“Love Is Like Oxygen” was a stylistic shift for British glam rock band Sweet. Known for their earlier hard-hitting glam hits like “Ballroom Blitz” and “Fox on the Run,” this track showed a more mature, progressive, and polished side of the band — blending soft rock, prog, and pop into an epic radio-friendly anthem.
Sweet – Love Is Like Oxygen
Starts with dreamy synthesizers and harmonies, then kicks into a powerful, guitar-driven chorus.
Blends progressive rock elements (like tempo changes and instrumental breaks) with classic rock hooks.
The extended album version runs over 6 minutes, while the radio edit clocks in around 3:48.
Vocals by Brian Connolly (this was his last big hit with the band before leaving), paired with rich production and strong instrumental work.
“Love Is Like Oxygen” was Sweet’s last major hit, reaching #8 in the US and #9 in the UK.
The track was nominated for an Ivor Novello Award for songwriting.
It appeared on their 1978 album Level Headed, which marked their evolution toward more sophisticated musical territory.
The band originally intended to focus more on progressive rock — and this song became a bridge between their glam rock past and their more serious ambitions.
