I'm Not In Love - 10cc (Reaction)

[@tombeyerlein3813]

In literature, they call this the "unreliable narrator." The singer is very much in love, and the whole song is him lyiing to himself about it.

[@codjh9]

Kind of like 'I'm not missing you at all' in John Waite's 'Missing You'.

[@lisasmithline1386]

Yes,that's obviously true to normal people, but we are now fighting against those who ignore objective reality.

[@mja91352]

Bewt you were a big hit during sophomore year. Must be why you are stuck in it.

[@lexiburrows8127]

Yup. The ultimate 'pulling the girl's pig-tails' story.

[@GuyKendall]

@@codjh9 you nailed it brother!

[@skygazer858]

The phase he's going through is also know as Denial. 🥰

[@annereidy7981]

well put

[@rhphotocdn]

This was a recording masterpiece. In the 70's we didn't have the computers to do the multitracks. So they recorded it all separately then layer'd it all together from the tapes on the final recording. An absolute masterpiece! And yes you should watch teh video of the making of the song. Terrific

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Truly pushing the boundaries of the technology at that time. A genius work, and a hell of a lot of hours and work went into it.

[@donnakeeton168]

I agree. Treat yourself to the video of how they laid down all of the tracks on this song. It will blow your mind!

[@punkydoodle4774]

I read somewhere, probably in a reaction, that some of the tape was almost see-through by the end.

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

I believe they wanted a chorus in the song, but they didn’t have the money to pay them so they all recorded themselves singing several notes. They also used the record studio’s secretary for the lyrics, “Be quiet. Big boys don’t cry. Big boys don’t cry…”

[@chrismonroe8582]

There's actually a short documentary about the production of this tune that is pretty cool

[@PhillyGirl64]

Where did you see it? What's it called?

[@bobschenkel7921]

The singer and storyteller here is soooo in love. He is just lying to himself. LOL.

[@Agwings1960]

Reflects how deep the songs of the 70's were.

[@ZacCostilla]

Spoiler, each key was recorded individually and sampled to make the background vocals work on the keyboard, all using analog technology.

[@michaelnorman3393]

He is TOTALLY in love ❤

[@PNWgal66]

I loved that song when I was a teen girl in the 1970’s. ❤

[@Retroearthling]

what an absolute full stop MASTERPIECE. Watch the making of, it was groundbreaking recording for the early 70s

[@KellySLC]

The woman's voice you hear was the studio receptionist. One of the guys got a phone call so she quietly opened the door and whispered to him. They all said " she's perfect"!

[@antonybrent6232]

Oh he’s in love alright 👍😂. He’s got it bad 👌

[@ArlynMeylan-jo7hq]

Gold from a time ago 😊

[@Krzyszczynski]

This song will always mean the UK summer of '75 to me. I'd just exited a house-share that hadn't worked out at all well, and entered into another which was the exact reverse. One of the guys had just bought The Original Soundtrack album and the sound of this track was constantly filtering down from his room at the top of the house.

[@NelJean-j4v]

Doesn’t want to admit he’s in Love. 🎶💓🎶

[@sourisvoleur4854]

They took a tape technique inveited by Paul McCartney of the Beatles, and absolutely perfected it, far beyond anything the Beatles did. Soon it would be obsolete because of sampling, but in their day this was state-of-the-art, and it sounds incredible, and it took a hell of a lot of work to create the base tracks that formed the underlying vocal sounds of the song. Incredible work. . 10cc's biggest hit, I think, is "The Things We Do for Love."

[@cynergy4]

Funny, when it first came out I thought it was Wings. Sounds similar to Paul and Linda

[@lauraallen55]

I'm afraid Paul didn't invent tape loops in music. It had been done before all of the Beatles did it.

[@lauraallen55]

@@cynergy4 It doesn't really to me at all. Paul nor any of The Beatles created the technique of using tape loops anyway. All of them used them in the studio.

[@rdr61]

It certainly brings back some memories.

[@colly6013]

I was 15 when this was released, it suited my friends and my own hormonal, angst ridden feelings at that time. Love hearing it again 💕🇬🇧

[@tombeyerlein3813]

10cc was a great band made up of two fine songwriting teams: Lol Creme and Kevin Godley, and Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart. Gouldman, the bass player (shown here on guitar), continues to tour under the 10cc name. Prior to the formation of 10cc, Gouldman had major success as a songwriter for acts such as The Hollies, Wayne Fontana and The Yardbirds in the '60s.

