Elliot James Reay - I Think They Call This Love

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"I Think They Call This Love" is the official music video and breakout single by English singer-songwriter Elliot James Reay. Released in July 2024, the track quickly became one of Reay’s most popular songs — gaining tens of millions of YouTube views and establishing him as a rising artist with a vintage-inflected pop sound.

The song serves as the lead single from his debut extended play All This to Say I Love You, showcasing a retro-inspired musical style that blends elements of classic rock & roll, rockabilly, and contemporary pop. Through its heartfelt lyrics and melodic production, the track evokes a timeless theme of falling in love — hence the title.

About Elliot James Reay

Elliot James Reay is a singer-songwriter from Manchester, England, known for his soulful vocal delivery and vintage-tinged sound. Growing up influenced by classic performers like Elvis Presley and Little Richard, Reay developed a musical identity that blends retro aesthetics with modern pop sensibilities.

Before releasing original music, he built an online following with covers of iconic classics, but his decision to release original songs marked a turning point in his career. “I Think They Call This Love” became his debut single and helped him sign with major labels including Interscope and EMI — a significant milestone for his artistic journey.

The Meaning and Themes of “I Think They Call This Love”

The lyrics of “I Think They Call This Love” explore the emotional experience of first love — the moment when feelings become unmistakably real. Lines like “They say you know when you know / So let’s face it, you had me at hello” capture that instant of recognition, where attraction turns into something deeper and more meaningful.

The song’s chorus — “When all I dream of is your eyes / All I long for is your touch… But I think they call this love” — reflects the balance between vulnerability and certainty, conveying both wonder and emotional depth. These themes resonate widely, making the track relatable to listeners who’ve experienced the exhilaration and uncertainty of falling in love.

Musically, the song carries hints of 1950s and 1960s pop and rock & roll, giving it a nostalgic vibe without feeling dated. This blend of vintage sound with contemporary production makes it appealing across generations, marrying warmth with mainstream sensibility.

Musical Style and Production

“I Think They Call This Love” was co-written by Reay along with collaborators Glen Roberts and Annielle Lisiuk, and produced in a way that emphasizes organic instrumentation and melodic hooks. The song is written in a key and structure that supports expressive vocals while maintaining a smooth pop flow.

The production leans into live-instrument textures and vintage-flavored arrangements, giving the track a timeless quality reminiscent of classic pop love songs, but with enough modern polish to succeed on today’s streaming platforms.

This stylistic blend helped the track reach a wide audience, as evidenced by its streaming and chart success. After its release, the song was streamed heavily on platforms like Spotify — where it reached high positions on global viral charts — and drew millions of views on YouTube within months of debut.

Official Music Video: Visual Overview

The official music video for “I Think They Call This Love” amplifies the song’s romantic and nostalgic tone with visuals that reflect genuine emotion and personal connection. Rather than focusing on dramatic storytelling or high-budget spectacle, the video emphasizes expressive performance and intimate moments that support the song’s core themes.

Elliot James Reay appears throughout the video, singing directly to the camera with sincere delivery, creating a sense of closeness with the viewer. Scenes often show Reay interacting naturally — walking, reflecting, and performing — reinforcing the theme of uncomplicated, heartfelt affection.

The visual aesthetic mirrors the song’s melodic warmth: soft lighting, simple backdrops, and candid expressions all work together to make the video feel personal and engaging, allowing the emotional content of the song to remain central.

Audience Reception and Impact

Since its release in July 2024, “I Think They Call This Love” has resonated with a wide audience globally. Official YouTube statistics show the music video has gathered tens of millions of views — a major achievement for a debut single and an indication of Reay’s rising popularity.

Listeners and fans often share clips of the song on social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, using it as a soundtrack for romantic content, mood playlists, and personal storytelling — further boosting its reach and relevance.

In addition to the official video, other versions — including lyric videos, acoustic performances, and live renditions (such as his performance on the Wish 107.5 Bus) — have garnered millions of additional views and engagement, showing the song’s emotional appeal in various settings.

Why “I Think They Call This Love” Resonates

There are several reasons the song has found a strong place in listeners’ hearts:

• Universal Theme of Love: Exploring the feelings of first love and emotional awakening makes the song deeply relatable.
• Vintage-Inflected Style: Its retro pop influence makes it stand out from many contemporary tracks while still feeling fresh.
• Authentic Delivery: Reay’s sincere vocal performance and heartfelt lyrics connect with audiences emotionally.
• Wide Cultural Reach: The song’s spread across streaming platforms and social media reflects modern music consumption patterns.

Production and Artistic Identity

“I Think They Call This Love” reflects Elliot James Reay’s artistic identity: rooted in classic influences yet unafraid to embrace the contemporary pop landscape. His ability to write melodies with emotional impact — while honoring the aesthetic of vintage rock & roll and love songs — has helped him carve out a unique niche.

This debut single’s success laid the groundwork for his debut EP and live performances, including sold-out shows across the UK and further promotion through visual and acoustic versions of his work.

Final Thoughts

“I Think They Call This Love” by Elliot James Reay stands as a memorable and emotionally resonant debut — bridging timeless romantic themes with modern production and heartfelt performance. Whether experienced through its official music video, live versions, or audio streams, the song offers a classic love story told through a fresh voice in contemporary music.

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