Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
“That’s Old Fashioned (That’s the Way Love Should Be)” is one of the last major hits recorded by The Everly Brothers, released in 1962. The song reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the final Top 10 single of their career in the United States. Written by three accomplished songwriters—Bill Giant, Bernie Baum, and Florence Kaye—the track emphasizes traditional values of romance, fidelity, and lasting love at a time when popular music was becoming increasingly modern and experimental. With its polished production, heartfelt lyrics, and the brothers’ trademark harmonies, the song reinforced their ability to deliver sincerity and warmth, even as musical trends shifted around them.
Origins of the Song
The song came from the writing team of Giant, Baum, and Kaye, who frequently contributed material to Elvis Presley’s movie soundtracks in the 1960s. Their songwriting often emphasized clear, accessible messages and strong melodic lines, making their work well-suited to The Everly Brothers’ style.
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By 1962, the Everlys had already enjoyed years of chart dominance with hits like “Cathy’s Clown” and “All I Have to Do Is Dream.” However, competition from emerging acts, especially with the rise of girl groups and the early rumblings of the British Invasion, meant that their music had to continue evolving. “That’s Old Fashioned” was recorded during this transitional period, striking a balance between nostalgia for timeless values and polished, radio-friendly production.
Why The Everly Brothers Released “That’s Old Fashioned (That’s the Way Love Should Be)”
The Everly Brothers released “That’s Old Fashioned” to reaffirm their image as interpreters of sincere, heartfelt love songs. While the cultural zeitgeist of the early 1960s leaned toward youth rebellion, the track offered an alternative vision: love based on respect, loyalty, and enduring values.
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It was also a strategic move to stay relevant on the charts. By emphasizing a theme that resonated with a wide audience—including older listeners and more conservative fans—they ensured broad appeal. The song’s success proved that their brand of harmony-driven sincerity still had a place in popular music, even as styles rapidly shifted.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
The message of “That’s Old Fashioned” is clear and straightforward: true love is built on timeless, old-fashioned values, rather than fleeting passions or modern trends.
Key themes include:
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Timeless Romance: The lyrics stress that enduring love comes from commitment, honesty, and devotion.
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Contrasting Modernity: By framing these values as “old fashioned,” the song contrasts with more casual or experimental views of love emerging in the early 1960s.
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Sincerity: The song promotes the idea that traditional courtship and genuine emotional bonds are worth preserving.
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Universality: Listeners across generations could connect with its message, making it broadly appealing.
The Everly Brothers’ delivery adds warmth and authenticity, ensuring that the message feels heartfelt rather than moralizing.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
“That’s Old Fashioned” exemplifies the Everlys’ polished pop style at the time.
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Vocals: Don and Phil’s harmonies are, as always, the centerpiece. Their close blending makes the lyrics feel tender and intimate.
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Instrumentation: Orchestral arrangements and lush backing instruments support the vocals, reflecting the early 1960s trend of sophisticated pop production. Strings and light percussion add richness without overwhelming the harmonies.
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Mood: Warm, romantic, and optimistic.
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Style: A fusion of pop balladry and traditional country influences, leaning toward mainstream radio sensibilities.
The recording captures the Everlys’ ability to evolve with production trends while retaining their identity.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Commercially, “That’s Old Fashioned” was a success, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the last Top 10 hit of the Everly Brothers’ U.S. career. In the United Kingdom, however, it was less impactful, reflecting the growing shift in global music tastes.
Culturally, the song represented both continuity and change. On one hand, it reinforced the Everly Brothers’ image as purveyors of sincere, harmony-driven love songs. On the other, it signaled the end of an era, as their chart dominance would soon be eclipsed by new sounds from Britain and the rise of rock bands. Still, the song’s success demonstrated that audiences were not yet ready to move entirely away from the Everlys’ style.
Legacy of “That’s Old Fashioned (That’s the Way Love Should Be)”
Today, “That’s Old Fashioned” is remembered as a bittersweet milestone in the Everly Brothers’ career. It was their last major U.S. hit, marking the close of a chapter in which they were consistent chart-toppers.
For their legacy, the track highlights their ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while staying true to their core identity. Even as the pop scene moved toward rock bands and youth-driven rebellion, the Everlys remained committed to themes of sincerity, romance, and timeless values.
More broadly, the song resonates as a cultural artifact of its era. It reflects both nostalgia for tradition and the transitional moment just before the British Invasion would redefine popular music. Its themes of loyalty and devotion ensure that it continues to resonate with listeners who value the enduring qualities of love.
Decades later, “That’s Old Fashioned (That’s the Way Love Should Be)” stands as both a reminder of the Everly Brothers’ remarkable career and a celebration of the timeless ideals they championed. It endures as one of the last great expressions of their early 1960s sound, a heartfelt farewell to their era of chart dominance.