About the song :
Alan Jackson’s Joyful Revival: “It Must Be Love”
In the summer of 2000, Alan Jackson gave country music one of its most irresistible hits with his version of “It Must Be Love.” Originally written and recorded by Bob McDill and first made famous by Don Williams in 1979, the song had already proven its timeless appeal. But when Jackson reintroduced it more than two decades later on his album Under the Influence, he gave it new life — a fresh, upbeat interpretation that carried all the warmth and charm fans had come to expect from him.
Where Williams’ version leaned toward easygoing tenderness, Jackson’s take bursts with a sense of energy and celebration. Built on a classic country foundation of fiddles, steel guitar, and a steady rhythm, his arrangement lifts the song into a space that feels both traditional and modern. The production is clean and lively, making it a natural fit for radio at the turn of the millennium while still honoring the original’s simplicity.
Lyrically, “It Must Be Love” is about recognizing the unmistakable signs of being in love — the joy, the wonder, even the slight bewilderment at how everything feels brighter and better with someone special in your life. The words are straightforward, but that’s their strength. There’s no need for elaborate metaphor; the song captures the universal experience of falling in love with clarity and sincerity.
Jackson’s delivery is key to its success. His smooth baritone adds a touch of playfulness to the lyrics, suggesting not just amazement but gratitude for the feeling he’s describing. He doesn’t over-sing or dramatize; instead, he leans into the song’s natural buoyancy, allowing his voice to carry the happiness of someone who knows he’s found something rare and true.
The single quickly shot up the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in August 2000. It became one of Jackson’s many chart-toppers, further solidifying his reputation as both a skilled interpreter of classics and a master at making songs his own. For many fans, it also served as an introduction to Don Williams’ original, bridging two generations of country music.
Beyond the numbers, though, the song’s enduring charm lies in its spirit. “It Must Be Love” is a reminder that some emotions never change, no matter the decade or the arrangement. Falling in love feels just as surprising and miraculous today as it did when McDill first wrote the lyrics. And through Jackson’s performance, that timeless truth shines all the brighter.
Even years later, the song remains a staple at Jackson’s concerts, where fans sing along with wide smiles — proof that while country music has many shades, sometimes the purest joy comes from a simple, honest declaration: “It must be love.”