THE BELOVED – Sweet Harmony (1993)

“Invisible harmony is superior to the visible.” [Harmonie aphanes phaneres kreitton]

Heraclitus

The Beloved are a British electronic music group best known for the singles “Sweet Harmony”, “The Sun Rising”, “Hello”, “Your Love Takes Me Higher”, and “Satellite”. Originally a post-punk/new wave band formed in 1983, they underwent a change of direction in the late 1980s to a house/alternative dance sound and experienced chart success in the UK and elsewhere.

“Sweet Harmony” was released on 11 January 1993 as the first and lead single from their second studio album, Conscience (1993). It’s such a beautiful song whose virtue lies in its remarkable simplicity (lyrics, melody, and harmony-wise). And the chorus, well, it couldn’t be more catchy, almost like a mantra of harmony and transcendental love. The perfect marriage between music (melody, harmony) and lyric content. Even the “Oh Yeah” is meaningful, important in a certain way for the harmonic whole. Mention also be made to the heavenly saxophone solo. It remains the band’s biggest hit, peaking at number eight in the UK and becoming a club staple. The single was followed by a much talked about music video, directed by Big TV, consisting of the band’s singer Jon Marsh nude and surrounded by nude women in a heaven-like setting.

Is it right or wrong Try to find a place We can all belong? Be as one Try to get on by If we unify? We should really try

All this time Spinning round and round Made the same mistakes That we’ve always found Surely now We could move along Make a better world? No, it can’t be wrong

Let’s come together Right now Oh, yeah In sweet harmony

Let’s come together Right now Oh, yeah In sweet harmony

Let’s come together Right now Oh, yeah In sweet harmony

Let’s come together Right now Oh, yeah

Time is running out Let there be no doubt We should sort things out If we care Like we say we do Not just empty words For a week or two

Make the world Your priority Try to live your life Ecologically Play a part In a greater scheme Try to live the dream On a wider scene

Let’s come together Right now Oh, yeah In sweet harmony