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

SOUNDS LIKE HE IS DENYING LOVE, BUT HE'S NOT...HE'S RUNNIN FROM IT!!❤❤❤❤

[@TheGsjoberg]

This is a song best heard with your eyes closed, to really catch its dream-like state.

[@missblondie2393]

He's done Scary feeling losing your heart to love All the denying it won't change it We see you and most of us been through it Always loved this song

[@rabooey]

Geez I can't even sing along because I keep getting too choked up. Eric Stewart wrote and sings this song, which was basically a love letter to his wife, with a twist. She told him that he never/rarely tells her that he loves her, and this song was his reply. The twist is that he did it in a VERY cute way by using lyrics that state the opposite of what she wants to hear, while at the same time telling her exactly how much he loves her. I'm heading straight to a Dreadlock Holiday (1978) video now so I can actually sing along, hahahah. JMBOY, if you want to hear a totally different kind of song from them you should give it a shot. You'll quickly discover how ~incredibly~ versatile they are. Thanks for reacting to this beautiful, touching song!🤘

[@AliasMark69]

I assembled the Fender Rhodes Electric Piano 88 Key "Suitcase" model he is playing. One of hundreds from 1972- 1978

[@hongfang2348]

This sounds like an 80s track but it came out in the mid 70s. Wow

[@bradsense7431]

You should look into the process of how they layered those vocals. Very interesting.

[@randsimon1313]

A beautiful, memorable tune with a beautiful sentiment attached about love and denial. Really so well produced!

[@kellydelay18]

This song is so old and still love hearing it

[@bugvswindshield]

cool tune. I hadn't heard this in decades. I do remember this one vividly. I was pretty young, but something about this song stuck with me.

[@AliasMark69]

Did this song "BUG" you.... Ha Ha Ha

[@x0539p]

This reminds me of being on holiday as a teen and falling in love for the first time in 1975. Such strong emotions for a tender age and this song always brings me back to that time. I always think fondly of my first love and what a magical 6 weeks it was. I cried my heart out when I had to leave & make my way back home across the vast country I live in. Love your reactions, thanks for sharing.

[@MarkJones-mm3br]

There's a depth to this song that's not immediately obvious. You hear this woman's voice saying "Big boys don't cry" and I think it's a flashback to the central figure's mother (I don't know if it's autobiographical or the singer is just telling a story) telling it to him as a child when he was probably upset over something. But the result was it damage him and made him unable to express his emotions to the point of not being able to fall in love later in life... until now... the feelings are finally breaking through the hard shell he had built up over years. This woman who broke through must be very special. The song is sung as a reverse compliment to her.

[@thorgt8197]

He wrote this song for his wife who kept saying are you in love with me? Do you really love me? Please tell me.. so he took the reverse attention to her.. I’m not in love.. just because I can’t stop thinking of you.. don’t think you got it made.

[@go234ko96ts5]

What a song and what a super group. This song uses some different techniques in it's recording of an innovative backing track but it just makes the song more mysterious along with the lyrics. The song was a breakthrough hit worldwide for 10cc.

[@lauraallen55]

Tape loops, yes?

[@xcanuck4]

DREADLOCK HOLIDAY IS A MUST WATCH FOR YOU.

[@TheoZoffrok]

Great song. *Amazing* recording. My favourite 10CC song is I'm Mandy, Fly Me, which is a short story with twists and turns, condensed into a four minute pop song.

[@2GunRock]

You're the first person who reacted to this song, that I've seen, who totally GETS IT from a guys point of view. So many people think it's about "denial", but that's not it at all. It's 100% as you explained it.

[@marybreiner5]

I loved this song.

