1979 Timeless Classic Named a No. 1 Hit Made a Major Comeback 20 Years Later

Throughout his illustrious decades-long career, Alan Jackson has taken 35 songs to the top of the country charts. One of those tunes was a cover of a timeless classic called "It Must Be Love."

Released 26 years ago today, on April 24, 2000, Jackson made "It Must Be Love" his own. So much so that it would be easy to assume he was the first to cut it.

However, that is not the case.

A Don Williams Cover

20 years before he included the track on his Under the Influence album, in the summer of 1979, Don Williams released the song as the third single from his Expressions album. Williams' original offering was a commercial success. His version of the song reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in the fall of its release, giving him his ninth overall chart-topper.

Unlike Jackson's version, Williams' original take offers a breezy, almost beachy feel with lighter instruments and mellow vocals, while Jackson's cover offers a heavier sound and tighter production, features that fit for a large arena.

While Williams' "It Must Be Love" was already an undeniable hit, Jackson revived it, sending it back to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in September of the same year of his release. Jackson's take also made it into the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 37.

The Meaning of the Song

Written by Bob McDill, "It Must Be Love" plays out as a simple love song, with the singer expressing his range of emotions that have him suggesting he must be in love with the person of his dreams. The chorus of the track includes stunning harmonies and a repetitive "It must be love" hook that makes it easy to sing along to.

Jackson's "It Must Be Love" cover served as the third and final single on his Under the Influence album. According to American Songwriter, the collection found Jackson paying tribute to several of his heroes. "It Must Be Love" followed singles, "The Blues Man" - a Hank Williams Jr. cover - and the Nat Stuckey-penned "Pop a Top."

Related: 1995 Classic Named a No. 1 Hit Became a Timeless Romantic Ballad

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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 12:41 AM.