"Generations of Love" is a song by British band Jesus Loves You, founded by singer Boy George, and was released as the second single from their only album, The Martyr Mantras (1990). It made the UK Singles Chart in two versions; the "Land of Oz Mix"[1] peaked at number 80 in 1990 and the "La La Gone Gaga Mix"[3] peaked at number 35 in 1991.[4] The 1990 version also peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, and the 1991 version peaked within the Top 20 in the Netherlands and the Top 30 in Austria and Belgium. Mixmag ranked it number 100 in its "100 Greatest Dance Singles Of All Time" list in 1996.[5]

"Generations of Love"
Single by Jesus Loves You featuring MC Kinky[1]
from the album The Martyr Mantras[2]
Released	1990[1]/1991[3]
Recorded	1990
Genre	Dance-pop Balearic beat
Length	4:00 (la la gone gaga mix) 7:13 (oakenfold mix)
Label	More Protein
Songwriter(s)	Angela Dust Caron Geary Simon Rogers[1]
Producer(s)	Simon Rogers Bruce Forest Paul Oakenfold[1]
Jesus Loves You featuring MC Kinky[1] singles chronology
"After the Love" (1989) "Generations of Love" (1990) "Bow Down Mister" (1991)
Music video
"Generations of Love" on YouTube

In 2016, a new version was released by Phunk Investigation with Boy George's vocals, and remixed by Cristian Poow and Tom Novy.[6]

Critical reception

"Generations of Love" received favorable reviews from most music critics. Bill Coleman from Billboard wrote that "if the vocals sound familiar, they should—since track is actually the latest from former pop darling Boy George. Brilliantly conceived deep house jam has already set U.K. dancefloors on fire. Similar results can be expected here."[7] Jim Farber from Entertainment Weekly noted that "simultaneously fey and determined, he conveys a tender reassurance and an emphatic strength. Just as emotionally nuanced are the synthesized bass lines that dominate the record." He added that "they create a hypnotic groove, reminiscent of the extended soul tracks pioneered by Isaac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield in the early ’70s."[8] Irish newspaper Evening Herald stated that George is "in splendid voice".[9]

Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report wrote that "addressing human injustice with a message of hope and love, Boy George rejuvenates his career thanks to a beautiful melody and a superb singing performance."[10] A reviewer from Pakistan's The Herald said that "good old Boy George is back with a new posse and (thankfully) minus the gender-bender hype. Tuneful, energetic with lots going on in the background and up front."[11] Electronic dance and clubbing magazine Mixmag noted that "the gently rolling flamenco guitars and warm Mediterranean vocals saw dance floors turn to slush in its wake." David Giles from Music Week said the 1990-version is "reflecting the gentler "vibes" on the dancefloor at present and hinting at the impending reggae influence this summer."[12] Another editor, James Hamilton described the 1991 remix as a "flamenco/ragga rap" fusion.[13] Upon the release of the 1996 remix, Brad Beatnik rated it four out of five, adding, "Nice, very nice."[14] Caroline Sullivan from Smash Hits declared it as a "glossy, understated dance tune".[15]

Music video

The music video for "Generations of Love" was directed by British music video and film director Baillie Walsh.[16]

An uncensored 7-minute short movie named "Generations of Love" was also made by the band. It features Boy George, Talullah and Leigh Bowery.[17] The film was shot in and around Soho, London, and was produced to promote the single. The short film gives an intriguing snapshot into London’s Soho nightlife during 1990 (still hungover from the late-1980s) by way of capturing the bustling local outdoor streets, and the inside of long-gone amusement arcades and porn cinemas. Talullah, in a wig, plays the role of a straight office-type punter, looking for a quick trick, who ends up pulling a transvestite hooker. They visit a Soho dark porn cinema, where business is dealt. Boy George appears in the film briefly in drag and as himself. The movie has a classic early Andy Warholesque feel to it.

Track listing

• CD single

1. "Generations of Love" (La La Gone Gaga Mix) 3:59
2. "Generations of Love" (Totally Outed Mix) 7:04
3. "Generations of Love" (Late Nite Mix) 4:38

Charts

References