[@robertserafin-uc3qn]

Graham Gouldman - Singer / Writer had written few hits during the mid 60's like "For Your Love" &. Heart ful of Soul by the Yardbirds Also Bus Stop & He Ain't heavy , he's my Brother by the Hollies and 20 other songs

[@pixelrancher]

Their first single that got a fair bit of airplay was "Rubber Bullets" - a throwback sound of the 50s and 60s. Following that, "The Wall Street Shuffle" from the album "Sheet Music". They finally broke through with this album - "The Original Soundtrack" - and the single "I'm Not In Love" which also led to a new record deal. The opening track is still my favourite on the album - "Une Nuit A Pairs". Another charter from the album is "Life Is A Minestrone" which had been released as the first single for some reason. Shortly after their fourth album "How Dare You!" with two more charting singles "Art For Art's Sake" and "I'm Mandy, Fly Me", the band broke. Godley and Creme would devote their time and creativity on further developing a guitar effect they dubbed the "Gizmotron" and although it had been used previously on some of their material they released a triple album set to promote it. Consequences was a commercial flop. Far too avant-garde for the time but it cemented "Godley & Creme" as a musical duo. The pair directed the video for their next big hit "Cry" which led them to directing and producing videos for George Harrison, Asia, The Police, Duran Duran, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Peter Gabriel and Herbie Hancock.

[@wpollock1]

"The lady (in this case the man) doth protest too much methinks"

[@kallsop2]

As others have said, there's a good video about how they did the multiple layering of the vocals in the bridge. 10 CC was another of the bands that were great with the story in the lyrics. Thing We Do For Love is another good songs from them. Good analysis of the lyrics, you nailed it.

[@AliasMark69]

I suggested this tune last year sometime. glad to see it done. Nice Choice.

[@BerdBlumensein]

Oh the memories!!!!!!!!!

[@threekidzmom04]

oh the memories!

[@areafiftyoneok]

Got to be the best song from 1975

[@CherylHughes-ts9jz]

There were many, but this one is up there ☮️

[@SnowEfaust]

Great insight (he's head over heels!)

[@CherylHughes-ts9jz]

I've always loved this song. Thank you 🌹🔥🌹

[@TeresaMount-t9o]

I’ve always loved this song thanks for the review

[@TomClarkSouthLondon]

*You nailed this with your analysis brother!* 😮👍

[@nickrizzi4927]

JM, you are so good and focused in your absorption then digestion of music with lyric! You bring these songs from many of our pasts back to top of mind in such a fun way with your younger wisdom. Ha! Your reactions on ones like this are like a great episode of This Old House, only better cause it's music! Thanks and well being to all!!

[@jollyrodgers7272]

Denial ain't just a river in Africa! This guy's totally in Love but can't say it. They weren't satisfied with their recording 'Be quiet - Big boys don't cry...' realizing they needed a female voice, and just then the studio receptionist quietly popped her head into the booth to say Eric had a phone call, they jumped up and said "That's it!" and got her to record it in that whispery voice, but only after much coaxing. It became their first international hit. You'll also like their DREADLOCK HOLIDAY, inspired by a real incident, Official music video suggested...

[@donrogers1337]

Love Your show. You pick the best music to review.

[@nickrizzi4927]

Well said, and gives it a fair, open and thorough go! Appreciate the younger and insightful comments. He makes it come back to life in a way which is fun. Good health to ya!

[@Renkk17]

Be Quiet Big Boys don't Cry...........

[@PNWgal66]

I could tell you loved this song! It’s really quite amazing how it makes you feel in the moment.

[@ojstinson]

Their coolest song is "Dreadlock Holiday", but must be seen with the original video, it's full on reggae and quite a departure from usual style and great fun.

[@musestudio7075]

Always loved this. As fire today as it was then.❤

[@musestudio7075]

Wow, impressive analysis.👌👍

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

You must do "Good morning Judge" ""I'm Mandy" and "Wall Street Shuffle. Next level band; way above the average.

[@jofoster1596]

A classic

[@bradsouthers7476]

It's not him trying to convince her he's not in love. It's him trying to convince himself... and failing to do so.

[@JMBOYTV]

I said that in my reaction

[@bjm9071]

10c's "The Original Soundtrack" (not really a soundtrack) album that this song was on is fantastic! I played it endlessly when I was a teen and saw the band in concert when I was in college.

[@sarleywinkle]

Dreadlock Holiday also by 10CC!

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

RECOMMEND EARLY BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS' "I LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOW" ITS EPIC BLUES😎😎😎👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😎😎😎👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@brenthowell6148]

Check out 10cc's Dreadlock Holiday. It's Jammin!

