The Animals – Love Is (1968) | Full Album Guide, Tracklist, Credits & Trivia
Introduction
Love Is (1968) is a compilation-style album released in the US, featuring selections from Eric Burdon & The Animals’ late-60s work. While not a traditional studio album, it captures the band during their psychedelic period, highlighting both original tracks and covers with socially conscious and experimental themes.
This album is particularly interesting for collectors, as it differs from UK releases and showcases the band’s evolving sound during a period of creative exploration.
Album Overview
- Artist: Eric Burdon & The Animals
- Album: Love Is
- Release Year: 1968
- Genre: Psychedelic Rock / Pop Rock / Blues Rock
- Label: MGM Records (US)
- Producer: Tom Wilson
Tracklist (Original US Release)
- Year of the Guru
- White Houses
- We Love You Lil
- To Love Somebody
- St. James Infirmary
- New York 1963 – America 1968
- Anything
- Good Times
Album Credits
- Eric Burdon – Lead Vocals
- Vic Briggs – Guitar, Piano
- John Weider – Guitar, Violin, Bass
- Danny McCulloch – Bass
- Barry Jenkins – Drums
Producer: Tom Wilson
Label: MGM Records
Musical Style & Direction
Love Is is a reflective collection blending:
- Psychedelic textures with blues rock foundations
- Orchestral touches and experimental arrangements
- Covers of classics and reworked originals
The album demonstrates the band’s continued adaptation to the evolving music scene of 1968, while keeping Eric Burdon’s powerful vocals front and center.
Historical Context
Released in the US, Love Is was part of MGM Records’ strategy to introduce American audiences to the band’s recent material. The album overlaps with tracks from Every One of Us and other late-era releases, creating a US-specific compilation that differs from UK albums.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- Features a version of “To Love Somebody”, highlighting the band’s soulful side
- Includes socially conscious tracks like “New York 1963 – America 1968”
- Compiles songs from multiple sessions, reflecting the band’s transitional period
- Some tracks are considered rare in vinyl collector circles due to limited US pressing
Did You Know?
- This US release was never issued in the UK
- It serves as a snapshot of Eric Burdon & The Animals’ late-60s experimentation
- The album mixes blues, psychedelic rock, and pop influences
- Tracks like “Year of the Guru” showcase the band’s fascination with spiritual and cultural themes
Final Thoughts
Love Is (1968) is an intriguing US compilation that captures the essence of Eric Burdon & The Animals during a period of musical experimentation. While not a canonical studio album, it remains valuable for fans exploring the band’s psychedelic and socially conscious phase.
