Madness's version was originally issued as a standalone single in late-1981, reaching number 4 on the UK singles chart, and appeared on their UK number one compilation album
Complete Madness the following year, and on many other Madness compilations since. In 1983, it peaked in the US
Billboard chart at number 33. In 2009, Madness's cover version was featured in an advertisement for
LoveFilm. In 2012, it was featured in a US advertisement for
Volkswagen Passat. In 2012, Madness performed the song with
Olly Murs at
V Festival.
Music video The video mostly shows band members playing in a white room and standing over a grave. It also features guitarist
Chris Foreman and saxophonist
Lee Thompson playing their instruments underwater. A
killer whale is also seen. Foreman appears at the start of the video warning viewers not to attempt the "very dangerous stunt" they are about to see. Labi Siffre makes a cameo appearance as a violin player. Madness's recording was reissued in 1992, and this time reached number 6 in the UK chart. A slightly remixed version with a definite ending instead of the original fade-out, appeared on the 2002 compilation
Our House: the Original Songs. In 2007, a remixed version of the Madness cover appeared in the
German Edgar Wallace spoof movie '''', along with a new recording called "
NW5". As well as the remix to the song, a new video was filmed, including three members of the band (
Suggs,
Chas Smash and
Dan Woodgate) along with members of the cast.
Madness version track listing 1981 original issue • "It Must Be Love" – 3:19 • "Shadow on the House" – 3:20
1981 Dutch issue • "It Must Be Love" • "Mrs. Hutchinson"
1992 reissue • "It Must Be Love" – 3:19 • "Bed and Breakfast Man" – 2:33 Two other UK issues of the Madness version appeared but did not chart. In 1987, "It Must Be Love" was released on the re-issue label Old Gold Records, backed with "
My Girl"; and, in 1988 Virgin, Madness released a 7" to coincide with the song's appearance in
The Tall Guy, backed with "
The Return of the Los Palmas 7".
1992 Virgin reissue • "It Must Be Love" – 3:19 • "Bed and Breakfast Man" – 2:33 • "Airplane" – 2:59 • "Don't Quote Me on That – 4:35
Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications ==References==