[@GinMae]

Thanks, JM! 10cc were fantastic... such great orchestration.. and able to perform it live, as well... you may also know "The Things we do for Love" by them.. a bit more up-beat tune... appreciate your reaction to this gorgeous song, though!

[@KrizzySummerz]

Great song, great reaction. The whole group (many different members over the years) has an amazing place in the music industry like Godley & Creme and their remaking of the Gizmo and working with so many big names 😊

[@brenthenderson3983]

At 3:12 the whispering voice is saying...'' Big boys don't cry.''..

[@russwr4946]

checkin in...

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Love 10cc

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Hypnosic

[@GreggoMusicChannel]

I've always thought that was beautiful music. There's many interpretations of what it means. But I think he's trying to convince himself he's not in love with a girl when he really is. Thanks for doing this one.

[@BDUBZ49]

Two of the members, Kevin Godley and Laurence Creme formed the duo Godley & Creme and released 7 albums. They had only 1 hit in the US in 1985 called "Cry" which peaked at #16. (They had more chart success in the UK) kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6Gwn3Wrq7VooaM

[@jenniferjohnson319]

Such a 1970's song. Love this song. Popular in its day. Still laugh about the nasty stain. Back then, if you were dating someone you would say, I'm going with them...lol

[@delmar418]

Very perceptive. 10cc lyrics are very sarcastic. You're right about the protection. I got that he had broken up already, but he was maintaining a denial. if you want to hear a fun 10cc song, check out "Headline Hustler."

[@jamesbickerton2475]

Great review Dog.

[@tray783]

Had this on 45 when I was a kid

[@ericarachel55]

lots of memories with this song, going through a bad marriage when this came out, but I still like it

[@mtnvalley9298]

great reaction, thanks

[@robertstoner8244]

Right on 👍

[@steveh7108]

Smoooooth

[@minstrelofMir]

He said his girl friend told him, he didant say he loves her enough,,he said, if i said it too much it wouldant be the same meaning,,so then he wrote this song

[@jamesanderson5268]

He protests too much. He's trying to hide his love.

[@stephenball3571]

Good song.

[@westlod]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet but in the middle of the video, the lead singer starts laughing a little, supposedly his wife was in the audience and when he sang the part, I’m not in love she held up a sign saying, oh yes you are.

[@tmr626]

JMBOY TV and commenters, if you all love these beautiful melodic sounds you should check out the awesome 4 min. version of "Everybody Got To Learn Sometime" by The Korgis.

[@pattymckitrick7436]

❤❤❤❤

[@pieterschadron3644]

Check out: Cry by Godley & Greame (two 10 CC musicians)

[@philipmccarthy6175]

A lot of men can relate to this.

[@mataform]

I’m English and when I was 22 I was studying mime in Prague when it was communist and where I lived in the uni someone had obviously smuggled in from the uk and the person who had it played it over and over again very loud. If any of you think like flirting with communism think again. It was really oppressive and sad for the people especially the youth.

[@Stacy55ish]

Of course he's desperately in love, but his love is not being returned. So he pretends that he's "not in love" to hide his pain.

[@tedjung3700]

Billy Joel liked the use of background vocal tape loops in this song, and he copied the idea for his single "Just the Way You Are".

[@freyjabeth4372]

Great band and very different to other bands at the time

[@youropionmattersnot]

Couples skate. Who's with me?

[@richtensail]

aother classic 70s song, manually dne multi layered n tracekd vocals- its not a synth!, tink it took 8 mths 2 record vis song, nvr b dne again as cost 2 much!, try dreadlock holiday, n rubber bullets n things we do v love

[@lynnieiapichino1121]

☮️💙💙💙🔥🔥😎

[@baylessnow]

Now you have to watch The Making Of 10cc's I'm Not in Love. At the end you have the whole unedited song, best heard in a dark room with headphones on and let those harmonics wash over you. It's magical. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaDblmejodiEpdUsi=JklvYySnCudX0Rlg

[@fredflintstone4594]

Look up what 10cc means 😅

[@janetf23]

When this first dropped my reaction was, eyeroll...ok pal, whatever you say😏~ good song🎶

[@duckarse11]

[@codjh9]

For something wildly different, check out 'Dreadlock Holiday' by them.

[@megdelaney3677]

Please react to 10cc 'Dreadlock Holiday'