generations of listeners and perpetuating its legacy as a pop masterpiece. The B-Side “Somebody Wants to Love You” is another great Partridge family tune, written by Wes Farrell, Jim Cretecos, and Mike Appel.
I Think I Love You written by Tony Romeo
I was sleeping and right in the middle of a good dream
Like all at once I wake up from something that keeps knocking at my brain
Before I go insane I hold my pillow to my head
And spring up in my bed screaming out the words I dread
I think I love you (I think I love you)
This morning I woke up with this feeling
I didn't know how to deal with and so I just decided to myself
I'd hide it to myself and never talk about it
And did not go and shout it when you walked into the room
I think I love you (I think I love you)
I think I love you so what am I so afraid of
I'm afraid that I'm not sure of a love there is no cure for
I think I love you isn't that what life is made of
Though it worries me to say that I never felt this way
I don't know what I'm up against
I don't know what it's all about
I got so much to think about
Hey, I think I love you so what am I so afraid of
I'm afraid that I'm not sure of a love there is no cure for
I think I love you isn't that what life is made of
Though it worries me to say I never felt this way
Believe me you really don't have to worry
I only wanna make you happy and if you say "hey go away" I will
But I think better still I'd better stay around and love you
Do you think I have a case let me ask you to your face
Do you think you love me?
I think I love you
I think I love you
I think I love you
I think I love you
I think I love you
I think I love you
I think I love you
I think I love you
Footnotes
- Tony Romeo was a prolific songwriter and composer best known for penning the iconic hit “I Think I Love You” for The Partridge Family. Born on December 25, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Romeo began his career as a songwriter in the 1960s, writing songs for various artists and groups. However, it was his composition of “I Think I Love You” that catapulted him to fame, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim. Beyond his work with The Partridge Family, Romeo continued to write songs for other artists, contributing to the rich tapestry of popular music. His legacy as a gifted songwriter endures, with his compositions remaining beloved classics cherished by fans around the world. [Back]
Further Reading
Sources
- “I Think I Love You” – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Think_I_Love_You
- “The Partridge Family” – IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065329/
- Billboard Hot 100 Chart Archives: https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1970-11-21
- Tony Romeo – Songwriters Hall of Fame: https://www.songhall.org/profile/Tony_Romeo
- Tony Romeo – IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0749291/
- Tony Romeo – Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/artist/123558-Tony-Romeo
- Discogs “The Partridge Family – The Partridge Family Album” https://www.discogs.com/release/1411845-The-Partridge-Family-The-Partridge-Family-Album
- SongFacts “I Think I Love You – by The Partridge Family” https://www.songfacts.com/lyrics/the-partridge-family/i-think-i-love-you
