Love’s 1967 album Forever Changes is a cult favorite for good reason. Disillusioned with the ignorance of the 60’s Flower Power era, Love penned a poignant criticism of the excess it saw eroding the counterculture movement at the time. This album (correctly) predicted the unrest that would soon follow in the late 60’s/early 70’s, and while it was initially a flop on the charts, has earned significant critical acclaim as the years have gone by as nearly all enduring art is wont to do.
It’s easy to see why. Forever Changes is a somber reflection of the naivety of the 60’s, presenting tragic themes that are laid bare alongside remorseful acoustic guitars and orchestral arrangements. Further context from my dad:
I like the instruments intertwined with the lyrics. Very unique. 1967 (mid-late 60’s) was a music revolution time period. Hair and clothing also. I remember it was very disruptive with my parents generation. I believe JFK’s assassination ignited it to a certain extent. High level social change and the music expressed the times.
– Dean “Pop Pop” Plank
Forever Changes is a capstone to the psychedelic 60’s, a requisite chronicle for avid students of history, and quite simply a gorgeous orchestral pop record that stands on its own legs regardless of its historical importance.
Standout Songs: “A House Is Not a Motel”, “You Set The Scene”, “Maybe The People Would Be the Times or Between Clark and Hilldale”
